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RUSTY GASTON
Like many music business
executives, Rusty Gaston began his career as a singer, playing
venues in his home state of Texas including a long run at Six Flags.
But he figured out early that his passion
was to be on the business side of the music industry. Right out of
college he headed for Nashville where he roomed with fellow Texan
and aspiring artist Keith Anderson.
Music Row veteran Jerry Smith immediately
recognized Rusty's potential and hired him to work for his
artist-development company SmithHaven Music. While there he helped
land deals for Yankee Grey and rock artist Will Hoge. Rusty was the
first person to bring the amazing talents of Jeff Bates to Nashville
and he stood by him through a drug bust and prison sentence. His
support helped Jeff turn his life around and Rusty finally landed
him a deal on RCA.
That kind of track-record and dedication
doesn't go unnoticed and at the ripe old age of 24 he was hired as
General Manager of Song Garden, the publishing company owned by
Byron Gallimore, producer of top acts Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and
JoDee Messina and many more. Under Rusty's leadership the
company had over 200 cuts including "In My Daughter's
Eyes" (Martina Mc Bride), "Something's Gotta Give (LeeAnn
Rimes) and "You're Like Coming Home" (Lonestar).as
well as cuts by George Strait, Celine Dion, Amy Grant, Sara
Evans, Jessica Simpson, and many others.
When he was ready to strike out on his
own he partnered with hit writers Tim Nichols (Live Like You Were
Dying) and Connie Harrington (Girls Lie Too) to form This
Music, a joint venture with Warner Chappell. In only two years
of operation this new company has had 24 cuts including the singles
Tim McGraw's "Unbroken" and Jack Ingram's "Wherever
You Are."
As busy as he is running companies and getting
hits for his staff-writers, Rusty is well known for his generous
spirit and his willingness to take time to listen to talented new
writers.
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