NEWS FOR CHRIS RITTER AND
THE RITTERS
2025: The Ritters form and release debut album, Chris Ritter releases 2nd album: Two Dollar Bill
On May 20, 2025, after father-daughter duo the Ritters formed earlier in the year officially, the Ritters released their self-titled debut single on Spotify, including two songs written by Chris Ritter: Wounded Crow and Move to Fort Worth.
Chris Ritter also released in June 2025 his second album, Two Dollar Bill, inspired in large part by his relationship with Laurie J. Besden, whose recovery speeches offered the idea for the song Two Story House, and whose romance with Ritter inspired the songs Chinese Food and Whiskey, Everything is Real, and Two Dollar Bill.
CHRIS RITTER'S DEBUT ALBUM, DUAL DIAGNOSIS, RELEASED, CALLED "PROFOUND"
June 5, 2024
Americana Highways reviewed Chris Ritter's debut album and said that "it is thoughtful, profound, and heartwarming." Ritter "showcases the emotional connection that [he] makes seem so effortless." Read the review here:
CLICK HERE to read Americana Highways Review of Dual Diagnosisv
May 12, 2024
Chris Ritter released his debut album, Dual Diagnosis, on May 12, 2024. This record is a collection of songs that paint a portrait of the mind of a person suffering from depression and addiction. Ritter’s songs are rooted in his own struggles with alcohol, depression, and grief.
In recovery and remission since 2010, Ritter lost his wife Rachelle to breast cancer in 2019. His hardships inspired this work that delves into the self-talk and despair that affects so many today.
With lyrics like “the only shot that I have left is stinging in my mouth” and “whiskey don’t cook cream gravy,” Ritter delivers gut punches that are meaningful and effective.
Ritter’s record is rooted in his philosophy that music is a therapy which helps people heal by releasing the darkness that accumulates in the "shadow self.”
“I hope that this record helps folks know that they are not alone in their struggles,” said Ritter.
There will be a record release event and show at the New World Deli in Austin, Texas on May 30, 2024.
Dual Diagnosis is out now on all major music platforms.
ALBUM CREDITS:
Chris Ritter: songwriting, production, editing, vocals, and rhythm guitar; bass on tracks 6 and 7
Maddie Ritter: organ; vocals and songwriting on track 8
Lloyd Maines: steel guitar and dobro; rhythm and lead guitar on tracks 1, 3, 4, and 5
Pat Manske at the Zone Recording Studio: mixing and mastering
Chris Haigh: fiddle
Andy Warner: rhythm guitar, lead guitar, and bass on tracks 3, 8, and 9, piano on track 8
Ian Hernan: mandolin
All contributions by Chris Ritter and Maddie Ritter were recorded by Chris Ritter at his home studio and by the