Riyen Roots is an American blues, roots and soul musician from the music rich mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. With his unique style and captivating original songs and covers from some of the best in blues, southern soul and rock history, he is one of the busiest acts in the in the south east. Having toured Europe and their shows in New Orleans the first week of JazzFest annually are playing 150-200 shows a year at clubs and festivals. He has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the blues business over the years including Bobby Rush, Eric Gales, Cedric Burnside, John Dee Holeman, (Mentors Mac Arnold and Bob Margolin many times), Maria Muldaur, Guitar Shorty, Randall Bramblett, Janiva Magness, Mark Hummel and many more. His last album featured longtime Doc Watson duo partner David Holt (Founder of MerleFest and four time Grammy winner, Tony Black from Marshall Tucker Band and Muddy Waters Band’s Bob Margolin. His band has even opened for Billy Bob Thornton’s band The Boxmasters twice at Salvage Station Asheville and opening again on their 2025 Tour. “Always a great time when Roots and Dore Band are playing. The only band I want opening for me in the Carolinas.” – Billy Bob
