STAR Country Media

Biographies

Rustie Blue Career Biography

Apr 18, 2008

RUSTIE BLUE enjoys entertaining people. When she’s performing, she wants to make sure everyone in the audience is having as much fun as she is. "It is really hard to keep me up on the stage. I like to get down where the crowd is. When I’m singing, I’ll dance with them." Another aspect of fun in Rustie’s shows comes from her unintentional comedic antics. "I don’t have to tell jokes to be funny on stage, she confesses, "Because I’m so accident-prone, that makes people laugh." To date, Rustie has gotten her hair caught in a speaker, caught her hair on fire, almost fallen off the stage, and tripped over her own feet while learning a line dance. "When I was on tour in Europe, I was trying to learn to line dance, and I tripped over my two left feet. I literally slide under the table!"

She has, fortunately, fared better musically. Growing up in rural southeast Ohio, Rustie, her three sisters, and three brothers spent many hours entertaining themselves. "I can remember sitting in my bedroom and singing for hours! I’d also sing at family gatherings." Though Rustie appreciates all types of music, two American musical icons, in particular, have been most influential. "My number one favorite entertainer of all time is Elvis Presley. I don’t think there will every be another like him. I think he has helped me with the entertainment aspect. From the moment he walks on stage, he has so much charisma, people were just drawn to him." Rustie also has much respect for Dolly Parton for being a savvy businesswoman and talented songwriter.

In the early 90s, Rustie began making several trips to Nashville in search of a record deal. Initially disappointed that the early trips produced no promising leads, she realizes in hind sight, that she still had yet to discover her own musical style. "Though I thought I was, I definitely wasn’t ready. My voice wasn’t ready. My entertainment abilities weren’t ready." Back home, she began working on developing her voice and improving her stage presence. In 1997, Robert Keister, of Center Stage Productions, saw Rustie performing in a local club in Ohio. "He told me that he liked my voice but that I needed to be able to interact with the crowd more, not just stand up there and sing." Rustie admits, "At that time, you couldn’t get me up on the stage for more than two songs, because the audience would expect me to talk to them. Well, I wasn’t scared to sing, but I was scared to talk!" Robert set out to help her conquer her shyness by introducing her to his show, Center Stage Legends in Concert. He already had cast members in place for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline tribute acts – and was looking to cast the part for the Dolly Parton role. Though at first apprehensive about paying tribute to such a recognizable music icon, it was Rustie’s audience who helped her break into the role. "From the very first time I did the Dolly show, I had a great audience. They were really into it, and because they enjoyed it, I got more into it." She held that gig for a couple years, before once again focusing on her own career. "Robert jokes that he hasn’t been able to shut me up since!" He remains Rustie’s manager today.

In 2000, Rustie released her debut album That Oughta Do It with "I’m Dropping Tears" being the kickoff single to impact overseas markets. After her sophomore album, Enter At Your Own Risk, was released two years later, Rustie headed overseas on a promotional tour, bringing her music to Denmark, Belgium, Germany, and The Netherlands. In 2003, Rustie partook in another tour across Australia (where she had the honor of performing at the 17th Annual Telstra Mildura Festival) and also New Zealand.

Momentum gained from Rustie’s critically acclaimed album, Chip, Chip, made 2004 another winning for her. Chip, Chip featured the title track hit duet with Bill Anderson, and the single received rave reviews. Renowned music journalist Robert K. Oermann proclaimed, "Rustie’s harmony vocal is on the money. The production thumps right along!" The song won Vocal Collaboration Of The Year in 2005 and staked out at the top of the European Country Music Association Chart for seven weeks! The following year, she stepped on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage to accept an award for her duet with Bill. A nomination in the "Female Artist of the Year" category in the 2005 Music Box France Awards placed Rustie among big-name contenders: Mary Chapin Carpenter, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, and Gretchen Wilson! "Cloud of Dust" and "Don’t Come Cryin’" (from her Chip, Chip album) were both "picked" on the After Midnite With Blair Garner syndicated radio show.

