Freak Flag, is a rollicking introduction to Ron Rutherford – Texan, New Yorker, Country Rockin’ rebel. He knows where he’s going and happy to have you tag along.
Ron Rutherford is a man whose life has been built around music.
He fondly recalls bouncing on the back seat of his Father’s Chevy Bel Air to The Beatles singing “I Want To Hold Your Hand” on the radio.
“It was a typically beautiful Dallas, Texas day,” he says, “blue skies and fair weather cumulus clouds out the windshield as we sped down the highway.” It proved to be a seminal ride. He has been inspired by and passionate about music ever since.
Ron played piano as a kid in Texas. Moving to New York City as a young man, he took up guitar.
While living in New York, he played and sang around Manhattan and the Northeast; did some television and jingle work; was written up in the New York Times for his performances with The Rutherford & Steward Band; and wrote and performed briefly with legendary rock pianist Nicky Hopkins.
Ron Rutherford's musical influences are eclectic and diverse including such artists as: The Eagles, Don Henley, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Neil Young, Jackson Browne, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, The Steve Miller Band, Van Morrison, Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, The Beatles, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, The Band, The Allman Brothers, Creedence, Little Feat, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Elvis Costello, Traffic, Leon Russell, Bryan Adams, John Mellencamp, Rodney Crowell, Warren Zevon and Hank Williams.
Although growing up listening to and loving Rock and Roll on the radio and records, he had country music in his ears wherever he went, just from living in Texas – and both had a profound impact on him.
Ron Rutherford's music is something familiar you’ve never heard before – stories of love, loss, insight, and inspiration. Picture a full moon over a long lost trail and a lone wolf that beckons the listener to follow to the end.
Ron Rutherford's album, Lone Wolf, ends too soon.
Potent Americana; a unique voice and down-to-the-bone songs combined with the sounds of some of the finest musicians you’ve ever heard.
Verse 1 Where I’ve been On the leading edge of the wind Sometimes I’m down and out Sometimes I’m up and in I’m traveling a course On a personal powered horse Sunrise to sunset Dreams with no remorse
Chorus You can find me anytime I’m up in the sky With wings on my mind I’m getting good hang time I’m riding Keeping my freak flag flying
Verse 2 Over my shoulder Dark clouds are like beckoning boulders Tear drop ghosts collide It’s a battle of hotter colder Get out of my way I’m going to bail this hellish hay Into the open Beyond the field of prey
Chorus
Verse 3 Horns and halos Caught in between both of those The tail wants to wag the dog The dog digs in and breaks the tailbones Within all of us Is a mission and a trust To be the best we can be Ready to ride and eat some dust
Verse 4 Rise or crash Lose your shirt, find spiritual cash My body is just a jail Freedom is from where I hail My flag is up the pole My rag is pure cowboy soul No matter what I’m told My life’s on a says me roll