Rusty started playing drums at the age of 14 when his parents bought him his first full drum set.  He immediately started studying with the best drum instructors in the Philadelphia area. 

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While in high school he studied with Ray Deeley who was a world touring drummer and educator who made sure he received all the basics and proper technique.  After graduating from high school, he was enrolled at Philadelphia Music Academy (Currently the University of the Arts). He studied with Nicholas (Nick) D'Amico (Percussionist for the Pennsylvania Ballet Company, Broadway shows, studio work..),  Michael (Mickey) Bookspan world renown lead percussionist for the Philadelphia Orchestra. Carl Mottola one of the best show band, big band and pit drummers in the area, and the late great Jimmy Paxson Sr. who was one of the best Jazz drummers around.

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In 1975 Rusty toured with recording artist Lee Andrews and the Hearts (Who is Ahmir (Questlove) Thompson's father, Rusty was Ahmir's first drum teacher).  

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In 1976 Rusty joined the band Citadel, all the band members met at the University of the Arts.  Citadel went on to be signed to a recording contract.  Right after the LP was released, they made it into both the singles and albums "Pick of the Week" lists of Billboard Magazine. Soon to follow, were the great reviews Citadel received in both Record World and Cashbox, which were the other two major trade magazines during this time.

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After the Citadel days Rusty recorded tracks with several producers at the famous Sigma Sound Studio and other studios in the Philadelphia area.  He also worked as a free-lance drummer throughout the area including the Atlantic City Casino showrooms and lounges with numerous acts. Some of the star acts he's worked with were Davy Jones from the Monkey's, Howie Mandel, Yakov Smirnov, Kaye Ballard, Pat Cooper and many others over the years.

 

Production shows:  Franco and Mary Jane Show (Taj Mahal, AC), Speakeasy Show (Claridge Hotel & Casino), Legends in Concert. 

 

House drummer for Cape May Jazz Festival for 9 years in the 90's.  Worked with famous recording jazz artist Oscar Brown Jr..  Oscar self-penned lyrics on songs like "Dat Dere", "Afro-Blue" and "Work Song".  Performed with Chris Brubeck (Dave Brubeck's son) with the Ocean City Pops Orchestra,

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Currently Rusty has dedicated himself to teaching and developing existing and up and coming drummers.  He also plays with the Renee’ Howard (Rusty’s wife) trio and free lances with other bands when the opportunities come up.  He has been the drummer/band director for the worship team at his church for the past 25 years.

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Recorded Albums with: 

 

• Citadel – recorded at Media Sound and Hit Factory in NY City, engineered by Gene Leone and Bobby Clearmountain.

• Chris Lovley “Airborne”

• Bob Loy and the Big Shots “This here Neighborhood” Produced by Bob Loy and Rob Hyman from the Hooters.

• Howard Isaacson “DreamWorld”

• John Barillaro “Just My Songs”

• Laura Farrow “Featuring the Big Band Sounds of Dance Force”

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