Cliff & Susan, the husband-and-wife musical powerhouse from Little Rock, Arkansas, have crafted a vibrant and multifaceted career that spans music production, live performances, podcasting, and festival organization. Their journey is a testament to their passion, hard work, and mutual love for both each other and their craft.
Cliff and Susan are not just musicians; they are entrepreneurs and innovators. How do they manage to juggle it all? By working tirelessly and loving every minute of it. They set realistic goals for both their business and marriage, ensuring that their processes and workflows run as efficiently as possible. While they outsource some tasks, they primarily rely on their well-organized systems to keep everything on track.
Susan brings a unique perspective to music composition with her background in pure mathematics. She sees music as a series of numbers and patterns, which can sometimes make her overly focused on structure. However, she has learned to balance this with creativity, finding the magic in living inside proven structures while allowing for artistic freedom. This mathematical approach helps in analyzing and crafting hit songs, considering the nuances of different genres.
Working together as a married couple is, in one word, fun. Cliff and Susan’s complementary personalities and commitment to mutual respect enable them to thrive both in their marriage and their business. There is nothing better, they say, than doing what you love with the person you love.
One of the first songs they wrote together, “Fiddle & Keys,” tells the story of their lives before and after meeting each other. The song is a high-energy celebration of their musical journey, featuring their signature instruments—fiddle for Cliff and piano for Susan. Each verse narrates their individual stories, culminating in a powerful finale about their current career. Audiences love the personal touch and the dynamic solos that showcase their talents.
Cliff and Susan thrive on live performances where they can interact with the audience. Whether in a small or large venue, they aim to connect with people from the stage, taking them on a musical journey through both cover songs and their original music. Their ability to engage and entertain is a hallmark of their shows.
The duo is gearing up for a prolific 2024, with over 30 songs ready to record and strategically release. They are particularly excited about a three-song collaboration with award-winning singer/songwriter Erin Enderlin. This new music promises to showcase their continued growth and versatility as artists.
After a grueling month on the road with six shows a week, Susan might prefer a night in with their dogs. However, by the weekend, the allure of the stage calls her back. They maintain an 80/20 stage-to-dogs ratio, balancing their love for performing with their need for relaxation.
Cliff Prowse’s musical journey began in the town square of Mt. View, Arkansas, where he honed his skills on multiple instruments. His versatility has led to collaborations with award-winning artists and a prolific career in Nashville, TN. Susan Erwin Prowse, a classically trained pianist with a degree in pure mathematics, left her corporate job as a Radio Frequency Engineer to pursue music full-time. She has since built an international career as a high-energy piano entertainer.
Cliff and Susan’s paths crossed on stage in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 2016. Their chemistry was undeniable, both musically and personally, leading to their elopement in Las Vegas in 2017. Since then, they have toured internationally, performing over 200 shows per year and captivating audiences worldwide.
Their extensive touring has taken them to over seven countries, where they deliver interactive, request-driven shows that span diverse musical genres. Their ability to perform over 2,000 songs and engage with audiences of all ages makes their live performances truly special.
In 2017, Cliff and Susan founded Big Red Dog Productions, a music production and artist development company. Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, the company aims to nurture and develop independent artists, helping them navigate the ever-evolving music industry.
As an extension of their artistic brand, Cliff and Susan launched Rainy Ray, an e-commerce store featuring handmade jewelry, apparel, and artwork. This venture allows them to blend their creative talents with entrepreneurial spirit, offering fans unique, handcrafted items.
The Yadaloo Music & Arts Festival, founded by Cliff and Susan, won Arkansas’s Best New Festival of the Year in 2019. This recognition led to their winning the Arkansas Country Music Award’s Promoter of the Year. The festival showcases their commitment to promoting arts and culture in their community.
Since 2021, the Cliff & Susan Podcast has provided listeners with insights into their lives and careers. The podcast is a platform for educating, entertaining, and inspiring their audience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry and their personal journey.
In 2022, they launched the Entertainers Academy to support independent artists in building profitable music careers. The academy provides resources and guidance to help artists stay up-to-date in the rapidly changing music landscape.
Cliff and Susan reside in Little Rock, Arkansas, with their three beloved dogs. Their home life is a balance of creative work and relaxation, deeply rooted in their local community.
Cliff & Susan’s story is one of love, passion, and relentless dedication. From their musical beginnings to their current multifaceted careers, they continue to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
Published by: Holy Minoza
