The Usual Suspects

David "Rusty" Higgins is an Akron, Ohio native who attended Kent State University for four years as a bassoon major. He then traveled with different bands for five years before moving to Los Angeles, where he has served as a woodwind doubler (saxophone, clarinet, flute) for 34 years. His primary experience includes extensive recording studio, theater, and jazz concert work.

Specifically, Higgins has been a featured sax soloist with Les Brown’s Band of Renown since 1978. He joined Captain & Tennille in 1979 and served as Toni Tennille’s symphony orchestra conductor since 1984, conducting more than 70 orchestras. He has played for both of Ronald Regan’s presidential inaugural balls. His other performance experience includes playing in the bands of Gordon Goodwin (Big Phat Band), Louis Bellson, Clark Terry (Montreux Jazz Festival), Ray Anthony, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Bill Holman, Bob Florence, Tom Kubis, Wayne Bergeron, Ralph Carmichael, Nelson Riddle, Jack Sheldon, Ray Charles (Hollywood Bowl), Buddy Miles, L.A. Rams Band, and others.

Higgins has recorded and/or performed with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Mel Torme, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Rosemary Clooney, Sting, Kenny G., Arturo Sandoval, Michael Buble, Michael Feinstein, the Temptations, Diana Ross, Manhattan Transfer, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash, Avenged Sevenfold, and more.