Former The VoiceÂfinalist 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 Maloneyâs death yesterday (January 28). Maloney died by sui..cide.
Many came to know Maloney after his standout run on The Voice. His Blind Audition performance of âLightsâ by Journey garnered a four-chair turn and he chose to join Blake Sheltonâs team. His powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence made him one of Sheltonâs top five finalists. However, his career did not start on the singing competition show nor did it end there.
A Look at Ryan Whyte Maloneyâs 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 Tomorrowâs Another DayÂin 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 Iâve BeenÂin 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 âI Canât Wait Till Iâm 21!â After his stint on The Voice, he released a cover of Skid Rowâs âI Remember You.â
Maloneyâs 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 Churchâs âSpringsteen.â Additionally, his original songs âHillbilly,â âMichigan Moonlight,â and âLiving with No Directionsâ found radio play on country stations across the western United States and in his home state of Michigan. Maloney released his final single âI Already Didâ last October. He co-wrote the love song with Josh Dicker.