Tyson Jay Ritter (born April 24, 1984) is the lead singer and bassist of the All-American Rejects. He has a high unique singing voice and style, in the way that he will often switch from his stronger head voice into his gentle falsetto during ascending melodies. He currently resides in Destin, Florida, close to his fellow bandmate.
Background
While growing up in Stillwater, Oklahoma, both All-American Rejects vocalist/bassist Tyson Ritter and guitarist/programmer Nick Wheeler played guitar in junior high bands, turning to music to escape the small-town doldrums. Yet, the two budding musicians didn't cross paths until Nick and his band performed at a party one night, where Tyson was working the door. He has said that there were only about 30 kids there and he was getting bored, so he impulsively joined them onstage as their bassist. Determined to stay in Nick's band, Tyson immediately purchased a bass guitar and learned to play the simple melodies needed for this musical style within only weeks. Many high school friends of either Wheeler or Ritter note that Nick apparently spent much time and effort with Tyson teaching him how to sing well enough to be the lead singer of Nick's ideal band he was trying to form.
Tyson was overweight for a brief period as a teenager. He worked hard to come down from his 215lb weight by trying running five miles every day.
Wheeler, a fan of Def Leppard and '80s glam-rock , with the AC/DC-inspired Ritter built a songwriting friendship throughout high school. As the rest of the group disintegrated, they remained together and played gigs around Stillwater as a duo, backing themselves with programmed drum loops on Wheeler's keyboard. The pair recorded several demos after the band became official with the addition of Mike Kennerty (guitar) and Chris Gaylor (drums).
Trivia
His favorite cereal is Vanilla Frosted Mini Wheats.
He is known for always wearing his black beat-up converse.
On stage he is known for dancing crazily during Nick Wheeler's solos.
His parents are divorced.
Wherever Tyson goes, he brings a picture of his dad and sister, Bailey
He plays a blue Gibson Thunderbird Studio in the music video for "Dirty Little Secret".
He can't drive with the radio on. It keeps him from thinking of lyrics.
According to the Walton County Property Appraiser, Tyson Ritter has a home in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. His address is found on the site.