Tag: Maloney

The Voice alum Ryan Whyte Maloney has died. He was 44.

The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner in Las Vegas confirmed the death to PEOPLE on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Maloney died by suicide, with the cause of death listed by the coroner as a gunshot wound to the head.

On Monday, Jan. 27, the musician had posted a video to his Instagram Stories while at what appeared to be a bar.

“Nine fine Irishmen for a private party tonight, and we will be rocking,” he said in the clip, flexing a rock hand gesture.

Born in Traverse City, Mich in 1981, Maloney grew up playing the guitar, violin, cello, and drums. Eventually, he landed as the frontman of the prog-rock outfit Indulge and recorded the album Tomorrow’s Another Day in 2005. After 10 years of touring with the band, he began working on solo material.

Later, he recorded his debut solo album Where I’ve Been, which was produced by Sean O’Dwyer (The Black Crowes, Roger Waters, Pink Floyd).

Throughout 2010 to 2013, he performed throughout the country as his original songs “Hillbilly,” “Michigan Moonlight” and “Living with No Directions” were played on country radio in Michigan, Nevada, Colorado and California.

In 2014, Maloney appeared on The Voice, where he performed “Lights” by Journey in a blind audition and received a four-chair turn.

Maloney joined Blake Shelton‘s team where he endured two battle rounds and became one of the country star’s top five finalists.

While on The Voice, he recorded four hit singles including “Lights” by Journey, Tina Turner‘s “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Easy” by Rascal Flatts and “Second Chance” by Shinedown.

He eventually returned to perform during the season finale.

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Over the years, Maloney continued pursuing his music career as a songwriter for other artists and as a studio musician/engineer/producer. In January 2023, he released a single on country radio called “Don’t Put Me in a Box.” His next release was called “Love with Nowhere to Go.” He also released “Sleepwalk” and “Toast to Tonight.”

In 2024, Maloney regularly performed at the Las Vegas outpost of Shelton’s venue Ole Red, where he had an ongoing residency.

Throughout his career, Maloney shared stages with Tim McGraw, Morgan Wallen, Rascal Flatts, Shakira, Usher, Ed Sheeran and more.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.