RIP Rusty Wier
I know that some, if not most do not know Rusty Wier or his music, and this is a tragedy beyond the fact that the legendary Austin, Texas songwriter died Friday at the age of 65 from Cancer. He was one of the original Austin Outlaws; a founder of the scene. He was a great songwriter, but more so, possibly the best performer ever to grace Austin, rivaled maybe only by Willie Nelson in his prime, and rivaled by none as a storyteller. Rusty also used humor in his music like none other.
It is such a shame that I am first introducing him to you here on this site at his death, instead of when he still had years of more music to give. I was going to write a lengthy tribute, but THIS ONE hit the nail right on the head. There is also a great article about him on austinchronicle.com
All that is left to say is that if you fancy yourself a fan of Outlaw country, then you need Rusty Wier and his music in your life. Unfortunately a lot of his best music is out-of-print, and very hard to come by. I can’t begin to express to you how good Rusty’s music is from the 70’s, and it frustrates me I have no way to share or even give you one full Rusty song that does his music justice. Rusty might be one of the best American songwriters of any genre whose music isn’t readily available.
Copies of his Black Hat Saloon regularly sell for $60+. You can listen to samples of the album HERE. Another great Rusty album is Stoned, Slow, Rugged from 1974. Hopefully the availability of his music changes soon, but until then, never pass up anything on vinyl that has Rusty Wier’s name on it from the 70’s.
For over 15 years the best place to get a hold of Rusty’s music was the Saxon Pub in Austin on Thursday nights. That run has ended, but Rusty’s stories are enduring and everlasting, and will continue on.
RIP Rusty.
(PS: Hopefully in the future when I can get proper samples of Rusty’s music, I will feature him in a Forgotten Outlaw article)
October 18, 2009 @ 3:33 am
I must admit I’ve never heard about this guy. But thanks for changing that, will definitely try to get hold of some of his music!
October 22, 2009 @ 2:52 pm
I stumbled across this website via peoples court of all things, can’t tell you how it made my day. I’m a native Texan livin in hill country and am a huge fan of real country music, especially Texas country.
Thanks for the tribute to Rusty Wier. I’m sending along a link to a site where folks can hear a couple of Rusty’s songs.
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Quervo_s_Gold/4798579
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Painted_Lady/22750295
Enjoy and keep up the good work.
Dove
October 22, 2009 @ 4:15 pm
Glad you found us Dove and thanks for reading!
September 14, 2010 @ 6:08 pm
I listened to Rusty’s music as a teenager in west Texas in 1975. I’ve always enjoyed his writing style and I’ve tried to find his music over the years. I’m sad he’s gone like so many others, but his music lives on…
July 3, 2014 @ 6:34 pm
I met him at Texas Hatters . He and Larry Watkins ” his one time producer” were working on the very hat that was on the cover of the album ” black hat saloon”.
April 18, 2015 @ 2:56 pm
Florida -I purchased a record frame to put a signed album by Frank Sinatra in. An album came with it, it is just RUSTY WIER, a pair of boots and a black hat, looks like it would have been a belt buckle.
On the back of the album is a taped piece of paper with the words “To my friend in New Jersey, Fred, Be Careful and come back soon.
Signed by Rusty Wier. I was just wondering if anyone know anything about this album or “Fred” Album is 20th Century Records, 1975.
It’s ok to contact me, pmerritt@comcast.net