Wrangler's Biographies

Ruthie & the Wranglers play rockin' American Roots music (also known as FUN!) and are based in the Washington, DC area. From original Americana Country to rousing Surf ‘n Polka instrumentals, their clever lyrics, high energy and spritely hillbilly harmonies set them apart from the rest. Ruthie and The Wranglers’ albums have consistently ranked high on Americana, Folk and Roots music radio charts around the world and continue their clever songwriting skills, penned by Billboard Magazine as “...nothing short of brilliant,” with their all original album “Someday.” Dirty Linen, No Depression and The Washington Post raved about “Someday” and upon it’s release it was named Album of the Year by the Washington Area Music Association. Their new album will be released in 2008.

"'Someday' is clearly the product of many days well spent writing and recording songs – songs vibrant or clever enough to make mst of what passes for Country music these days sound dead on arrival." – The Washington Post

Ruthie wins 2006 top vocalist award! Lead vocalist and songwriter, Ruthie Logsdon, and her band have racked up more than 25 WAMMIES and including 2003, 2005 & 2006 Vocalist and 2000 Songwriter of the Year from the Washington Area Music Association. Ruthie grew up singing along with her Dad and his guitar and harmonica. Although geographically the Logsdons were city folks, they held family hoedowns singing Hank Williams & Jimmy Dickens at any opportunity. After attending Bluegrass festivals, a few private guitar lessons and watching Country TV stars like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, Ruthie had enough influences from her rootsy background combined with her Rock ‘n’ Roll and Punk-influenced college days to create the beginning of Ruthie and the Wranglers. Add Ruthie’s favorite musicians and you get diverse talent and unstoppable energy.
She was proud to discover she is related to the late Jimmie Lloyd Logsdon - Decca recording artist and author of “I Got a Rocket in My Pocket”... Ruthie is definitely carrying on a family tradition!
Greg Hardin, bassist, vocalist, and key songwriter, brings his lead vocals, backing harmonies and bullseye bass guitar beat to the band’s primo show. Greg has a passion for creating timeless lyrics with true musical spirit—his song “Babe Ruth’s Piano” was named 2004 Song of the Year by WAMA.
Lead guitarist and award winning multi-instrumentalist (electric guitar, mandolin, nylon string classical guitar), Phil Mathieu; pianist/vocalist/songwriter, Bill Starks; and drummer Robbie Magruder (Mary Chapin Carpenter/Lowen and Navarro) set the standard for quality musicianship and high powered “rock-ability."
Recent Awards: Ruthie and the Wranglers have been awarded more than 25 Washington Area Music Awards including: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.-

Media: Ruthie and the Wranglers have performed on The Nashville Network including "Crook and Chase," "This Week in Country Music" and Prime Time Country ...appeared on every TV network in the Washington, DC area as well as coverage in other states and internationally ...been featured in Billboard, No Depression, Blue Suede News, Pollstar, Gavin, Dirty Linen, Associated Press and other national and international publications ...been aired on over 200 radio stations internationally including Americana and variety formats and have ranked in the Top 10 on the Americana Radio Charts.-

Concert Highlights: "Strathmore Hall," "Blueridge BBQ Festival," "BlackRock Center for the Arts," "Jam on the River," "AMJAM" American Music Festival, 10th Annual "Rocky Gap Music Festival," "Chicago Country Music Festival, "Riverbend Festival," "Six Flags America Country Music Festival," "Crystal River Jam," "Jim Beam Country Caravan."

Past Performance Venues: Jovita's, Continental Club - Austin; Jack of the Wood - Asheville NC; Exit Inn, Opry Plaza, Wild Horse Saloon - Nashville; Rodeo Bar - NYC; Skipper's Smokehouse - Tampa and others. DC Area venues: The Birchmere, Strathmore Hall, 9:30 Club, State Theatre, Iota Club & Cafe, Jammin' Java, Kennedy Center, Roots Cafe, Chick Hall's Surf Club, Barns of Wolf Trap, Ramshead Tavern, Arena Stage and more.

Recordings - CDs: "Someday," on Azalea City Recordings, "Ruthie and the Wranglers Live at Chick Hall's Surf Club," "Life's Savings" and "Wrangler City" on Lasso Records; 7" vinyl single on Spinout Records; and compilations by Rounder, Run Wild, Oasis Rock, "Americana Motel," "A Case for Case" a Peter Case Tribute album perforning on Tom Russell track on Hungry for Music label.

The Live Show: Take in a live show and find out why SC (South Carolina) Free Times penned Ruthie as a "twang queen of the highest order." She'll charm you with a heart felt ballad and shout out a rocker like a red hot pistol! Mathieu's standout guitar work will transcend you into new dimensions, off the beaten path of typical american music. If you're not having fun at a Ruthie and the Wranglers show, you'd better check your pulse!

Favorite Fan Quote: "I don't even like country music but I loooove Ruthie and the Wranglers!"