Tom Rush

Tom Rush (born February 8, 1941) is an American folk and blues singer and guitarist. He is known for his interpretations of songs by emerging songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, and his own original compositions.

Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and raised in Concord, Massachusetts, Rush began performing in the early 1960s while studying at Harvard University. He became a fixture in the Cambridge folk scene, playing at venues like Club 47 (later Club Passim). His early albums, like "Got a Mind to Ramble" and "Take a Little Walk with Me," showcased traditional blues and folk material.

Rush gained wider recognition in the late 1960s and early 1970s with albums such as "The Circle Game" (which featured Joni Mitchell's song of the same name), "Blues, Songs and Waltzes," and "Merrimack County." These albums demonstrated his ability to blend traditional music with contemporary singer-songwriter material. He is credited with introducing many of these artists to a wider audience through his recordings and performances.

In the late 1970s, Rush took a break from recording and touring, focusing on other pursuits. He returned to performing in the 1980s and has continued to tour and record sporadically since then. He is known for his engaging stage presence and storytelling between songs. His later albums include "Late Night Guitar" and "What I Know." Tom Rush remains an influential figure in the folk music scene and a respected interpreter of contemporary and traditional songs.