More success followed in 2007, when Rustie entered the fan-voted Famecast online competition. During five voting periods, her fans advanced her first into the Top 50, then Top 25, to Top 10, and finally the Top 5. Famecast flew all five artists to Austin, TX to compete for the title of Famecast Country Fenom; Rustie placed 2nd by just two votes.

Four years after the release of her last album comes Stronger Than Steel, and true to its title, the album showcases some of Rustie’s best work to date! She recorded all twelve songs in Nashville backed by some of Music City’s top studio musicians including Lonnie Wilson (percussion) and Larry Franklin (fiddle). Stronger Than Steel features two songs that Rustie co-write – the title track and "Cowgirls Do It Better." Country Weekly magazine’s Senior Editor, Larry Holden, referred to "Cowgirls" as being "a rompingly funny look at the romantic world of guys and gals." There are also three duets featured on the album. Rustie pairs with the album’s producer, Willie Mack, on "Stronger Than Steel" and "It Hurts Like Love." The third is her hit duet with Bill Anderson, "Chip, Chip," which is included as the bonus track. Another highlight is "Fall In the First Place," the Terri Clark co-penned tuned. "This album has been a long time coming! I'm really fortunate to have such a great talent as Willie Mack to produce my new album and to have worked with some of Nashville's award-winning musicians!" Rustie says that, with Stronger Than Steel, she has hit her stride. "I feel as though I finally have found myself and voice in this album."

Rex Norton Career Biography

May 15, 2007

Rex Norton discovered a love for entertaining very early on in his life. At all of three years old, he was already singing in church, never missing an opportunity to showcase his God-given gift. His grandparents were members of the long-running southern gospel music group The Edward Hicks Family, in which Rex joined when he was just five. He remembers the early days of touring with his family: "I’d take along my little Dukes of Hazzard guitar and sing everything from ‘Jesus Loves Me’ to ‘Just Some Good Ole Boys.’" From there, he performed every chance he could, taking the stage in school musicals and talent shows and then later at a number of local festivals.

Born and raised in the small town of Royston, Georgia, Rex was immersed in music. "My dad always listened to country music, from Conway Twitty and Merle Haggard to George Strait and Alabama." Rex’s musical influences span across various genres and decades. "Growing up, I also loved Def Leppard’s music." He continues, "There have been many artists who have released great songs at one point or another," which inspired Rex to strive for writing songs of equal caliber. Rex describes his own style as "It’s a mixture of a lot of different influences, which has made my music what it is. From George Strait to Def Leppard, I’m somewhere in between."

Rex’s knack for songwriting came naturally. "My dad owned a lawn care business. I’d ride the John Deere tractor while cutting grass, and these songs would just start popping into my head." He penned his first song at the age of twelve. As he grew older, Rex also began to appreciate the craft of entertaining as he watched his musical heroes on stage wowing audiences night after night. One of his favorite early musical memories was attending a George Strait Festival concert. He recalls, "Watching him work the crowd and the fans singing back the songs to him – it was a great learning experience! It’s what inspired me to do this." He says, "Where they’ve been is where I want to be."

In his early 20s, Rex had the opportunity to record his first demo CD, an experience through which he was able to gain confidence for creating music in a studio setting. Then in August, 2003, with his family at his side, Rex moved to Nashville to further his career. The first few years in Music City were spent studying the craft of writing songs by attending various songwriters’ events. Rex also worked on evolving his stage presence before a live audience in many of the popular local establishments.

Rex aims for attaining longevity in the music business. "I want to stick around, make some amazing fans and friends, and consistently put out great records." Above all, he is continuously striving "to touch lives with my songs." He continues, "If my song touches people in some way and helps them deal with a situation in their life, then it’s worth it for me. That, to me, is what country music is about." Rex’s first single, "A Lot to Live For," is a great example of that fact. It not only contains a catchy hook that will draw you in, but the song’s message will speak to fans of all ages. Another track, "Where Did It Go," vividly captures the essence of his childhood days progressively moving toward adulthood and the time that seems to disappear in between.

Both songs will be included in his debut album, A Lot to Live For, which is planned for a summer, 2007 release.

