Kory Wlos
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Born in Athabasca and raised in Boyle, Kory was introduced to music at an early age. When growing up, his family all played an instrument or listened to country music. He could remember his mother playing records of Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley and Loretta Lynn which were big influences in his life. Kory then joined the church choir and sang in it for a few years. He eventually joined the school band and learned to read music and develop a good ear. During his high school years Kory experimented with the guitar but was unsuccessful - just like every young Canadian boy, he had aspirations to become a professional hockey player. However, after playing for the Athabasca Winter Hawks and winning a Provincial Championship, Kory decided to go to college and get a degree.
While attending college Kory took a guitar lesson and began his voyage as a country singer. He joined a home town band called The Rainbow Riders and enjoyed it thoroughly, and after listening to singers/songwriters such as Conway Twitty, Garth Brooks and Paul Brandt, he thought he would try his luck at writing songs. On the loss of his father, Kory's passion for music increased and he wrote ballads and songs that related to his father. He eventually took over the band The Rainbow Riders, now calling it Kory Wlos and The Ryders. Kory has never looked back, playing at many festivals, bars and rodeos.