After many years of nudging to take his music career to the next level, Ralston walked away February 3rd, 2004 with three awards at the WYCE’s West Michigan Jammie Awards held in Grand Rapids, MI. He received awards for the Local CD of the Year, Best Local Folk CD, and Best New Local Artist with a debut recording, Carwreck Conversations. Since then he has garnered recognition as a writer in a number of writing events including Kerrville New Folk, Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists as well as NSAI/CMT & Unisong International songwriting contests.
“Ralston is a commanding presence simply because of his musical convictions” and “one of West Michigan’s best singer/ songwriters” (Grand Rapids Press). He has shared the stage with noted musicians Arlo Guthrie, Lowen & Navarro, T. Bone Burnett, Richard Buckner, and the Irish band Hothouse Flowers. Ralston recently participated in an International Tribute to Townes Van Zandt in Milan, Italy, it appears no more nudging is necessary.