Photos by: Damian Ruiz
Ryan Bingham had people doubting him early on in his career, that gravelly voice and road-worn lyrics seemed a little too big for a 26 year old. But the guy was the real deal. Before the music took off for him, he was out riding bulls, crashing on couches, and busking for gas money. That authenticity earned him the respect of Texas icons like Terry Allen and Joe Ely.
Since then, he’s won an Oscar and a Grammy for Crazy Heart, but fame hasn’t changed him much. He rolled back into his hometown of Houston with the Texas Gentlemen for his All Night Tour last night. The band brought the heat where sax player Jeff Dazey and wildman fiddler Richard Bowden were standouts.
Bingham was loose, joking about playing all night and plugging his whiskey brand, Bingham’s Bourbon. The crowd was a mix of longtime fans and Yellowstone watchers where he plays Walker on the show and performed several songs featured in it. He also brought out Texas artist Vincent Neil Emerson for a duet, “Letters on the Marquee.”
Later in the night, Bingham dropped a new track called “Americana,” filled with clever references to Marlboro Lights and weed gummies. It’s not exactly radio-friendly, ending with “we don’t give two fucks,” but that’s the vibe and I am all here for it. He closed his first set with a long, bluesy “Bluebird.”
Watching Bingham’s journey unfold has been a ride as he’s clearly got the talent, knows how to carry himself, and doesn’t seem caught up in chasing fame. After following his career for years, there’s a lot of curiosity about where he’ll go next.
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