As a musician, I’m often asked about the artists who’ve shaped my sound. It’s a question I love answering because these influences aren’t just names on a playlist—they’re the foundation of everything I create. Each of these artists taught me something different about music, storytelling, and connecting with an audience. Let me take you through the musical journey that led to the sound of Landon Ross Music.
Early Elvis: The King’s Raw Power
When I first discovered early Elvis Presley—not the Vegas years, but the raw, rebellious Sun Records era—it was like lightning struck. This wasn’t the polished performer most people know; this was a young man from Mississippi channeling pure emotion through his voice and guitar.
Elvis in the 1950s had this incredible ability to blend country, blues, and gospel into something entirely new. His vocal delivery was fearless, shifting from tender whispers to powerful wails within a single song. That dynamic range and emotional honesty became cornerstones of my own approach to singing.
In my music, you’ll hear that Elvis influence in how I’m not afraid to let my voice crack with emotion or how I build intensity throughout a song. When I perform “Heartbreak Hotel” or channel that early Elvis energy in my originals, I’m tapping into that same raw, unfiltered expression that made the King so revolutionary.
Blackberry Smoke: Southern Rock Authenticity
Blackberry Smoke showed me that southern rock wasn’t stuck in the 1970s—it could evolve while staying true to its roots. These Georgia natives craft songs that feel both timeless and contemporary, with guitar work that pays homage to the greats while carving out their own territory.
What draws me to Blackberry Smoke is their storytelling. Charlie Starr writes lyrics that paint vivid pictures of Southern life without falling into clichés. Their songs feel lived-in, authentic, and relatable. They taught me that you can honor tradition while pushing boundaries.
This influence shows up in my songwriting approach. Like Blackberry Smoke, I try to write about real experiences—whether it’s my time in LA, growing up in Ohio, or those moments in nature that shape us. The guitar tones and harmonies you hear in my music definitely carry some of that Blackberry Smoke DNA.
Chris Stapleton: The Soul of Country
Chris Stapleton is a master class in vocal control and songwriting depth. Before his solo career took off, he was already a Nashville legend as a songwriter, penning hits for everyone from Adele to George Strait. When he stepped into the spotlight, he brought a soulful intensity that country music had been missing.
Stapleton’s influence on my music runs deep. His ability to convey pain, joy, love, and loss through his voice is something I study and try to incorporate into my own performances. He’s shown me that genre boundaries are meant to be crossed—country can be soulful, rock can be tender, and blues can be hopeful.
You’ll hear Stapleton’s influence in my ballads, where I let my voice carry the emotional weight of the song. His approach to guitar playing—those soulful bends and tasteful fills—has definitely shaped how I approach my instrument.
The Dip: Modern Soul Revival
The Dip brought me into the world of modern soul and funk, proving that these genres are very much alive and evolving. This Seattle-based band creates music that feels both vintage and fresh, with tight arrangements and incredible musicianship.
What I love about The Dip is their attention to groove and their ability to make you move while telling compelling stories. They’ve taught me that soul music isn’t just about the past—it’s about capturing that timeless feeling of human connection through rhythm and melody.
This influence shows up in my more upbeat tracks, where I incorporate elements of funk and soul. The pocket, the groove, the way instruments lock together—that’s all Dip-inspired. They’ve helped me understand that southern rock doesn’t have to be all power chords and heavy drums; sometimes it’s about the subtle interplay between instruments.
Doobie Brothers: Harmonic Mastery
The Doobie Brothers showed me the power of harmony and how multiple voices can create something greater than the sum of its parts. Their ability to seamlessly blend rock, R&B, and country influences created a template for the kind of genre-crossing music I love to make.
Songs like “Black Water” and “Listen to the Music” demonstrate how you can be musically sophisticated while remaining accessible. The Doobies never sacrificed catchiness for complexity or vice versa—they found that sweet spot that I’m always aiming for in my own music.
Their influence appears in my vocal arrangements and how I think about song structure. When I’m layering harmonies or deciding how to arrange a song, I often think about that Doobie Brothers approach of making every element serve the song while showcasing individual musical talents.
How It All Comes Together
These five influences might seem disparate on the surface, but they all share common threads that run through my music: authenticity, emotional honesty, musical craftsmanship, and the ability to connect with people through song.
From Early Elvis, I learned to be fearless with my voice. From Blackberry Smoke, I learned to honor tradition while staying relevant. From Chris Stapleton, I learned that soul transcends genre. From The Dip, I learned that groove is everything. From the Doobie Brothers, I learned that harmony can elevate any song.
When you hear Landon Ross Music, you’re hearing all of these influences filtered through my own experiences—growing up in Ohio, chasing dreams in LA, finding peace in nature, and always coming back to the truth that music is about connection.
That’s the beauty of musical influence—it’s not about copying what came before, but about taking the best elements from your heroes and using them to tell your own story. These artists didn’t just shape my sound; they taught me how to be authentic in a world that often rewards conformity.
The journey continues, and I’m always discovering new influences and ways to grow as an artist. But these five will always be the foundation, the musical DNA that runs through everything I create.
What artists have influenced your musical journey? I’d love to hear about the sounds that shaped you. Drop me a line on social media or at one of my upcoming shows—let’s talk music.
By, Landon Ross