Meet Dusty Leigh Huston of Chattanooga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dusty Leigh Huston.

Hi Dusty Leigh, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
An Idaho native and named after her mother’s favorite band, ZZ Top, Dusty Leigh’s beginning is not one of traditional means. Idaho isn’t known for the next music scene, especially in the ’90s. Young, inexperienced, and full of stage fright, Dusty Leigh performed at every local and state fair, karaoke contest, and radio station talent show to be found. Developing a solid foundation derived from gritty ballads, intoxicating melodies, and broken hearts woven into cheeky anthems and lessons learned. No matter what Dusty Leigh sings, it comes from a strong will and a life of struggle, tragedy, and drive. During her mid-teens, Dusty Leigh tragically lost her mother, and shortly after that, Dusty Leigh met her saving grace. Marrying young and jumping head first into Military life, it wasn’t long before she began sharing her gift in every new state and town the military would send them. During their last military tour, Dusty Leigh’s husband put together a band, known at the time as Whiskey Creek, comprised of all active-duty military members. The band quickly fell together and pushed Dusty Leigh out of her comfort zone and onto the stages surrounded by thousands. What started as an idea soon turned into a full-time gigging act that would take them across state lines and straight into rock-n-roll life. Though the adventure was short-lived, it wasn’t in vain. Leaving military life after 15 years and moving back to Idaho, it wasn’t long before Dusty Leigh’s itch to be on stage again set in.

In the summer of 2019, Dusty Leigh was signed to EMG Records with legendary Producer Chas Childers; wasting no time, song selection began, and it was like wildfire to fulfill Dusty Leigh’s childhood dream of releasing her first album. After 2020 brought a few setbacks, it was through hard work, strong will, and pure determination that Dusty Leigh released her debut EP, “Roots & Dreams, in February 2021. With a string of two-sided single releases, Roots & Dreams comprised a three-volume trilogy that delivered blended country sensibilities with storytelling anthems.

2021 brought massive changes for Dusty Leigh, wanting to be closer to her label and position herself to be involved in the Nashville music scene. Dusty Leigh packed up her entire life and left Idaho to pursue her dreams on a much higher level. And it’s proved to be a step in the right direction. Settling in Chattanooga, TN, Dusty Leigh wasted no time forming another band, setting out to play new venues, and making new fans! In addition to settling into her new hometown and gearing up for a busy spring & summer touring schedule. She’s also steadfast on completing her sophomore album, “The Hell I Won’t” Dusty Leigh has enjoyed writing new songs that resonate with things from her past in hopes that her fans will relate to what drives her to continue fighting for this dream. Despite the struggles and setbacks are stemming from the ongoing pandemic.

Now a seasoned singer and new songwriter, Dusty Leigh have a gift for delivering honest and emotional material. Her vocals blend naturalistic lyrics with country-music ideals and draw listeners in using heartfelt melodies and genuine emotion that she has lived. Describing her upbringing as one stemming from “humble but tragic beginnings,” each song she sings is genuinely handcrafted and recorded to portray life’s joys and struggles, all of which Dusty Leigh hopes her listeners can relate to.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Is there anyone with a smooth road? I’d love to meet them! From the beginning, during my early teen years, I lost my mother, which altered the path I had set out to accomplish. I married at 18, and shortly after, my husband joined the United States Coast Guard. We traveled the country from VA to Alaska for 15 years. Military/kid life didn’t accommodate the singing career I had dreamed of. I put those dreams on hold for most of those 15 years.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have worked a day job since I was 15 years old. For the last 15 years, I have been in HR, focused on Head Hunting/Corporate recruiting.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
Podcast: NO SUCH THING AS NORMAL — WITH BRYONY GORDON
Podcast: Robert Miller’s “Follow Your Dream

Contact Info:

• Website: http://dustyleigh.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedustyleigh/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DustyLeighHuston
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DustyLeighHuston/featured
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oi5Aai6XfjpaxbMxvbTC0

Image Credits
Photographer: Dave Moto