Rusty Knox grew up around music in his small southern hometown of Davidson, NC. With a grandmother who played church organ for over 50 years and a large extended family that gathered around the piano on Sunday afternoons, music was a big part of the Knox family. With a mother that played classical piano and a father with a profound love of gospel music, there was no doubt that music would play a big part in Rusty's future. Piano lessons, then later playing trumpet, gave Rusty a minor foundation in music. It wasn't until Rusty saw Jimi Hendrix open for the Monkees that the guitar came into his life. After only one very influential guitar lesson, did the music bug infect Rusty for good. An unfortunate accident took his teacher away from him and he began to learn on his own. After playing within the confines of his house for over 30 years, his first public appearance brought a bundle of nerves and uncertainty to a head and Rusty realized that this was what he wanted to do. With a handful of original songs and no knowledge of music theory, Rusty brought his music to the people of his small hometown, and they liked it.
A chance meeting on Main Street in Davidson brought multi instrumentalist, Dwight Burks, and Rusty together. Adding Dwight's cousin Gregory Miller on bass, the foundation for The Rusty Knox Band was formed. A wealth of pickers have graced the stage with Rusty including, Brian Burton (drums), Adam Moore (drums), Brad Reddick (guitar), Jack Bouchard (guitar) and Mike Orlando (mandolin). The styles and influences of these musicians have further bolstered the sound that is both distinct and unique to Rusty's music. Americana, Bluegrass, Folk, Irongrass, Jamband, what you call it is up to you. The music speaks for itself.
Rusty's freshman CD, "Reason Why", was more than a mere introduction to the music world. Janet Goodman's review in Music News Nashville says: "With a straightforward everyman's voice, Rusty brings lyrics that are down and dirty honest, from a reservoir of lifetime tales".
"JUDGEMENT" the long awaited sophomore CD is out, available and amazing. Order your copy today...you won't be disappointed.
Rusty has been nominated for the 2012 Songwriter of the Year by The Charlotte Music Awards and The Rusty Knox Band has been nominated for the 2012 Americana/Bluegrass Band of the Year by both The Charlotte Music Awards and The Carolina Music Awards.
Seeing the band live, gives everyone something to go away with, a picture of our lives, put to music, that hits dead center.