Who is Steve Rushing?

From 1955 to 1971, Rushing released 13 albums for Vanguard, ABC Bluesway, RCA Colpix and Columbia records; typically with backing by Basie alumni bands.

Rushing was one of the few vocal jazz artists of his era who excelled in both 12-bar blues and 32-bar AABA popular song forms; in addition, he excelled both with ballads and uptempo tempos.

Early Life and Education

As a high schooler, Rushing was known for being chatty and nonstop talker with an impressive vocabulary; his brother Michael recalls how Rushing would make up words just to add emphasis to an argument.

After graduating college, he spent time as both a teacher and coach before transitioning into administration at Memphis State, Stanford University and Arizona State University.

Rushing moved to Charlotte in 2005 and operates a transportation business which transports students to charter schools that don’t provide bus service, in addition to marriage counseling and advocating for Spanish-speaking families. He and Rankin are running for CMS board seats in District 3, both are Democrats; with Rankin receiving endorsement from Mecklenburg Democratic Party’s African American Caucus and Black Political Caucus respectively.

Professional Career

After two years at the foundry, he gained 30 pounds, applied for and made Denver’s famed Orange Crush defense from 1977-1980 a star player.

Stephen Van Buren was an NFL half back known for his unique, pile-driving running style during his five year stint with Philadelphia Eagles from 1944 – 1951. Considered one of the greatest runners ever seen on an NFL field.

Rushing currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and operates a transportation service which offers charter school students who don’t have access to busing rides to school, marriage counseling and is running for District 3 seat on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education in 2022.

Achievement and Honors

Rushing continued his recording career post-Basie by working for Vanguard, Columbia, ABC Bluesway and Modern Jazz Records labels as well as touring extensively with his trio as well as making guest appearances with Earl Hines and the Basie band.

As a junior, he earned first team All-American and All-SEC accolades, winning both Doak Walker and Maxwell Awards and leading the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns during that season.

After rushing for 204 yards on 26 carries against Marshall in the Nokia Sugar Bowl MVP race against Florida Atlantic University in 2006, he earned one of Sports Illustrated’s six regional covers that year. A graduate from West Virginia University, he taught math at Red Mountain High School prior to publishing Leadership Cake – his international bestseller book that won multiple awards around the world.

Personal Life

He had an active and enquiring mind, and enjoyed learning. While in high school he played football, ran track and cross country as well as taking part in Key Club, Science Seminar and was part of the debate team.

Rushing’s post Basie recording career kicked off at Columbia Records and provided him with the chance to demonstrate his vocal talents across a broad range of musical genres. While other vocal artists might specialize either exclusively in blues or pop song structures, Rushing was adept at seamlessly transitioning from both arenas.

His songs had a thematic underpinning and the sound quality of the recordings was outstanding. At a time of rapid transition in music history, when big bands were fast disappearing while bebop/hard bop and rock and roll emerged on the scene, these recordings represent one aspect of musical change among many others.

Net Worth

He currently owns and operates 2 Commas clothing company, has managed various professional sports teams, and his estimated net worth exceeds $7 Million.

Rushing’s recording career coincided with an immense transition in popular music. By 1955-56 when he recorded his two albums for Vanguard Records, big bands had started disbanding while bebop was on its rise and hard bop was making waves in popular culture.

Rushing has amassed an impressive net worth during his time on Deadliest Catch, becoming one of the highest-earning captains and possessing an enviable work ethic. As captain of Southern Wind he is expected to increase this wealth further. Additionally, Rushing is also an experienced litigator, having represented correctional healthcare providers against Section 1983 lawsuits and financial institutions against allegations of wrongful foreclosure and broker-dealer activity in state and federal trial court litigation proceedings.