Josh Ross

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."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Psychedelic Lyrics

Psychedelic LyricsMusic Quiz

Whoa man! Do you know which band came up with these cosmic lyrics?

Brenda Russell

Brenda RussellSongwriter Interviews

Brenda talks about the inspiration that drove her to write hit songs like "Get Here" and "Piano in the Dark," and why a lack of formal music training can be a songwriter's best asset.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song Titles

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song TitlesMusic Quiz

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have some rather unusual song titles - see if you can spot the real ones.

George Clinton

George ClintonSongwriter Interviews

When you free your mind, your ass may follow, but you have to make sure someone else doesn't program it while it's wide open.