Rusty Wier Bio

Bio in .txt format

Bio in .doc format

Rusty Wier has always been the consummate entertainer.  He will engage you, charm you, make you think, and make you cry; but the “money-back guarantee” is … he will make you smile.

Rusty was born in Corpus Christi but has called Austin, Texas home for many years.  At the age of three, while riding his imaginary horse in the aisles to the strains of an impromptu “William Tell Overture” from the piano player and laughter from the patrons of his dad’s restaurant in downtown Austin, Rusty discovered an ability to make people smile.  Growing up in a world of restaurants, nightclubs and hotels, he learned that no one was a stranger and the world was a stage.

Despite an early curfew, Rusty began performing professionally at the age of thirteen and within a few years discovered the blues clubs of East Austin.  Rusty absorbed the sounds of BB King, Bobby Blue Bland, or other blues legends that might be playing at Charlie’s Playhouse or other hot and sweaty, soul-filled haunts on the east side.

After more than ten years of Rock’n Roll bands, Rusty gained national prominence during the legendary “outlaw“ era.  Rusty shared stages and entertained with Charlie Daniels Band, Marshall Tucker Band, The Outlaws, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Amazing Rhythm Aces, Atlantic Rhythm Section, Pure Prairie League, Gatemouth Brown, Steven Fromholz, Willie Nelson, Johnny Paycheck, B. W. Stevenson, Waylon Jennings, Asleep at the Wheel, Jerry Jeff Walker, Commander Cody, Doug Kershaw, Ray Charles, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers.  Many times, as with George Strait, he opened and Rusty headlined the shows.

Rusty signed his first recording contract with ABC Records and went on to record for 20th Century and Columbia Records.  Rusty’s recordings produced nine charted singles and the crowd-pleasing “Don’t It Make You Wanna Dance”. This song was later covered by eight major artists from around the world including Barbara Mandrell and Jerry Jeff Walker.  Bonnie Raitt’s recording of the song for the movie and soundtrack album “Urban Cowboy” earned Rusty a Double Platinum Album certifying over two million in sales.

Rusty Wier is a Texas troubadour.  He writes songs, sings and tells stories.  He is backed by a tight band of great musicians. Rusty enjoys loyal followers everywhere he goes.  He has made numerous appearances on Austin City Limits and the Nashville Network Series, The Texas Connection. He has appeared in well-known television and radio campaigns for McDonald’s, Lone Star Beer, the City of Austin, House of Jeans, Justin Boots and many others.  His music video “Lover of the Other Side of the Hill” aired on the CMT Network. “Are We There Yet?" includes four songs co-written with his two sons, Bon and Coby Wier, who prove their outstanding ability as musicians. The most recent full length recording "I Stood Up" shows his sensitive and spiritual nature while keeping the music rocking.

Rusty wrote or co-wrote most of the material for the albums he has released. "Don't It Make You Wanna Dance", "Stoned, Slow, Rugged", "Black Hat Saloon" and "Stacked Deck" are now available on this website.  

Rusty's unfaltering dedication and devotion to his live performances and recordings keeps him steadfastly focused on his lifelong primary goal ... to entertain you and bring a smile to your face!

Copyright 2009 Rusty Wier - All Rights Reserved
rusty weir