For those of a certain age, the folk music of Tom Rush was the soundtrack to a generation.
The Harvard student who made a name for himself in the 1960s playing in coffee houses around Cambridge, Mass., soon found himself with a loyal following and demand for more songs and performances.
“It was all a terrible mistake,” Rush said as he drove between gigs. “I had graduated with an English Lit degree. I wasn?t sure what I would do. People were willing to pay me to sing. I figured I?d do that till I figured out what else I should do.”
But don?t think that Rush, who now lives in Santa Barbara, Calif., with his wife and young daughter, is some kind of nostalgia folk act. The man who wrote “Driving Wheel” and “Livin? in the Country” has plenty of tricks up his sleeves.
That?s why his shows are in demand and he consistently releases new music including 2003?s live album “Trolling for Owls.” And unlike many other artists, his voice sounds as solid as ever and still draws praise.
Rush is modest about his following.
“I try to do a mix of the old favorites and some new songs,” Rush said. “It?s always interesting for me to get requests because then I find out which album was a fan?s favorite.”
Indeed, Rush talked about the album “Tom Rush,” released on Columbia Records in 1970, known to aficionados at the purple album. Although many “discovered” Rush when that album was released, he noted that was actually his seventh album.
But Rush admits that he doesn?t like to be on the road that much anymore, which is why he doesn?t play with a band. They want regular work and pay, he said. He doesn?t want to work enough to pay for that, although his musical inspirations keep flowing.
“I think I have gotten better at songwriting,” Rush said. “I can?t really take credit for the songs. The song knows where it wants to go and I just have to get out of the way.”
IF YOU GO
» Venue: Rams Head on Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis
» Time: 4:30 p.m. Sunday
» Tickets: $26.50; 410-268-4545 or go to tickets.ramsheadonstage.com
