About Ruf Records

It all started in the Black Forest, late at night, when it seems all great things begin.
There in a small village bar, with the doors locked, window shades rolled down, an after- hours party was happening inside. Blues great, Luther Allison was jamming with a bunch of eighty-year old Black Forest folklore musicians. I was young, lucky and overwhelmed by the communicating power of music. I left the farm to pay my dues as a concert promoter, agent and manager. Soon I collaborated with Allison, eventually becoming his representative on the European side of the world. I was a student learning from a man who traveled the rocky blues road for more than thirty years. It became apparent that relationships between artists and record companies can be frustrating for the artists, with companies lacking enthusiasm and understanding of the music.

So management had a baby and it was named Ruf Records. Born of the need and love to promote what we believe in... the communicating power of music.

Now more than 25 years and 300 releases later, I couldn't be happier. And with all the terrific artists on the Ruf Records roster, we will continue to grow. Ruf Records is the label of choice for von Luther Allison, Aynley Lister, Canned Heat, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Samantha Fish,Walter Trout and many more.

We are able to help our artists expand their careers beyond their extensive tour schedules by providing them with worldwide distribution and one-on-one relationships with each and every one of us here at Ruf. The same applies to our relationships with radio broadcasters, CD reviewers, magazines, e-zines, blue societies and anyone else in this crazy business. Let us know who you are, what you need and what you think. Ruf Records wants to hear from you, and we want you to hear from Ruf Records... communicating for the power of music.

On this site you will be able to view our growing family. Stay a while and enjoy. Be sure to come back soon.

Thomas Ruf

P.S. And in case you were wondering, it's pronounced "roof".

 

Click here to read the Ruf Records story in The Blues Magazine.