Ed Rusher: Biography of a Country Artist
A great country song is nothing if not a window into the world, and into the heart and mind of the artist who wrote it.When performed by a truly great country voice, the landscape of the song becomes that much more vivid. Because the performance makes you believe they’ve been there.
When you listen to an Ed Rusher song, you meet a man whose passion for life has pushed him along the often tough road that seems requisite for country music folk. As a singer-songwriter, Ed reflects not only the journey of a man whose dreams have made him an Eagle Scout, college football player, military veteran, strength coach and business professional, but the walk of a husband, father, believer and patriot, as well.
Yes, Ed Rusher has been there. And with his music, he proudly and cleverly takes us there with him.
Ed Rusher was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and from the moment he hit life’s stage he has been singing to anyone who would listen. While his friends perhaps didn’t fully appreciate his talent, his high school choir director certainly did, as Ed became the first freshman in school history to sing in the Swing Choir.
After high school Ed traded his choir robe for a football helmet at Purdue University, where he was a walk-on, not a very fast one, but still a walk on. He ran out of money before he was offered a scholarship, so he joined the Marine Corps. He remained in the Marines as a reserve through the rest of his college days, where he developed an interest in coaching strength and conditioning. He also wound up singing in more than a few upstart rock bands. After receiving his degree, Ed served with the Marines, in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. After a short gig selling life insurance he spent time as a high school and college strength coach, helping send several athletes on to careers in the NFL and NBA.
Those who knew Ed understood he’d always had a song in his heart It was only a matter of time before the music emerged, and once it did, he hasn’t looked back since.
Most people who hear Ed Rusher’s music are surprised to learn that has been writing and performing music for only two years. A song written for his son’s 2006 wedding, along with the memory of a fortuitous meeting with a fellow named George Strait, unlocked a stream of creativity and musical passion that was distinctly country. That song, “Mama You Loved Me” ended up on his first CD, “Corn Fed or Grain Fed", and soon thereafter reached #8 on the European country charts, along with three of his other songs among the top-15 most requested country songs. His popularity overseas and the encouragement of live audiences and country music professionals alike encouraged Ed to keep writing and performing, resulting in his second album, “Cowboy Cadillac.”
At a glance, Ed Rusher may look a bit like Tim McGraw on steroids (he’s quick to point out that the only chemical influencing his physique is called sweat), and perhaps, other than Trace Atkins and Toby Keith is probably the biggest man in country music. He certainly is the most solidly built artist in country music. With guys like, Toby Keith, George Strait, Brad Paisley and Tracy Byrd as his influences, he keeps it real staying close to his country roots. A closer look and a careful listen reveal an artist with a keen ear for the American experience and the heart of a poet. He is quick to thank God for his grace, and his gift of music. What his son’s wedding inspired shows no sign of slowing down, as Ed is just now hitting his stride as a musical storyteller with a fresh and distinctive country voice.
Ed says his wife, Mary (whom he refers to as “the head Redhead") is the real music in his heart. They are the proud parents of four sons – Keith, Kyle, Chas and Nate, none of whom have yet to beat their dad in an arm wrestling match, but who have shaped their father’s life in ways only his music can express.
With God and family at his side, Ed continues to seek truth though his music and to sing it with pride and love. Those who hear him are quick to agree that Ed Rusher’s road has led him to a good place, one we are happy to travel with him in song.
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