Childress grew up with and had played with the original band members of Collective Soul before the group signed to Atlantic Records in early 1994.
Over a period of eight years with the band, he recorded on, and toured in support of, five studio albums that have sold over seven million copies and generated seven #1 singles on the U.S.
He left the band in September 2001, two weeks before the release of the greatest hits compilation 7even Year Itch with Joel Kosche taking his place.
Childress wrote, sang lead vocals, and performed guitar on the song "Dandy Life" on the 1999 release Dosage.
In November 2006, Ross was mentioned on the Myspace.com page of Atlanta-based Metal/Rockabilly band "The Hot Rods" as the producer of their debut album "Rumble Seat" slated for release in January 2007.
With the addition of a second backup singer/guitarist in 2007, "Ross Childress Experience" was renamed "Starfish and Coffee," and their self-titled debut album was released on April 29, 2008.
In April 2015, Ross co-produced & co-wrote a song for Atlanta, Georgia recording artist Lynnay Della Luce called "Soaked In Gasoline" along with Dacula, Georgia-based music producer Ryan Burton.
On April 23, 2018 Ryan Burton Music Group broadcast on social media that Sara Greer would record 9 more songs with Ross for an expected summer 2018 release of an album.