Josh Ross Artistfacts

May 27, 1996
Josh Ross is a Canadian singer-songwriter who blends contemporary country with rock influences and emotional, heart-on-his-sleeve songwriting.
Born in Waterdown, Ontario, Canada, Josh Ross grew up in Burlington, Ontario. Ross grew up in a musically influenced household. His father was a fan of classic rock, while his mother enjoyed artists like U2 and Bruce Springsteen. A family friend introduced him to Steve Earle's music when he was about 6 years old, sparking his early love for country music.
He traveled frequently to the United States as a child, visiting extended family in Los Angeles and Maine.
Ross spent much of his youth playing hockey, football and soccer, and riding motocross. He attended Western University on a football scholarship and played as a defensive back.
After sports injuries ended his football career, Ross began to explore music more seriously, singing and playing guitar with friends in college. His first public performances were at small venues and coffee shops; a breakthrough came when he took part in an Emerging Artists Festival in Ontario, which led to his first major stage appearance in front of thousands.
Encouraged by family, friends, and early supporters, Ross made several trips to Nashville before relocating there to pursue music full-time in 2019. During COVID, he learned guitar and piano, making up for lost time from starting music late.
His breakthrough came with the 2022 ballad "First Taste of Gone," which reached the Top 5 on the Canadian Country chart and entered the Canadian Hot 100. The song was initially released independently before Ross signed with Universal Music Canada, who took over promotion of the single. He later signed with UMG Nashville.
Ross made his Grand Ole Opry debut on July 26, 2023, performing "First Taste of Gone" and "Trouble" to a standing ovation.
Ross is an active thrill-seeker. In 2023 he bought a pit bike to perform wheelies around tour parking lots. "I'm definitely an adrenalin person," he told CBC. "I like doing crazier things - but in a good way."

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