Song-writer and singer. Born and brought up in Dundee, Ross was responsible for bringing together the rock band Deacon Blue in Glasgow in 1985 as a vehicle to perform his songs. The band, named after a Steely Dan song, was one of the most successful British groups of the 1980s. It initially comprised guitarist Graeme Kelling (1957 - 2004), keyboard player Jim Prime (b.1960), bass guitarist Ewan Vernal (b.1964) and Dougie Vipond (b.1966) on drums. In 1987, they were joined by vocalist Lorraine McIntosh (b.1964), who married Ross in 1990.
Ross' songs intertwined soul music with social commentary and their debut album Raintown (1987) was well-received. This was followed by others such as When The World Knows Your Name (1989), which included the hits Wages Day, Dignity and Queen of the New Year.
Having struggled to make an impact in the USA and the lack of success of Whatever You Say, Say Nothing (1993) at home, brought about the splitting up of the band the following year. Ross went on to release solo albums, including Who Are You (1996). He composed the music for several theatre productions and for television. He re-formed Deacon Blue in 1999 producing the collection Walking Back Home, which was followed by Homesick in 2001. Further solo albums followed: This Is The Life (2002) and Pale Rider (2005). Ross and Deacon Blue contributed to the Closing Ceremony of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
He lives with his wife and four children in South Glasgow.
