Biography

Rusty Lewis joined his first band in 1965 and recorded his first single at the world-famous Norman Petty Studios in Clovis, New Mexico, the home of Buddy Holly`s recording sessions. The Dallas native then dropped out of high school and spent the next several years writing and recording tunes, while performing in support of the likes of Paul Revere and the Raiders, Van Morrison, Leon Russell and Three Dog Night. He became a respected session musician in Texas, but when Rusty hit his late 20s, he developed an obsession with computers. After receiving degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics, he hung up the guitar, put away the keyboards, and became an Artificial Intelligence researcher for Texas Instruments.

Rusty became an entrepreneur, running successful venture backed technology companies eventually rising to the executive management team of two Fortune 100 companies. Along the way he authored and edited two books, developed over a dozen US and International patents, won awards for innovative technology-based products and became the Chief Technical Officer for the world’s 6th largest software company.

Fast forward to 2005 when, on a surf vacation to Costa Rica, Rusty’s life changed in the matter of seconds. One moment – catching the perfect wave – was all it took. Rusty traded in the “American Dream” for a new life in Costa Rica. He picked up a guitar for the first time in years and started crafting thoughtful, soul-searching songs. His music is perhaps what you’d expect from a Texan living in Costa Rica – one part American pop, one part Latin groove, with a dash of funk and jazz thrown in for good measure. Rusty Lewis makes the music he’s always wanted to hear on the radio – a kind of Paul Simon meets Steely Dan concoction. And the recipe works. The tunes conjure up images of sunny beaches and perfect waves. It will make you want to leave your nine-to-five and do just what Rusty did – grab a board and chase the surf.

Rusty, or “El Pinguino” (“The Penguin”) as he’s known in Costa Rica, splits his time between writing songs and working with the charity that he established in 2008, The Pinguino Foundation. The foundation raises money for Costa Rica primary school public education as well as supporting surfing activities for local kids.

To celebrate the release of Postcards From the Third World, Rusty will also be giving away a Costa Rican Surf Vacation through his Official Website (www.rustylewis.com) as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Two lucky listeners will enjoy the beautiful beaches, tremendous waves and exotic wildlife of Nosara, Costa Rica – the place that continues to inspire Rusty Lewis to pursue his passions of music and surfing.