Bob Harris Country - Ryan Bingham in session

Tonight's programme features a session from Oscar-winning songwriter Ryan Bingham, who was recently named Artist of the Year at the 2010 Americana Music Awards. 2010 has already been a life changing year for the 29 year old ex-rodeo rider. 'The Weary Kind', which he co-wrote with producer T. Bone Burnett has picked up several major awards this year including a Golden Globe, an Oscar for best original song, and an Americana music award for Song of the Year. The song featured on the soundtrack of the 2009 film 'Crazy Heart', which won Jeff Bridges an Oscar for his portrayal of washed-up country star Bad Blake. In tonight's session Ryan tells Bob how he became involved in writing for 'Crazy Heart' and his subsequent appearance in the film, alongside his band 'The Dead Horses'. Aside from his involvement with 'Crazy Heart' Ryan has just released his third album 'Junky Star' which follows up 2009's 'Roadhouse Sun'. Originally from a ranching family he spent his early life traveling between small towns on the Texan / Mexican border with his parents and, when only a teenager, set out on his own to become a rodeo rider - " driving all night to ride a bull who'll knock your teeth out on every jump, then sleeping in the back of your truck in a dusty arena". It was during this time that he started playing guitar, learning mariachi music from a neighbour in the Mexican border town where he lived. He took his guitar on the road with him as he traveled between rodeos, honing his songwriting and performance in local bars. In 2005 he self-released his first CD Wishbone Saloon which earned him attention from fellow Texan songwriters Joe Ely and Terry Allen. In 2007 he was signed to the Lost Highway label releasing his acclaimed major label debut 'Mescalito'.