Tim Rushlow. (Getty)
Tim Rushlow and His Big Band will perform for Donald and Melania Trump’s first inaugural dance, Buzzfeed is reporting.
That has some people on social media asking: Who?
Barack and Michelle Obama were famously serenaded by Beyonce, but Trump has had trouble securing big name talent for the Inauguration. He has insisted on Twitter that he doesn’t care, pointing out that celebrity concerts didn’t help secure Hillary Clinton the White House.
Rushlow will play retro classics by American icons like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, Buzzfeed reported. It’s not yet clear exactly which song he will sing when the Trumps take their first dance. On his website, Rushlow describes his style as a providing a “retro Vegas Supper Club experience to old and new fans alike.”
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Rushlow Was Approached By a Music Supervisor Affiliated With Mark Burnett & Says He Wants to Help Unite America
Buzzfeed reports that Trump used his television contact, Apprentice producer Mark Burnett, to line up musical talent.
Rushlow told the AP that he said “yes, I’d love to” when he was approached to be part of the Inauguration. “I’m an American first and foremost,” he told AP. He said he doesn’t use his platform for an agenda, but he said “my agenda is to unite…this is the time to come together.” You can watch that interview here:
Rushlow told Buzzfeed that he was approached “last month by a music supervisor working with reality TV producer Mark Burnett.”
According to Buzzfeed, he said, “We’ll be playing selections from the great American songbook and from the artists that I love from a time gone by, like Bobby Darin, and Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. It’s gonna be awesome.”
2. Rushlow Has Sold 11 Million Records & Was Once the Front Man for the Country Group ‘Little Texas’
Rushlow’s website biography says that he’s sold 11 million records, and won CMA and ACM Awards. He’s also received three Grammy nominations and gone on eight world tours.
The biography adds that Rushlow was “the former voice and front man for the country super group Little Texas” and “has long held a desire to share his life long dream to be a curator for the Great American Songbook to the next generation.”
Rushlow was part of ‘Little Texas’ from 1991 and 1998, and his website says, “the group charted 20 singles on Billboard’s country chart, including the upbeat Number 1 hit ‘God Blessed Texas’ and the poignant power ballad and crossover Number 1 smash, ‘What Might Have Been.'”
Rushlow later recorded a top 5 hit, “She Misses Him.” As a result of the song, he started working with the Alzheimer’s Association, his website says.
3. Rushlow Focuses on Interpreting Classic Songs From Iconic American Artists
Long day but a good one @BlackbirdStudi2 #nashville. Great things to announce in a few days! T
On his website, Rushlow explains his retro outlook.
“It’s about sharing a national treasure and being able to touch lives with this timeless music,” the bio says, quoting Rushlow as saying: “I am blown away at the staying power these songs and artists have from a magical generation that so many people are still curious about.”
He added, “I want to bring an authentic experience to every record and every town I sing in and put a spotlight on the romance that is evoked through these classics. I’m not out to impersonate anyone, but want to do my own interpretation of the greats from Mr. Bobby Darin to Mr. Frank Sinatra.”
4. Rushlow Was Born in Oklahoma & Performs on Cabaret Stages
What a crazy day! I can’t wait till all I’m doing is this!! Singing in a town near you! Cheers, T
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Texas, Rushlow’s musical roots started in country, his website says.
He has spent the past few years traversing the country and performing in “theatre and cabaret stages” as well as for sailors and soldiers overseas, his website says.
Rushlow was born on Tinker Air Force Base and got his start in music playing guitar around Austin, Texas, reported CMT Artists. He’s also lived in Nashville, the site reports.
5. Some Top Music Stars Passed on the Inauguration or Are Clinton Supporters
Some big names passed on performing at the Trump Inauguration, including Elton John, Garth Brooks, and Celine Dion.
Others, such as Jennifer Holliday, were going to perform but then dropped out, citing backlash.
Country star Lee Greenwood, 3 Doors Down, and Toby Keith are among performers lined up for the Inauguration.
You can read a full list of inaugural performers here: