Deb Ryder and the Swanson Family Pay Tribute to The Corral
This year’s event features the multi award winning singer/songwriter/recording artist, Deb Ryder, accompanied by her husband, Ric W. Ryder, The Swanson brothers and Canyon musicians Jon Shea, DanaWood and Tom Mitchell.
Save the Date June 28, 2026 — Noon to 3:00 PM at Old Canyon Ranch for this hour long set of all the great rock and blues music from the artists that played at The Corral 1969 – 1973
Become a THS Member to attend this private event. Tickets are $20 at www.topangahistoricalsociety.org
Address and parking instructions will be provided upon purchase of tickets.
Background for Deb Ryder
In true Topanga style, Deb Ryder has a big heart, a soft touch and a soulful blues voice. She can talk about the history of life, sing you a song, tell you a story or just outright entertain you with talking about everything and nothing, all at the same time.
Born in Peoria, Deb and her family moved to Chicago when she was an infant. Her father Allan Swanson, a well-known crooner at many of Chicago’s famous music venues, made music a priority in his daughter’s early years. The arrival of the electric blues in Chicago in the mid to late 50s made a lasting impression on Deb, creating a foundation for her future as a blues artist.
In 1965, Deb’s mother, Mary Swanson, moved her family of five children, Deb, Bruce, Kurt, Brad and Allan to Topanga Canyon. This was a time of great artistic experimentation and musical growth in rock and blues, and the onset of the hippie movement. Growing up in Topanga was a new and wonderful experience for the family who were readily accepted with open arms.
Ryder has a fascinating musical history that includes growing up associating with and opening for such music greats as Etta James, Big Joe Turner, Taj Mahal, Canned Heat, Neil Young and many others associated with her family’s famous rock and blues club, the Topanga Corral. She and her brothers spent many nights at the stage listening and learning. Many of these artists mentored and encouraged Deb while keeping her on the path of becoming an entertainer. It was there that Deb was first introduced to her future husband and songwriting partner Ric W. Ryder who was the bassist for the Corral house band Caprus.
Before releasing albums, Ryder performed in numerous national TV commercials, movies, and Las Vegas musicals. She also had a very successful run as a session artist in L.A. Her first album, Might Just Get Lucky (recorded by Ryder and her husband, bassist Rick Ryder) was released in 2013. This kicked off her solo career in the blues. The album was played weekly by Gary “The Wagman” Wagner on KJAZZ 88.1 FM, “Nothin But The Blues,” and by Sheldon Abbott, KUCI 88.9 FM, “Cure for the Blues.” Deb credits this airtime for the initial and immediate success of this record.
Deb and husband bassist and Executive Producer Ric W. Ryder then teamed up with drummer/producer Tony Braunagel and members of The Phantom Blues Band, releasing five critically acclaimed chart topping, award winning and nominated albums: Let it Rain (2015), Grit Grease & Tears (2016), Enjoy The Ride (2018), Memphis Moonlight (2021) She then recorded Live And Havin’ Fun with husband/producer Ric W. Ryder, recorded and released in (2024).
Deb Ryder is currently working on her 7th album with the VizzTone Label Group, slated to be released later this year.
Article by Karen L. Moran
