Pop and contemporary Christian artist Ryan Ellis, who was nominated for a Grammy for best contemporary Christian music performance/song this year for “God Problems,” has been named a celebrity ambassador for Teen Cancer America.
The charity, funded by The Who’s Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, is dedicating to getting specialized and appropriate care for teen cancer patients, who often fall in a gap between pediatric and adult oncology treatment.
“Pete and I are so fortunate that our charity is represented by such committed ambassadors. It is a privilege to have talented artists like Ryan join us and use their platform to raise awareness and support for the young people with cancer that we serve,” Daltrey said in a statement.
As part of his role, Ellis will perform at the fifth annual Rockin’ Polo Match, a TCA fundraiser taking place June 15 at Will Rogers State Park in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades.
“Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend are legends. The Who’s music has always been groundbreaking, and their relentless compassion and commitment to Teen Cancer America is deeply inspiring,” said Ellis in a statement. “Horace Mann once said, ‘Be ashamed to die until you’ve won some victory for humanity.’ I believe Roger and Pete have won many such victories. It is my privilege to serve as a Celebrity Ambassador for Teen Cancer America.”
Dove Award-nominated Ellis, who is signed to Provident Label Group/Sony Music, has appeared on Billboard’s Christian charts a number of times, reached No. 1 on the Christian Airplay and Christian AC Airplay chart last November with Housefires and JWLKERS Worship’s “I Thank God,” which featured Blake Wiggins and Ellis. His 2022 hit, “Heart of the Father,” reached No. 3 on the two charts. He co-wrote “God Problems,” which was performed by Maverick City Music with Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine.
News of Ellis’s participation comes shortly after the release of “Going Home (Theme from Local Hero)” from Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler which will benefit TCA and its U.K. counterpart, Teenage Cancer Trust. The nine-minute recording of the movie theme features Knopfler and a gallery of more than 50 top guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton, Joan Jet, Nile Rodgers, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Orianthi and Pete Townshend. Net proceeds from the BMG release will go to the two charities, as will the sale of eight guitars signed by the contributing artists.