Bio

Rosa “Rambling Rose” Pryor-Trusty is a native Baltimorean, music industry pioneer, journalist, entrepreneur, and community leader whose career has spanned more than six decades.

A graduate of Edmondson High School and former student of the Community College of Baltimore and Morgan State College, Rosa developed a passion for R&B music in the late 1950s. As a singer, songwriter, pianist, and saxophonist, she founded the group Little Johnny and the Twilights and recorded the song “Thanks Mr. D.J.” as a tribute to legendary Baltimore radio personalities Paul “Fat Daddy” Johnson and Rockin’ Robin. During her performing career, she shared stages with artists including The Shirelles, The Chantels, Ruby & the Romantics, Jimi Hendrix, and Sam Cooke.

Since 1966, Rosa has dedicated herself to helping artists build successful careers. She mentored young musicians, managed and promoted more than 20 music groups, and worked with local and national performers throughout the East Coast. Beginning in 1969, she managed and produced numerous R&B and jazz artists, including The Vandals, The Fabulous Friends, The SoftTones, Winfield Parker, Benny Johnson, and many others.

By the 1980s, Rosa had become one of Maryland’s most respected Black female promoters and booking agents. Through her company, Rosa Pryor Productions, she represented artists throughout the Baltimore-Washington region and worked with nationally recognized entertainers such as Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, The Drifters, Millie Jackson, Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy McGriff, and Jack McDuff.

Throughout her career, Rosa promoted and co-produced events across Maryland and beyond, including concerts at the Baltimore Civic Center, Capital Centre, Painters Mill Music Fair, Carr’s Beach, and other major venues. She also served as manager or booking agent for several prominent Baltimore entertainment establishments, including Club Casino and the Elgin Lounge.

Known professionally as “Rambling Rose,” a nickname reportedly given to her by Nat King Cole, Rosa became a recognizable figure in Baltimore’s entertainment community. Her signature red gowns and tradition of handing out long-stemmed red roses made her a beloved presence on and off the stage.

In addition to her work in entertainment, Rosa has enjoyed a distinguished journalism career. She served as entertainment editor, account executive, and columnist for The Baltimore Times and The Annapolis Times and has been an entertainment columnist and reporter for the Afro-American Newspaper since 1997. She is also co-author of the book African American Entertainment in Baltimore, a historical look at the legendary Pennsylvania Avenue entertainment district.

Rosa is the founder and chairwoman of the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund, established in 1991 to provide financial assistance for aspiring young musicians. She also co-founded RoseGarden Entertainment Enterprises, Inc. with her husband, William “Shorty” Trusty, providing entertainment services for clubs, hotels, casinos, racetracks, and special events.

A longtime member of the National Association of Black Journalists and numerous civic and cultural organizations, Rosa has received countless honors and awards from elected officials, media organizations, and community groups for her contributions to music, journalism, and the arts.

Rosa and her husband, William “Shorty” Trusty, are partners in both business and life. She is the proud mother of four, grandmother of 13, and great-grandmother of seven.