Rusty Wier

Russell Allen "Rusty" Wier, born on May 3, 1944, in Austin, Texas, embarked on his musical journey in the 1960s, showcasing his talents across various genres. He initially gained recognition as the drummer for The Wig, an Austin-based garage rock band, contributing to the 1967 hit "Crackin' Up". By 1968, Wier scored a major local Texas hit with "Watchout", collaborating with Gary P. Nunn and The Lavender Hill Express, marking an early adoption of stereophonic sound in singles. The 1970s saw Wier's transition to country rock, solidifying his status within Austin's thriving music scene. He enjoyed cult success with "I Heard You Been Layin' My Old Lady" and achieved widespread fame with "Don't It Make You Wanna Dance". This latter track, a minor pop hit for Wier, was covered by several artists, including Jerry Jeff Walker and Bonnie Raitt, whose rendition became a country hit on the Urban Cowboy soundtrack. Wier's contributions to music were recognized with his induction into the Austin Music Awards Hall of Fame in 2002. Wier's life took a challenging turn in November 2007 when he was diagnosed with cancer. He battled the disease courageously until his passing on October 9, 2009, at the age of 65. He left behind a legacy through his music and four children.

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