About Us
The Big Blues Chart presents Real World Radio Reporting, using meaningful data from hundreds of stations around the world to present honest and unbiased charting based on actual spins and station strength.
Founders
Rick Lusher
Rick Lusher, recently retired Director of Rick Lusher Blues Radio Promotions, is an industry veteran. He has led successful radio promotions for record labels American Showplace Music, Blues Leaf Records, Gulf Coast Records, Ruf Records and Forty Below Records; he has also worked directly with artists including Colin James, Vannesa Collier, Samantha Fish, Albert Castiglia, Sean Chambers, Damon Fowler, Mike Zito, Victor Wainwright, Big Bill Morganfield, Bobby Rush, Eddie Kirkland, Downchild, Crystal Shawanda , Savoy Brown, Bruce Katz, Slam Allen, John Ginty, Biscuit Miller, Nicole Hart, Brandon Santini, Jeff Jensen, Alexis P Suter, Anthony Geraci, Jimmy Carpenter, Billy Price, Chris O’Leary, Alastair Greene, Ally Venable, Andy T Band, Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos, Arsen Shomakhov, BB King Blues Band, Ben Rice/RB Stone, Bennett Brothers, Bernard Allison, Betty Fox Band, Big Daddy Wilson, Bobby Kyle, Charlie Wooton, Dana Fuchs, Dave Fields, Dave Keyes, Downchild, Freddie Pate, Geoff Achison, Ghalia, Ghost Town Blues Band, Giles Robison, Grant Dermody, Hurricane Ruth, Ina Forsman, Jeremiah Johnson, Joanne Shaw Taylor, John Blues Boyd, John Pagano Band, Jonathon Long, Kat Riggins, Katarina Pejak, Katie Henry, Kevin Burt, Liz Mandeville, Lucky Losers, Mark May Band, Mary Lane, Michael Kaeshammer, Michelle Malone, Milligan Vaughan Project, Myles Goodwyn, Peter Karp, Peter Parcek, Rachelle Coba, Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Ryan Perry, Savoy Brown, Scott Weis Band, Seth Rosenbloom, Tas Cru, Tennessee Redemption, The Proven Ones, Thorbjorn Risager & The Black Tornado, Tony Campanella, and Whitney Shay.
Rick also has a long history of working with computers and data since the mid-60’s, a depth of experience that helped grow the Big Blues Chart from a comment to reality in two weeks.
Amy Brat
BratGirlmedia is a full-service media company, providing a wide spectrum of promotional, publicity and support services for the musical community, including press, radio, artist development, and new media. Director Amy Brat uses her cutting-edge knowledge of new technologies, as well as a targeted outreach to her vast network of media contacts, friends and industry associates to assess, structure and implement effective strategies and campaigns. BratGirlmedia’s many satisfied clients include musical artists, record companies, magazines, venues, concert promoters, and non-profit organizations.
Gina Hughes
The Galaxie Agency founder and CEO Gina Hughes’ reputation in the world of roots-based music extends throughout the US and Europe. Known and respected for her artist-friendly hands-on style, her career in the music business began at Belmont University, where she worked in public relations and student recruitment for the school’s now-internationally-famous music business program. Since then her vast experience has grown to include artist management, publicity, concert and tour promotion, marketing, merchandising — literally all facets of the business. Her passion for music and the people who create and support it is the foundation of the Galaxie Agency’s guiding principles.
Gina started the Galaxie Agency in 2005 with one very positive goal: “I wanted to help artists get their original music in front of folks,” she says. “It's rewarding to see someone who is very talented have an opportunity to ‘make it’ in the music business. Her good friend Will Jones, a/k/a/ “Dr. Epiphone,” encouraged her and helped get things rolling.
Since then Gina has worked with a wealth of exceptional performers, presenting concerts by Gary Nicholson, Mike Zito, Mike Farris, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Steve Cropper, Tracy Nelson, Derek St Holmes, Jimmy Hall, Dianne Davidson, Chris BadNews Barnes, and many others. As a manager she has worked with Stacy Mitchhart, Hurricane Ruth La Master, Orphan Jon. Her goal for the agency and its clients is every buyer and record label would be proud to have any of these artists in their stable.
Michelle Castiglia
Michelle Castiglia is a dynamic and experienced individual with a diverse background in Traditional and Digital Marketing. With over 30+ years of industry experience, having worked with clients from various verticals, including big names such as Citrix, Office Depot/Staples, T-Mobile, Assurant, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Air Transat, First Chicago Leasing, and Bank of New York. Her expertise lies in Agency Operations, where she excels in Project Management and Media Buying along with Print and Direct Mail. Her proficiency in List and Data Management sets her apart from others.
Driven by her love for music and a desire to support the talented artists behind it, Michelle founded MAC Radio Promo. This one-of-a-kind company specializes in Blues Radio Airplay Campaigns and represents popular labels such as Gulf Coast, Ruf and Forty Below along with numerous unsigned artists.
Apart from her professional achievements, Michelle is also happily married to a blues musician. As someone who truly understands the soul behind music creation, she brings a unique perspective and understanding to her work at MAC Radio Promo. With her passion for marketing combined with her love for music and support for artists; it's no wonder that Michelle Castiglia stands out as a creative force to be reckoned with.