MY STORY

I remember when I was a child and people would ask "what do you want to be when you grow up?". I would shrug my shoulders and mumble "I dunno"...  Then at 9 years old I saw a movie about the life of Hank Williams and I thought "that's it!" Thus began my love for singer/songwriters including Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and also people like James Taylor, Carole King and my all time favorite, Kris Kristofferson! 

I taught myself to play the guitar and started writing songs.  In my teens I began playing in country bar bands in the greater Los Angeles area (where I grew up).  The next part of the story is a familiar one... I got a "real job" and set performing aside. Fast forward a few decades - the kids were grown, the "real life" had slowed down and we moved to Idaho and now that 9 year old boy was READY TO ROCK!

In addition to performing over 150 shows a year, I am also a co-founder and one of the directors of the Northwest Country Music Association. The NW-CMA engages in the promotion of LIVE country music in all of the Northwestern states.  When I'm not performing, I'm busy promoting and trying to help other artists live their dreams too!  The NW-CMA has grown tremendously in the last few years, we just recently had our 5th annual awards show at the Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane!

The NW-CMA also produces an annual event called HagFest Northwest! I helped to organize this event to honor one of my musical heroes, Merle Haggard.  The next Hagfest will be April 8th at the Fox Theater in Spokane and it will feature some of the regions top artists all paying tribute to the Hag!

WHAT I DO

When you go to a Rusty Jackson show, you will hear much of the music that I grew up with. The singer/songwriters like Johnny Cash, James Taylor, Merle Haggard and Hank Williams.  My song "When I was a kid" (below) talks about these musical influences.  Also below is the autobiographical song "I Ran Off to Bakersfield" that humorously describes an episode in my young life.  Also, the track below "I Found McCall" tells the true story of how I got my first paid gig when I was a teenager!

At a Rusty Jackson show, you will feel like you're hearing all of those classic influences. You will hear me cover those classic country hits, plus, some iconic, classic pop/rock tunes and you will also hear some of my originals in the mix!  CLICK HERE to book me for your event or venue! 

WHERE CAN YOU HEAR ME?

Check out the Calendar to find where I will be performing and come out to see a show! Also... I am on all the streaming platforms.