Former The Voice finalist and singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Ryan Whyte Maloney died at the age of 44 earlier this week. The powerhouse singer competed in season 6 of the popular singing competition in 2014.
According to People, the Clark County Coroner in Las Vegas, Nevada confirmed Maloney’s death yesterday (January 28). Maloney died by suicide.
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Many came to know Maloney after his standout run on The Voice. His Blind Audition performance of “Lights” by Journey garnered a four-chair turn and he chose to join Blake Shelton’s team. His powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence made him one of Shelton’s top five finalists. However, his career did not start on the singing competition show nor did it end there.
A Look at Ryan Whyte Maloney’s Musical Career
Ryan Whyte Maloney grew up in Traverse City, Michigan, and learned to play several instruments. As a child, he learned to play cello, violin, guitar, and drums. He continued to hone his musical craft over the years which led him to record several singles and a pair of albums and compete on The Voice.
Maloney fronted the prog-rock band Indulge. The band recorded the album Tomorrow’s Another Day in 2005. Those who are curious can stream the album on Spotify today. Additionally, he had a lengthy solo career.
The Ryan Whyte Maloney Band released Where I’ve Been in September 2010. Unfortunately, the 10-track collection is no longer available to stream. Three years later, Maloney would release his first single as a solo artist titled “I Can’t Wait Till I’m 21!” After his stint on The Voice, he released a cover of Skid Row’s “I Remember You.”
Maloney’s solo career seemed to ramp up in 2017. He began releasing classic rock covers and original songs. More recently, he shifted gears and leaned into modern country music. Notably, he recorded a cover of Eric Church’s “Springsteen.” Additionally, his original songs “Hillbilly,” “Michigan Moonlight,” and “Living with No Directions” found radio play on country stations across the western United States and in his home state of Michigan. Maloney released his final single “I Already Did” last October. He co-wrote the love song with Josh Dicker.
If you or someone you know is in crisis you can dial 988 or visit the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website. You are not alone.
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