Wikipedia:
Russell Taff (born November 11, 1953) is an American gospel singer.
Taff has one of the most recognizable voices in Christian music. He has sung a variety of musical styles throughout his career including: pop rock, traditional southern gospel, contemporary country music, and rhythm and blues. He first gained recognition as lead vocalist for The Imperials (1977–81). One of his best-known performances is the song "Praise The Lord". He has also been a member of the Gaither Vocal Band, and occasionally tours with Bill Gaither in the Gaither Homecoming concerts. As a solo artist and songwriter, Taff is known for the 1980s anthem "We Will Stand".
Biography
Russ Taff is originally from Farmersville, California. Taff later then moved to Arkansas where he graduated from Cutter-Morning Star High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Taff and his wife, Tori, have two daughters: Maddie Rose and Charlotte.
Video
Long-form1992: Russ Taff: A Christmas Song (Sparrow)2001: I Do Believe Gaither Vocal Band "One Way"2006: Ernie Haase & Signature Sound "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand"2007: The Best of Russ Taff From the Gaither Homecoming Series2007: Timeless: Concert of Faith & Inspiration2009: Gaither Vocal Band Reunion: Vol. 1 "Born Again", "Heartbreak Ridge And New Hope Road", "Knowing You'll Be There"2009: Gaither Vocal Band Reunion: Vol. 2 "The Really Big News", "When The Rains Come"Concept Music videosGaither Homecoming video performances1998: Down by the Tabernacle "The Tabernacle", "I Saw The Light"1998: Rivers of Joy "We Will Stand"1999: I'll Meet You on the Mountain "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand"2000: Good News "When He Set Me Free"2000: Irish Homecoming "Ain't No Grave"2000: Whispering Hope "O Say, But I'm Glad"2001: A Billy Graham Music Homecoming, Vol.2 "My Tribute"2001: London Homecoming "We Will Stand"2002: Let Freedom Ring "When He Calls I'll Fly Away"2002: New Orleans Homecoming "Praise The Lord"2003: Australian Homecoming2003: Red Rocks Homecoming "They Call It Gospel Music"2003: Rocky Mountain Homecoming "The Workshop Of The Lord"2004: Journey to the Sky "Trumpet Of Jesus"2004: Passin' the Faith Along "Born Again"2004: We Will Stand "We Will Stand"2005: Jerusalem Homecoming "Bethlehem, Galilee, Gethsemane"2006: Canadian Homecoming "More Than Ever"2006: Live from Toronto "Trumpet Of Jesus"2006: Christmas in South Africa "Higher Than Mt. Kilimanjaro"2007: Amazing Grace "Amazing Grace"2008: Homecoming Picnic "The Sweetest Song I Know"2009: Joy in My Heart "Jesus Is The Best Thing"2011: Alaskan Homecoming "Somebody’s Coming", "We Will Stand"2011: Majesty "I Shall Wear A Crown"
Awards and honors
Grammys
With The Imperials1977 Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational for Sail On1979 Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational for Heed the Call1981 Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational for PrioritySolo1983 Best Gospel Performance, Male for Walls of Glass1991 Best Rock/Contemporary Gospel Album for Under Their Influence GMA Doves
As member of The Imperials1977: Male Group of the Year1979: Male Group of the Year1980: Male Group of the Year1981: Male Group of the Year1981: Song of the Year – "Praise The Lord"1981: Male Vocalist of the Year1982: Male Vocalist of the Year1998: Inducted into the GMA's Gospel Music Hall of Fame (with all five original members: Jake Hess, Armond Morales, Gary McSpadden, Sherrill Neilsen & Henry Slaughter, as well as Joe Moscheo, Terry Blackwood, Sherman Andrus, and Jim Murray)Solo1984: Male Vocalist of the Year1986: Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Medals1989: Rock Album of the Year for Russ Taff1989: Recorded Music Packaging of the Year for Russ TaffNominations with the Gaither Vocal Band2003: Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year2003: Country Album of the Year
Sources
Alfonso, Barry (2002) s The Billboard Guide to Contemporary Christian MusicGaither, Bill (2008) Gaither.comJones, Kim (2008) About.comLarkin, Colin (2006) The Encyclopedia of Popular MusicMansfield, Brian (2005) Allmusic.comTPE Interview (2006). Today's Pentecostal Evangel
