In my book, John Wesley Ryles is definitely one of those slightly forgotten stars, the kind whose light may not have always shone in the spotlight, but whose glow helped illuminate the entire path for those who followed.

Born in Bastrop, Louisiana, on December 2, 1950, Ryles was destined for music from the start. As a child, he sang gospel with the Ryles Family Singers, his voice already showing the warmth and sincerity that would one day captivate audiences far beyond his hometown.

”I came from humble beginnings, and when I was very young (age 6) we didn’t have electricity at hour