I was recently asked:
“So, I noticed the Record Label is Rusty Bear Music and one of your children’s books is about Rusty Bear…so what’s the story behind Rusty Bear. Curious people want to know! lol :D”
I thought some of you might also be wondering the same thing, so here was my answer to her:
I was named after the little boy character on the TV show RinTinTin named Rusty. Though Russell is my legal name I was known as “Rusty” as a child and adults who knew me then still sometimes call me Rusty. As I’ve been able begin reliving or be reminded of many parts of my childhood through enjoying time with my three grandsons and writing children’s books, I’m gradually reintroducing Rusty back into important parts of my life. The working title of one of my near-term future book projects is “Rusty’s Tales” and will probably include 3 or 4 of my children’s stories.
The Bear part of Rusty Bear comes from my love of redwood trees and animal carvings from redwood. My children bought a cute redwood bear for me a few years ago that now greats visitors to my small redwood grove. He can be seen behind my dog Duke on the cover of my song, “My Old Friend.” I named the bear Rusty.
One of my first children’s books is titled, “Rusty Bear and Thomas Too” and features a redwood bear that comes to life to help a little boy named Thomas rescue a bird family that is in dire straights. Thomas is the name of my first grandson.
One of my most recent books, “Zach and the Toad Who Road a Bull” features character with the name of my second grandson, Zach (aka Zachary). I’m now attempting to come up with a story worthy of my third grandson Alex (aka Alexander).
With Love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
I know Alex will have a great story!
I certainly hope so! Thank you, Ute!
Russ
i remember that show and i love that name!
It was one of my favorite shows as a kid even before I found out its connection to my name. I learned a while ago that the actor who portrayed Rusty was also the young boy in “Hondo.” I’d watched the latter several times and never recognized that they were the same actor.
Russ
Ok I loved the show Rin Tin Tin just saying and the name Rusty just saying,
Me too! Now. There was a time growing up when I’d grown “Too old” to want to keep being called Rusty. But not now. (I guess I’ve gotten younger since then.) ;-D!
Russ
😀 😀