Raised in Southeastern Oklahoma, Rusty Hudelson can call many places home. His roots as a performer go back to the days of live radio when at three years of age, he began singing with his father and sister. Meanwhile, his thirty year, professional musical career has spanned many states from Alaska to Tennessee.
Hudelson's earliest professional experience in 1964 consisted of performing vocals and keyboards for a popular rock and roll, Tulsa based band, The Visions. Throughout the 60's, he worked in various bands which closely followed the style of the Beatles and other 60's groups. His travels took him to New Orleans where he became enamored with blues music and began to formulate his own style of blues and jazz for the keyboard. During this time, Hudelson began to gain popularity as a keyboardist and vocalist, which led to extensive work as a session musician in recording studios in Oklahoma City, Dallas, Ft. Worth, and Nashville.
In the 70's, Hudelson, his wife, and two daughters performed as The Hudelson Family. They served as co-owers and performers at a popular Wyoming entertainment spot, The Close Encounters Coffeehouse. They also established Music Message Inc., a recording and publishing business, in which they write, record, and market original lyrics and music set to motivational themes. MMI has developed into a world-wide market. Through the remainder of the 70's and 80's, Rusty continued to make personal appearances both with his family and as a solo act, mostly concentrating his efforts in the Western and Southwestern United States.
Texas Music and Video has published a variety of instructional materials by Rusty, which are in wide circulation. These include keyboards, accordion, and yodeling. For the past five years, Hudelson has entertained thousands as the musical director, keyboardist, and vocalist for the West Texas traveling road show, Country Caravan.
Today, Hudelson is an Assistant Professor of Music at South Plains College, in Levelland, Texas, where he teaches all styles of music. He serves as the keyboardist for the West Texas Opry, and he plays piano in the jazz group, The Improfs. He continues to work as a session player, works with name artists like Johnny Gimble and has produced albums for name artists, such as Redd Stewart. Rusty's most recent involvement is with his family band, newly named The Knights of the West, the up and coming western swing band at The Castle Mountain Music Fest in Ruidoso, NM, featured during the summer tourist season. The group is family anchored with various South Plains College instructors and students rotating in as honorary Knights throughout the season.
When did you start playing an instrument?
I began playing the piano at age 3. I sang on a radio show with my dad and sister, where I also was able to sing harmonies.
Who do you consider to be some of your greatest influences?
My greatest influences were from the French Quarter in New Orleans, LA. and from Floyd Cramer, Ray Charles, and the Beatles
Are you a self-taught player?
I took lessons from 5 years through college. Then I developed my own style.
Do you feel it is necessary to read music to become a great player?
I consider it helpful, but not necessary.
Describe any technique that you feel is essential.
Scales.
How does the equipment you now use compare with what you have used in the past?
Present equipment is more high tech.
What do you consider your greatest experience as a musician?
My greatest experience as a musician is to have made a living and supported a family in the music business.
What do you consider to be some of the greatest highlights of your career to date?
In the 90's playing with Johnny Gimble and opening for Herman's Hermits in 1964 were highlights.
Describe your first professional playing job. Where was it and how did it go?
I played in a club in Tulsa, OK with a band called The Visions. It was a successful experience.
What sort of projects are keeping you busy at this time?
The Texas Music and Video projects, Music Message Inc. and Castle Theater in Ruidoso, NM keep me busy.
What players do you enjoy listening to ?
I enjoy old traditional country artists, jazz players such as Marcus Roberts, and 60's and 70's rock.
Do you have particular opinions about good back-up playing when working with vocalist?
Good musicians don't override the vocalist and play less not more. Make every note essential.
Do you have any inspiring words for new musicians that might get them through the potentially frustrating times of practicing?
Don't quit.
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