In 2003, just as his first single When You Come Around was released, he celebrated his first No. 1 as a songwriter when friend and collaborator Dierks Bentley took the Ruttan/Bentley/Brett Beavers co-write "What Was I Thinkin'" to the top of the charts in the US.
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Outside of writing for his own albums, Ruttan has co-written songs for many artist including; "What Was I Thinkin'" and "Lot of Leavin' Left to Do" by Dierks Bentley, "Hold My Beer" and "My Way" by Aaron Pritchett, "Guys Like Me" and "Hell on the Heart" by Eric Church, "Promise Broken" by Gary Allan, "Shotgun Girl" by The JaneDear Girls, and many more.
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Capitol Nashville's Eric Church had an American Billboard hit with his and Ruttan's "Guys Like Me" in 2007, and cuts on other acts followed (over two dozen to-date), on artists like Gary Allan, Paul Brandt, Doc Walker, Jason Blaine, and The Higgins.
He began touring as a side-musician, playing for artists such as George Fox, Jason McCoy, Deric Ruttan and Jim Witter.
Take the Week Off is the fourth studio album by Canadian country music artist Deric Ruttan.
Deric Ruttan | Susan Ruttan | Deric Washburn | John Ruttan | Deric Wan |
Tebey was the subject of a segment on CBC Radio's Sounds Like Canada, and nominated for a 2004 Canadian Radio Music Award for Best New Group or Solo Artist (Country), against Damian Marshall, Deric Ruttan, Heather Dawn and Jason Blaine.