Tom Rush
Credited by Rolling Stone Magazine for "ushering in the era of the singer-songwriter," Tom Rush has left his mark on nearly all genres of American music. From his roots performing at local coffeehouses in Cambridge, Massachusetts to selling out major symphony halls, Rush has delighted audiences and contemporaries alike with his flexible vocal style, memorable guitar compositions, and brilliant lyricism. His biggest hit, "No Regrets" has been covered countless times and has reached the Top 10 of charts around the world.
Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Tom Rush began performing while a student at Harvard University in 1961. A major in English literature, Rush performed frequently at the Club 47 coffeehouse in Cambridge and the Unicorn in Boston. A prolific artist, Rush had released two albums by the time he graduated. His first major album, The Circle Game, was released in 1968. Featuring covers of songs by Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, and James Taylor, the album also included some of Rush's own compositions, notably “No Regrets.” One of his most memorable pieces, “No Regrets” would later be covered by a number of musicians including Emmylou Harris, Midge Ure, and The Walker Brothers, whose recording reached the Top 10 on the UK Singles Chart. A testament to his universality, many of Tom Rush's compositions have been covered by artists over the years in a variety of genres from country to heavy metal and rap.
In 1981, Tom Rush sold out the Boston Symphony Hall in advance and began a tradition. The Club 47 Series became an annual event, featuring artists like Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris with up-and-coming artists such as Alison Krauss and Mark O'Connor. The series has become a successful touring attraction and has been broadcast as a national special on PBS and NPR. In 2009, Rush recorded his first studio CD in 35 years called What I Know. The album was recorded in Nashville and featured original materials as well as some harmonies with Bonnie Bramlett, Nanci Griffith, and Emmylou Harris. In 2013, Tom Rush celebrated 50 years in the music industry at the Boston Symphony Hall. Cited as a major influence for artists like James Taylor and Garth Brooks, Rush continues to make an impact on the music industry. With a commanding stage presence, Tom Rush puts on an incredible live show. As critic Eric Thom writes, “Never miss a chance to see Tom Rush live; he's got that rare one-of-a-kind quality that makes you realize you've seen somebody that really matters." Come see somebody that really matters this January at The Lyric.
