Rusted Root is an American rock band that incorporates elements of African, Latin, and Middle Eastern music into their jam-oriented songs. ∙ Influenced by the work of U2 and Peter Gabriel, Rusted Root founder Michael Gablicki dropped out of college at age 20 to pursue a career in music. ∙ Cruel Sun, the Pittsburgh-based group’s self-released 1992 debut, sold more than 100,000 copies and earned Rusted Root a deal with Mercury Records. ∙ The band broke through to the mainstream with their second album, 1994’s When I Woke, which was certified Platinum. ∙ “Send Me On My Way,” from When I Woke, has been featured in more than a dozen films and TV shows, including 2002’s Oscar-nominated Ice Age. ∙ Coproduced by Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads fame, 1996’s Remember was their highest-charting album, reaching No. 38 on the Billboard 200. ∙ Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen of Hot Tuna guested on the band’s self-titled 1998 album.