In this heartfelt reflection, Ryan Ross shares a nostalgic moment from his childhood, recalling car trips with his father driven by a 1980 burgundy Dodge Ram. During these journeys, they listened to mix tapes featuring popular country music artists such as Garth Brooks, Clint Black, and Willie Nelson. This experience marked the beginning of Ross's connection with music, as he memorized the lyrics of songs from those tapes.
The quote goes beyond a simple reminiscence about past car rides; it speaks to the formative power of shared experiences between parents and children. The mix tapes and trips in the Dodge Ram represent more than just music and transportation—they symbolize a bond formed through common interests and cherished moments spent together. By learning the words to these songs, Ross not only gained an appreciation for country music but also internalized the emotional and cultural significance of his father's tastes and preferences, which likely shaped his own identity.
Ryan Ross is a founding member of the band Panic! at the Disco, known for blending various musical genres into their unique style. Beyond music, he has expressed numerous personal anecdotes that highlight the influence of family and early life experiences on his artistry. This quote underscores one such influential memory from his youth, illustrating how early exposure to music can create lasting connections between generations and between individuals and their creative pursuits.
