Standout Singer

“Hey Alexa, play ‘Not Just A Boy In A Wheelchair’ by Braedon Ramer on Amazon Music.”

As the song plays, Ramer is beaming. It’s still surreal for him to hear his song. Earlier this year, Ramer, 23, released his first single with help from local musicians. “It makes my heart happy knowing I can do what I want to do,” he said. “People like my song and it feels pretty wonderful.”

The country tune is about an experience he had at a show. Ramer was trying to say hi to a few people, and they just overlooked him. “I felt ignored. That’s what the song is about,” he said.

Music has always been a part of Ramer’s life, and one of his favorite sayings is “Music is life— that’s why our hearts have beats.”

His mom, Jenny O’Brien, said music calmed him down as a child. When she played his favorite songs, he always smiled and sang along.

Ramer started singing with his uncle, Rodney Alan Combs, when he was eight years old. “It’s my favorite thing to do,” he said. “It feels good doing what I love.”

For the past few years, he’s been a regular at regional venues, singing a few songs with some of his favorite local bands. Jason Owens, who helped Ramer record his song, met him at a show in Cincinnati. “He asked me if he could sing with us, and he’s been

singing with us ever since!” Owens said. “Anytime someone new sees Braedon sing, it lights them up. The joy in his heart is like nothing else.”

Ramer also regularly sings with The Dan Varner Band and has earned the nickname “rockstar” from the band’s singer, Dan Varner. “He remembers every word to every song,” Varner said. “Braedon get standing ovations everywhere because people don’t expect that voice. The reaction is priceless!”

His confidence as a singer has soared, and Ramer is comfortable singing in front of large crowds—some with an audience of close to 1,000 people.

“I’m thankful that I have these musicians around me. I really appreciate the support I’ve gotten over the years,” he said. “It feels good to have people singing along. It brings joy to me, and I really love it.”

Ramer plays somewhere almost every weekend, and he has a regular gig at Grove Park Grille in Anderson Township. His family even has a stage on their deck, where Ramer plays for friends and family. This year, he hopes to write and record more songs.

O’Brien said her son has formed close bonds with different local musicians who continue to support his dreams. “It’s pretty special to see that they embrace Braedon as part of their family,” she said.

“Not Just A Boy In A Wheelchair” is available on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora and YouTube.