Brittany Brodie Career Biography

May 11, 2007

Many people dream of becoming famous. For Brittany Brodie, it has never been just a simple dream. "Music is and has always been my life," this poised up-and-coming country music recording artist states. She has been determined to shine in the spotlight since she was in second grade. "I remember watching Alison Krauss sing and saying to my parents, ‘I’m going to do that!’" Every weekend from since she can remember, Brittany and her family made it a weekly event to watch the Grand Ole Opry televised performances. The artists who made a lasting impression on the budding musician include a list of the industry’s most prominent figures: Patsy Cline, Holly Dunn, Vern Gosdin, Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, Marsha Thornton, Pam Tillis, Porter Wagoner, Dottie West, among many others. In more recent years, she has been influenced by the likes of the Dixie Chicks and Gretchen Wilson.

Brittany, who hails from the outskirts of Ontario, Canada, grew up a couple miles north of Mount Forest, where the country music scene was rather bleak. "Everyone is country folk, but there are not many country fans here." Not letting that fact deter her own aspirations, Brittany began her musical journey by singing for family and close friends. "Ever since I was a little girl, when everyone was sitting around relaxing, I would entertain them." She let everyone around her know she meant serious business when it came to pursuing a career in music. "I remember in grade four, we kept journals, and I wrote entries everyday about being a singer. My teachers used to tell me, ‘You need to be more realistic.’ But I thought, It’s a journal, I can write whatever I want!" This kind of sentiment expressed by classmates and teachers led her to eventually quit taking music classes altogether (she was told by one music teacher that she "was not musically inclined"), but her burning desire to be successful in country music remained unwavering.

Many people might not have understood the young girl’s earnest passion for music, but fortunately, Brittany always had her family behind her. "My parents are my #1 supporters. If it hadn't been for them I would have struggled a lot more to get to gigs. They have always encouraged me to be what I’ve always wanted to be." Her two siblings are not big country fans, but they do cheer their sister on in her musical endeavors. "My brother and sister know it’s all I've ever wanted and all I’m ever going to want. They support that." In her early teens, Brittany began getting paid gigs and from there, she has gone on to open artists such as Chris Cummings, Duane Steel, Julian Austin, and others.

Staying true to the rich country roots and history that precede her, Brittany’s own musical style lends itself to a real traditional sound. For her, country music is about "real life, people, and things." She says it is essential that she can relate with any given song before considering to record and sing it. "I have to feel it and believe what I’m hearing so I can sing it. I like songs with a story." She is also learning the fiddle and guitar, both of which she plays with her left hand. "When I’m 100% confident in them, then I will venture onto more instruments."

For now, Brittany continues to make things happen with her career one song at a time. "I still have the same drive and determination, which hasn't changed since I was a little girl." Her goals and sources of inspiration continue to flourish with every day that passes. One of her immediate goals is to make her home in Nashville, Tennessee, and she is working everyday to ensure it becomes a reality. She would like to: "be accepted as an international artist, tour the globe and have fans all around the world who love and can’t get enough of my music." She wouldn’t mind singing on awards shows or being nominated for any awards, either. "Maybe throw a Grammy in there." But, her ultimate goal is "to sing on the Grand Ole Opry with my parents in the front row."

With a lofty set of dreams waiting for her, the sky is free for Brittany to soar. "When you want something really badly, you will never settle for less than what you have always dreamt of. Believing in yourself that you will be what you want to be ultimately gets you what you want." She is convinced that "when you put out that positive energy into the universe, it’ll come back at you 100 times more positive. Believe you will be it and you will be it. There’s no room for thinking something will happen. You have to know."

Clearly, Brittany is no wide-eyed country gal waiting for success to drop in her lap. She is well aware that, as with any career, wanting something to happen doesn’t ensure that it will. But, she continues to work hard to get where she wants to be. "It’s like anything else. The business is tough to break into for an outsider until you’re in." Brittany’s soul thrives on the traditional sounds of country music, and this comes through in every note she sings. Her vocal range and versatility already sets her apart from many of her contemporaries. But, it is her assiduous ambition and her willingness to work every step of the way that will carry her into her own realm of success.

