Ryan Bingham Signs With WME (EXCLUSIVE)

Ryan Bingham, the celebrated singer-songwriter and actor recognized for his portrayal of Walker on Paramount's "Yellowstone," has signed with WME for global representation of his music career, the agency confirmed on Thursday. The multi-talented artist, who plays the ex-convict and musician on the hit series, will maintain his representation with Jack Whigham at Range Media Partners for film and television projects. Over a career spanning nearly 25 years, Bingham has shown remarkable flexibility, transitioning from independent roots to widespread mainstream recognition. "Yellowstone," which launched in 2018 and has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, is credited with revitalizing interest in Western-themed entertainment and music, attracting over 10 million viewers per episode at its height. The show's creator, Taylor Sheridan, a former actor turned writer-director, has become a key figure in modern Western storytelling, with "Yellowstone" spawning multiple spin-offs like "1883" and "1923."

Bingham's musical journey started with his 2002 independent debut "Wishbone Saloon," followed by the major-label album "Mescalito" in 2007. However, it was his 2010 contributions to the film "Crazy Heart" that brought him national prominence. He co-wrote and performed two tracks for the soundtrack, including "The Weary Kind," which won him an Academy Award, a Grammy, a Golden Globe, and a Critics' Choice Award. That same year, the Americana Music Association named him Artist of the Year, solidifying his standing in the genre. The film, featuring Jeff Bridges, who took home an Oscar for Best Actor, is often credited with sparking an Americana music revival during that era. Music industry analyst Sarah Jenkins notes, "Bingham's ability to blend raw storytelling with cinematic emotion turned 'The Weary Kind' into an anthem that resonated far beyond the country music world." The song's success also underscored the growing intersection between independent cinema and Americana, a trend that has continued to influence the industry and paved the way for artists like Brandi Carlile and Jason Isbell to gain wider acclaim.

Bingham's visibility received a significant boost through his recurring role on "Yellowstone," the Taylor Sheridan-created drama that has become a cultural touchstone, drawing millions of viewers weekly. His original music, such as the track "Wolves" from the 2019 album "American Love Song," has been heavily featured on the show, merging his acting and musical identities. In May 2024, Bingham released "They Call Us the Lucky Ones," his first full-length album with backing band the Texas Gentlemen, followed by the headlining Still Gettin' Away With It Tour '26, which continued through June. The Texas Gentlemen, a collective of seasoned session musicians known for working with artists like Leon Bridges and Paul Cauthen, have brought a fresh blend of rock, country, and soul to Bingham's sound. His ability to weave together such varied influences has been a hallmark of his career, drawing comparisons to iconic storytellers like Tom Petty and Kris Kristofferson, both of whom also blurred genre lines in their work.

After a series of festival performances this summer, Bingham is scheduled to support Zach Bryan on stadium dates in San Diego, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Glendale, Arizona, starting in late July. This continues a partnership that began last September when Bingham backed Bryan at a historic concert at Michigan Stadium, which drew 112,408 attendees—the largest ticketed concert audience ever recorded in the United States. That event, part of Bryan's rapid ascent as a folk-country artist, highlighted Bingham's ability to connect with massive audiences. With these upcoming shows and his new representation, Bingham appears well-positioned to broaden his reach, seamlessly bridging his roles as a seasoned musician and television star in a dynamic entertainment landscape. The collaboration with Bryan also reflects a broader trend of established artists mentoring younger acts, fostering a sense of community within the Americana and country music scenes, a dynamic that has been key to the genre's recent growth.