Charles Ryan (December 19, 1915 – February 16, 2008) was an American singer and songwriter, best known for co-writing and first recording the rockabilly hit single "Hot Rod Lincoln". Biography Ryan grew up in Polson, Montana and moved to Spokane in 1943. He served in the United States Army during The Korean War. After the war, he worked as a musician and songwriter, touring with artists such as Jim Reeves and Johnny Horton. In 1955, he wrote "Hot Rod Lincoln", and Ryan recorded the first version of the song (as "Charley Ryan and The Livingston Brothers"). Ryan released a remake in 1959 as "Charlie Ryan and The Timberline Riders"; the song was later covered by Johnny Bond (1960) and Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen (1972) (#7 Canada), among others. Discography Albums Singles References External links Obituary, Los Angeles Times, February 22, 2008 Charlie Ryan official website 1915 births 2008 deaths People from Graceville, Minnesota American country singer-songwriters Four Star Records artists King Records artists United States Army personnel of the Korean War 20th-century American singers Singer-songwriters from Minnesota People from Polson, Montana