Class News

David Wyles ’64 celebrates autistic son Rio’s success in rap music

June 11, 2022

David Wyles ’64 wrote: I thought you might enjoy this new interview with Rio about his fascination with rap and his desire to make a career writing and performing his own songs.

Rio's cousin, McKenna Kelleher, who's now a freshman at Boston College, interviewed him on a video chat about a month ago for a class in "Music and Disabilities." I was really impressed, because she had obviously done her homework on his music and asked him a lot of pertinent questions to draw him out.

Listen to McKenna’s six-minute podcast first and then enjoy a great video of "Swoon," with Timeflies and Adrienne Bailon.

“Autism Speaks” flew us back to spend a day in Brooklyn with them at the Converse Rubber Tracks Studio, a community-based professional recording studio where emerging musicians of all genres can apply for free studio time. I gotta tell you, it was a magical day!

Also, here’s a bonus audio track of "Prove It," which is Rio's next video, shooting this summer for release in the fall ... Enjoy!

Here’s a photo of Rio with Timeflies and Adrienne Bailon..