The Story of Rush

In the early 1970s, working as a radio music director, Donna Halper received a record by a little-known Canadian trio. She listened, believed in it, and put “Working Man” on the air. Cleveland listeners responded immediately — and Rush’s American career began.

The band never forgot it. Rush dedicated their first two albums, Rush and Fly by Night, to her. Decades later she appears in the acclaimed 2010 documentary Beyond the Lighted Stage and in a 2020 Fantoons animated video celebrating the 40th anniversary of “The Spirit of Radio.”

The friendship endured for a lifetime: Donna was there in 2010 when Rush received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and continued to see the band over the years.