Rusty Bryant’s muscular, rhythm-oriented tenor was best heard on his soul-jazz records for Prestige in late ’60s/early ’70s. However, he had been leading bands since at least the ’50s. Born Royal G. Bryant on November 25, 1929 in Huntington, WV. He grew up in Columbus OH and became a prominent part of the jazz scene there. His strong, wailing tenor sax was influenced by Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt, and others. After starting his career as a sideman for Tiny Grimes, Stomp Gordon and Stomp Gordon in 1951, Bryant began to lead his own bands. Bryant signed with Dot in the mid-’50s and was awarded a major R
