Ryan Adams (born
David Ryan Adams; November 5, 1974) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, producer, poet and painter. He is best known for his prolific solo career, and as a former member of
alternative country band
Whiskeytown, with whom he recorded three studio albums. In 2000, Adams left
Whiskeytown and released his first solo album,
Heartbreaker, to critical acclaim. The album was nominated for the
Shortlist Music Prize. In 2001, Adams released the UK certified-gold
Gold, which included the hit single, "
New York, New York".