Rye's mother, Tina was part of the 1960's pop vocal trio "The Crystalettes", best known for their hit-song "Shy Guy". They were one of the very first acts to be signed to A&M Records by the legendary Herb Alpert.
Won First Prize (Pop) out of more than 33,000 entries from over 50 countries in the 2000 USA Songwriting Competition. Winning song "Overground" was subsequently recorded by the legendary pop trio Three Dog Night and included on their 2004 release "Three Dog Night: 35th Anniversary Hits Collection" which features Grammy-Winning London Symphony Orchestra.