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Paul Ryan

1948 – 1992

British singer

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About Paul Ryan

Lived 1948 – 1992 (aged 44). Paul Ryan was a British songwriter, singer, record producer, composer, pop singer and musician.

Paul Ryan (born Paul Sapherson; 24 October 1948 – 29 November 1992) was an English singer, songwriter and record producer.

Biography

Early life Born in Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, Paul and his twin brother Barry were the sons of singer Marion Ryan.

Career Ryan's success came as a singing duo, with his twin brother Barry Ryan during the 1960s, known simply as "Paul & Barry Ryan". However, the stress of public attention caused Paul to retreat into the background, while Barry went solo.

Later career Paul Ryan wrote Barry's 1968 hit "Eloise", the 1971 hit "Who Put the Lights Out?" for Dana and another of his songs, "I Will Drink the Wine", was a top-20 hit on the UK Singles Chart for Frank Sinatra.

In the 1970s Ryan relocated to the United States, and in 1976 released an album, Scorpio Rising, but later left the music industry. After returning to the UK in 1985, he earned his living from operating a chain of hairdressing salons. The gothic punk band the Damned reached number 3 in the UK Singles Chart in 1986 with their cover version of "Eloise".

Death Ryan died of lung cancer in 1992 in London at the age of 44.

Songwriting credits "Eloise" – Barry Ryan "Love Is Love" – Barry Ryan "Who Put the Lights Out?" – Dana "I Will Drink the Wine" – Frank Sinatra, Joe Longthorne "The Colour of My Love" - Dalida, Jefferson, Barry Ryan "Love's Only Love" – Engelbert Humperdinck "Sunrise in the Morning" – Frank Sinatra

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Important facts

People in Paul Ryan's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Paul Ryan's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Paul Ryan?

British singer (1948–1992)

When was Paul Ryan born?

Paul Ryan was born on 24 October 1948 in Leeds.

When did Paul Ryan die?

Paul Ryan died on 29 November 1992 in London.

What was Paul Ryan's occupation?

Paul Ryan was a songwriter, singer, record producer, composer, pop singer and musician.

What nationality was Paul Ryan?

Paul Ryan was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Paul Ryan

· Wikidata: Q1230811

· DBpedia: Paul Ryan (singer, born 1948)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Paul Ryan. https://biography.guide/paul-ryan-songwriter/

MLA: "Paul Ryan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/paul-ryan-songwriter/.

Chicago: "Paul Ryan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/paul-ryan-songwriter/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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