Russ Taff was born the fourth of five sons to a fire-breathing Pentecostal preacher father and a gospel music-loving mother. He first formed a local band called Sounds of Joy, and began writing songs that combined the spiritual truths of his childhood with the music of his generation. Two years after his band served as an opening act for the legendary Imperials, Taff was invited to join them as lead vocalist. With the Imperials he toured extensively and gained recognition as ‘The Voice’ behind award-winning songs and albums that successfully completed the group’s transition from traditional to contemporary Christian.
Eager to experience and explore all aspects of music, Taff left the Imperials after four and a half years to pursue a solo career. He captured the imagination of the industry by successfully releasing a series of innovative works that delved into his musical heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary Christian music. Taff’s lyrics, often co-written with his wife Tori, chronicled his personal spiritual path. His eclectic taste was reflected in his recordings and live concerts, as he drew from all genres-- rock, pop, blues, Southern gospel, Black gospel, country, even big band.
Russ Taff’s music has won him not only a wide audience and critical acclaim, but a total of five Grammy awards and nine Gospel Music Association Dove awards. He has been hailed by Billboard Magazine as “the single most electrifying voice in Christian music.†But he never forgot where he came from, or the sounds that first stirred his soul.
In 1991, Russ was invited by his long-time friend Bill Gaither to be part of one of his fledgling Homecoming videos, and in a surprise move, joined the famed Gaither Vocal Band as a baritone in 2001. He toured as a member of the group for almost three years, and the two projects recorded during his tenure earned unprecedented back-to-back Grammy nominations. Early in 2004, Russ decided to step down from the Vocal Band and return to his solo artist status on the tour. A perennial Homecoming favorite, his soulful, passionate vocal presence continues to be featured in concerts and videos.
DISCLAIMER: THIS SITE WAS CREATED BY A FAN. RUSS TAFF IS NOT PERSONALLY AFFILIATED AND DOES NOT MAINTAIN THIS SITE.
