Rudy Z

Born in Battle Creek Michigan. Influenced by Motown and other Michigan sounds, it was obvious what the strong influence of music would have. At the age of 8, the family moved to the Chicago area. The 60s music was booming and Rudy started experimenting with guitars in Jr high and converted a 6 string violin-bodied guitar to a 4 string bass which had to be tuned with a pair of plyers! The need for a real bass was quickly realized. Rudy played with a few bands while in High School in Waukegan IL. From there the list of bands was endless, Black Rose, Stranger, Ice Nine, Stimulants and Teez to name a few which were all local to the Waukegan IL Area. In the Mid 80s Rudy was approached by Ruby Starr from Black Oak Arkansas-fame to join the band. He gladly accepted the bass duties and proceeded to tour extensively with the band and opening for acts such as Black Oak Arkansas, DaVinyls, Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, Steppenwolf, Head East, Molly Hatchet and Hellion. Being based out of Chicago/Milwaukee at the time, it set up the next chapter of successful bands such as Rock-it, High Treason, Doc Hammer, Crush Proof Box, Fabulous House Rockers, Dekorah, The Prince Experience, 52nd Street-Music of Billy Joel and Kris Krow Band. Rudy moved to Nashville in 2015 and plays studio bass for various up-and-coming recording artists, local bands, such as Grayson and Missy Garnett. Rudy recently opened for Cheap Trick with 52nd Street.