After moving to Nashville in 1993, Rivers quickly found his place in the world as an entertainer, studio guitar player and songwriter. In 1996, Rivers signed with Universal Music Publishing and remains with the company today. Artists including Gretchen Wilson, Gary Allan, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, Trick Pony, Blake Shelton, Deana Carter, Clay Davidson, Jamie O’Neal and Andy Griggs have since recorded Rutherford’s songs.

Rutherford claimed his first number one hit, “Ain’t Nothin “Bout You” in 2001. The song spent six weeks at number one and is to date, the most successful single ever recorded by Brooks and Dunn. Rutherford was honored by ASCAP and received their Song of the Year Award in 2002. Since the smash hit with Brooks and Dunn, Rivers has accomplished two more number one singles, Tim McGraw’s “Real Good Man,” and Montgomery Gentry’s first number one, “If You Ever Stop Loving Me,” which he also produced.

While Rivers continues to enjoy songwriting success with the current Gretchen Wilson hit, “Homewrecker,” he plans to expand performing, recording and is producing upcoming albums for artists such as Jamie O’Neal and Montgomery Gentry.