 Rivers
Rutheford
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee,
Rivers Rutherford began his musical education at the age of seven,
when he took up the piano and guitar. His father, who also played
the piano and toured with the Apollo Boy’s Choir, was his biggest
influence. They spent many evenings in the family kitchen playing
tunes from what Rivers remembers as the “big orange Elvis songbook.”
Rutherford’s professional career began at the age of 15, when
he was hired to play piano on the Memphis Queen riverboat. He later
graduated to playing clubs on Beale Street throughout his high school
years. A piano scholarship enabled Rutherford to attend Ole’ Miss,
where he majored in English and music.
Rutherford’s father spotted a newspaper ad for a songwriting
workshop which lead to Rivers meeting with Chips Moman, producer
of Elvis’ “Suspicious Minds,” Willie Nelson’s “Always
on My Mind” and author/producer of “Luckenbach Texas.” Moman
was so impressed with a partially finished song that Rutherford played
at the workshop that he signed Rutherford to a publishing and production
contract. This venture led to Rutherford’s first recording “American
Remains,” by The Highwaymen. In addition, Rutherford played
guitar and sang background vocals on the album.
In 1993, spurred by the positive direction his musical career was
moving, Rutherford moved to Nashville. There he began working with
a local commercial production company. During this period, he wrote
and performed on several award-winning compositions for TV and film,
including a rendition of “Wordless Prayer” for Ken Burns’ Florentine
Films.
In 1996, Rutherford signed an exclusive publishing deal with Universal
Music Publishing Group. He enjoyed immediate success penning Chely
Wright’s breakthrough single “Shut Up and Drive.” Recently,
Rutherford received ASCAP's Song Of The Year for "Ain't Nothin'
'Bout You" recorded by Brooks & Dunn. Rutherford's songs
have been recorded by Gary Allan, Faith Hill, Trick Pony, Blake Shelton,
Deana Carter, Clay Davidson, Tim McGraw, Andy Griggs and Montgomery
Gentry just to name a few.
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