Flint, Michigan, has given the world legendary athletes—now meet one of its rising musical icons.  Joe Ryan III is a producer, songwriter, composer, engineer, and DJ whose creative reach spans television, film, and the global music scene. At just 30, he’s worked with FOX, ABC, NBC, MTV, VH1, ESPN, and BET, crafting scores for Lethal Weapon, The Voice, Teen Titans Go!, Ellen DeGeneres, Dancing with the Stars, and more. In this Radio Free Michigan interview, Arthur Busch revisits Joe’s ear...

The Mitten Channel

The Mitten Channel

Joe Ryan III: From Flint to Hollywood — The Sound of a New Generation

FEB 6, 202618 MIN
The Mitten Channel

Joe Ryan III: From Flint to Hollywood — The Sound of a New Generation

FEB 6, 202618 MIN

Description

Flint, Michigan, has given the world legendary athletes—now meet one of its rising musical icons. Joe Ryan III is a producer, songwriter, composer, engineer, and DJ whose creative reach spans television, film, and the global music scene. At just 30, he’s worked with FOX, ABC, NBC, MTV, VH1, ESPN, and BET, crafting scores for Lethal Weapon, The Voice, Teen Titans Go!, Ellen DeGeneres, Dancing with the Stars, and more.In this Radio Free Michigan interview, Arthur Busch revisits Joe’s early days in Flint and his viral song Flint, Michigan — recorded with his 90-year-old grandmother — to trace his path from local talent to Hollywood composer. Ryan reflects on evolving recording tech, creative independence, and what it means to represent Flint’s spirit in a global industry.-------Learn more about Joe Ryan III and his musical career at his website Joe Ryan IIIRead a profile article of  Joe Ryan III,  Telepix Composer Joe Ryan III: A Multi-Talented Music WizardRead an interview with Joe Ryan III, "Meet Joe Ryan III" by LA Voyage MagazineYouTube video of Joe Ryan III and his 90-year-old- grandmother, Odessa Houston as they perform the song "Flint, Michigan"--------- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/messageThe Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.  👉Subscribe to The Mitten Channel Join us for the full experience. Subscribe to The Mitten Channel on Substack to receive our latest narrative essays, audio stories, and deep-dive reporting directly in your inbox. Explore Our Series: Radio Free Flint: Narrative storytelling and community perspectives on industrial resilience. The Mitten Works: Essential history and analysis of labor and economic policy. Flint Justice: Critical insights into the legal and institutional challenges facing our state. Visit our Mitten Channel website for our complete library of podcasts, videos, and articles. The Mitten Channel is a production of Radio Free Flint Media, LLC. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.