History:

Dennis Ryder was a singer-songwriter from California. Ryder’s recordings were exclusively in the gospel space except for his first. Ryder was initially involved with a psychedelic rock group called The Blessings. They released one single in the late 60’s in Hollywood on Arrow Records. Ryder wrote both tracks and I believe he sings backing vocals on “It’s Your Day”.

Ryder then shifted his musical output to strictly christian music. He recorded his first album “Let Me Take You To The Kingdom” in 1973. Ryder recorded the album at Two Dot Studio backed by a christian rock band called The Red Sea. The Red Sea consisted of bass guitarist Brad Miller, drummer Allen Dunn, and guitarist Jim Vierra. Miller and Dunn played on most of the album while Vierra only played on one track. 

Ryder composed and wrote all of the songs on the album. He also sang most of the vocals and played acoustic, classical, and electric lead guitars. He also contributed piano on “The Builder”. His wife Suzi played recorder on a track or two as well as organists Charlie Austin and Burns Taft playing on a few cuts. 

The album reflected the sounds of the time in California, which included a lush psychedelic production, ambient acoustic pieces, and heavy guitar driven rockers. The album was initially released in 1973 on Hosanna Music and released again in 1976 featuring an alternate cover.  

Ryder went on to record and produce music at Hosanna Music for several years. In 1974, Ryder contributed to a compilation titled “Scripture Songs”. He also wrote the liner notes and helped compile it. Four of his own tunes were performed on the album. He also played 6 and 12 string acoustic guitars on other songs on the album and may have also played organ. Allen Dunn also played drums on this comp like he did on Ryder’s solo album. 

In 1975, Ryder returned to Two Dot Studio to assist in the recording of “The Jesus Loves You Concert” album for Hosanna Music. Most of the musicians from the previously mentioned compilation appear on this album among others. Ryder not only produced the album, but he played guitar, keyboards, and most likely assisted in the arranging and engineering. 

By 1976, Dennis Ryder had his own band, The Dennis Ryder Group. While fronting this band, he produced Dick Williams’ album “For Your Good Pleasure”. Both musicians worked at the Hosanna Music label together. Ryder did not play on the album but helped arrange one song. The Dennis Ryder Group appeared on a compilation titled “Jesus Folk One” the same year. They performed only one track titled “Beloved”. It was his only appearance outside the Hosanna Music label. 

After this recording, it appears as though Ryder’s music career ceased. Ryder had been building surfboards for a time and decided to make it his full time career. He still runs the business to this day in California. His first album has garnered a very positive reputation within the psychedelic rock community recently. It was featured in the books The Acid Archives and The Archivist.