Music has always been at the center of Brandon Ratcliff’s life. Born into The Cox Family, a celebrated Bluegrass band, Ratcliff grew up on stages, tour buses, and in writing rooms across America.
Hailing from the quaint town of Cotton Valley, Louisiana, with a population of just 962, Ratcliff experienced the profound impact of small-town narratives. Growing up as the son of Suzanne Cox, a prominent member of the acclaimed family band, he witnessed the transformative power of their storytelling, which garnered Grammy Awards and captivated audiences worldwide. Inspired by the indelible influence of his family’s musical legacy, Brandon embarked on his own artistic journey to bring his unique voice and personal stories to the forefront of the music industry.
Rising to Success and Embracing New Sounds
In 2018, Ratcliff signed with Monument Records, and the following year, he burst onto the scene with his debut single, “Rules Of Breaking Up.” The song accumulated over 50 million streams and propelled Ratcliff into the spotlight. Sharing stages with Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young, as well as opening for Keith Urban, Ratcliff quickly garnered attention. His achievements earned him a spot on the Spotify Viral Chart, Pandora’s Ones to Watch artist lineup, and even topped Rolling Stone’s all-genre Breakthrough Artists chart.
Reflecting on Moments at the Grand Ole Opry and Future Projects
As the unforeseen challenges of 2020 brought the world to a standstill, Brandon Ratcliff’s flourishing career came to an abrupt halt. Confronted with this unexpected turn of events, he found himself standing at a pivotal crossroads, both in his musical journey and his personal life. Seeking solace and inspiration, he returned to the very hometown he had once eagerly left behind. Immersed in the familiar surroundings, Brandon embarked on a writing frenzy, unearthing untold stories that had remained dormant within him. After two years of introspection and artistic exploration, he emerged with a brand-new sound.
One of the pivotal moments in Ratcliff’s journey occurred when he performed at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. Stepping onto that iconic stage, he realized the weight and significance of the moment. His mother, with whom he shared the stage that night, played a significant role in shaping his appreciation for the arts and music. His wife and 5-month-old daughter made an appearance as well, garnering laughs from the crowd when his daughter was held up in a “Simba” pose.
The Opry stage represented a full-circle moment for Ratcliff, where he could share that extraordinary experience with his own family. Talking about his mother, he said, “Because of her in a large way, I’m probably doing what I’m doing because of [The Cox Family] and they kind of gave me an appreciation for the arts and music in general.”
Ratcliff is currently focused on his latest album, “Tale of Two Towns.” The first volume has already been released, captivating listeners with its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies. Ratcliff is now working on the highly anticipated second volume, which will complete the musical journey he embarked upon. This continuation of the album will further explore the themes of home, identity, and personal growth that Ratcliff has masterfully woven throughout his music.
During the interview, we delved into the fascinating concept of duality. In a light-hearted moment, I playfully proposed drawing inspiration from Charles Dickens’ timeless masterpiece, A Tale of Two Cities, as the album’s title cleverly echoed the book’s name. The conversation took an intriguing turn as we explored the potential synergy between literature and music. I am personally excited to see what emerges in the upcoming album and witness the musical journey that lies ahead.
Connect with Brandon Ratcliff
For more information on Brandon Ratcliff, visit https://brandonratcliff.com/.