Sharmian Career Biography

Apr 11, 2007

Not only an accomplished songwriter, having written such prolific songs, Sharmian is proving that she is also a show-stopping singer with an incredible stage presence and personality, belting out huge ballads that bring crowds to there feet. Born in Trenton, Michigan, Sharmian moved at six years age to Southern California, where she acquired most of her music abilities. She then traveled to Nashville, Tennessee as a young adult to pursue her dream in country music. Her peers have certainly taken notice. Country music legend Mel McDaniel commented on her show that she is "one of the greatest voices in the business." Being no stranger to the business of music, Sharmian has taken her experiences and ventured into management, production and promotion, simply making it happen, as she quotes: "If you want something done, you’ve got to do it yourself."

Sharmian, in her own created GOD given way, can wrap her voice around a country ballad or an up-tempo tune with the same fervor. She has worked with her late husband, Estill Sowards, touring with him as he promoted award winning John Michael Montgomery and one of country's hottest duos, Montgomery Gentry. Estill left her a legacy to live by, and she remembers his last words to her: "Remember me...your first Hit Record!" She was the last face he saw, and he is the first face she sees in all her music and in all her endeavors. "My husband is what completed me," she states.

Sharmian first enjoyed success on the popular gospel show entitled "The Nashville Gospel Hour," a show that is still airing across the country. Other merits include traveling with Multi-Dove Award winner, Larrnel Harris, around the world – in Russia, where she sang at the Kremlin. She has also sung the gospel at the cathedrals in Petersburg, the Ukraine, and surrounding cities. Most recently, she wowed audiences with her weekly Internet radio show entitled "Please Squeeze the Sharmian Into Your Day!" Though Sharmian is known for her love for gospel music and her writing abilities to express her love for her Creator, that is not the only genre of music she loves. Her rich, powerful vocal styling allows her to sing the blues, R&B, pop, rock, and of course country. She has even been inspired to cut a hip-hop album, a project that is yet to come. "I want to do it all!" She adds, "This is America, land of opportunity. It’s time Americans take advantage of it."

Through the years, Sharmian has refined her songwriting craft, collaborating with many top-notch songwriters, which include the great Don Goodman ("Ring On Her Finger" cut by Reba McEntire and Lee Greenwood), and David Lee ("1970 Something" cut by Mark Wills). In fact, David credits Sharmian’s late husband for his writing successes! Another writing partner is Nashville’s greatest Troy Martin, known for numerous hit songs, including "Baby’s Gotten Good At Goodbye" (George Strait), "Not On Your Love," (Jeff Carson), "She Can’t Say I Didn’t Cry" (Rick Trevino) – just to name a few. Sharmian has also written and sang with MGM recording artist Hank Beach who wrote "You Lay a Whole Lotta Love On Me" (a song that was recorded by Shania Twain, Tom Jones, and Con Hunley) and for Loretta Lynn, who recorded his song "Journey to the End of My World."

Sharmian’s forthcoming self-titled album is full of steel guitar crying its melody through every song, with up-tempos that will cause one’s heart to skip a beat! Her songs express her life experiences, and each one will leave you anticipating the next on her album. She writes every one of her songs with her fans in mind, because without her fans, there would be no other reason to sing or write.

Sharmian is also involved with charities and has traveled with World Vision to feed the hungry around the world. She truly has a heart for people and hopes to open mental health coliseums for homeless people all over the world - with only one criteria: to let God’s love heal them. If they get caught with drugs or alcohol, they will not be kicked out, for it will be understood that addiction is an illness. However, drugs will not be tolerated, and that alone will weed out who is serious and who is not.

Sharmian is no doubt a force to be reckoned with in more aspects then one. However, music remains the focal point of her life, and she maintains a hectic schedule to promote her first single "The First One to Hurt." With raving reviews on the single, she continues to cause quite a stir all around town and abroad! Sharmian has walked the red carpet at the American Music Awards, Billboard Awards, and GRAMMY Awards. In between, she also traveled to France causing a tornado at radio stations anticipating her new music. Sharmian continues to bring her music all over the country, with preparations for a world tour in the works.