RIP Rusty Wier

Rusty Weir Yesterday, October 9, 2009, Rusty Wier passed after a two year battle with cancer. Rusty really framed Americana music for me when I got turned onto him in the mid 70's. His music didn't sound like anyone else's. It was lush, hauntingand meaningful. I was entranced.

When my boss Ed Salamon came over to my house for a Sunday Daily News story that was being written about me and my New York radio station, WHN, he pulled the Rusty Wier music from my library shelves, along with the Gram Parsons, Flying Burrito Brothers, Byrds, Jerry Jeff Walker, Goose Creek Symphony, and the like. Just two songs an hour, wedged in between Glen Campbell, Tanya Tucker, The Oak Ridge Boys, Eddie Rabbitt and Larry Gatlin.  Only two an hour, but I was playing progressive country on the radio in New York City in 1975.

It wasn't long after that we started doing live broadcasts from The Lone Star Café. Many of these were mainstream artists; it was the first place I saw George Strait, after all, but there were off-the-beaten-path acts, too. One night, it was Rusty Wier. After the set, Rusty came up to the radio station to be a guest DJ. We are talking Park Avenue between 54th and 55th Streets, and we are talking 3 am. I ran the board for him. I wonder if anyone has a tape of that night.

One of my most satisfying career achievements was to have a home, lo 25 years later, for the likes of Rusty Wier, and to not have to sandwich his music into other artists' that were mainstream. He was my touchstone. What an artist. I know these last years weren't easy, but I know how intensely he lived, and I know the intensity of what he left us.

-Jessie

Update: Touching story from the comments section of this post.

Jerry Jeff called and asked if I wanted to go out to Rusty's son's house where Rusty was staying and sing him a few songs. Joe Forlini went too. We gathered around his bed and sung for over an hour songs that he had recorded and others like Texas Morning that he loved. His eyes were closed but he made movements like raising his head to let us know he knew we were there. I sang Amazing Grace and he raised his head and sat up! He died that night.

Rusty was a road warrior if there ever was one and we'll all miss him...

-Bob Livingston

Will Hoge "The Highway's Home"

Will Hoge When Will Hoge played Baltimore, it was at a club called The 8x10. One of those clubs in a neighborhood that seems like a throw back in time. The streets are barely able to hold one lane of traffic, yet they are bustling with people - all destined to go somewhere.

Optimism filled the air that night a week ago. And it really reflects what Will Hoge and his band are all about. Just attentive enough to stop and get your attention. Then ask you if you plan to come along for the ride.

-Beans

Will Hoge - Draw the Curtains - The Highway's Home

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Jonell Mosser "Bottom Rail"

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Jonell Mosser Jonell Mosser is a powerhouse. If you can feel it, she can sing it. From the softest, saddest whimper, to the blueseyiest belt. She has lent her voice in ensemble performance on projects from Wynonna, Etta James, and Rodney Crowell, just to name a few.

She has been a Nashville fixture for ages, her shows are legendary. Jonell came up on the bus with Tom Britt, he of the legendary Britt brothers, and one of her ace band along with Craig Krampf and Steve Mackey...you MUST see them next time you are in Nashville. On the heels of a brand new album Trust Yourself, see if this don't get it - "Bottom Rail."

-Jessie

Jonell Mosser - Trust Yourself - Bottom Rail