Russ Taff

Hailed by Billboard magazine as "the single most electrifying voice in Christian music," Russ Taff has garnered six GRAMMY® Awards and 16 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards.  Inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame an unprecedented three times—as a soloist, and a member of The Imperials and the Gaither Vocal Band—Taff's iconic career has now spanned over four decades.

Rising to prominence with The Imperials, trailblazers of the contemporary Christian music movement, Taff is the voice behind such quintessential hits as "Praise the Lord," "Trumpet of Jesus," and "I'm Forgiven," among many others.  His trademark emotion-drenched vocals brought him to the attention of Bill Gaither, and his appearances in the Gaither Homecoming video series and tour expanded his audience into the Southern Gospel field, including a three year stint as a member of the renowned Gaither Vocal Band.

But it was Taff's solo career that captured the imagination of the industry with an eclectic series of innovative works that reflected his musical heritage while pushing the boundaries of Contemporary Christian Music.  He drew from all genres-rock, pop, blues, southern gospel, black gospel, country and even big band.  Critically acclaimed recordings such as Medals, Russ Taff and Under Their Influence featured the classic singles "We Will Stand," "I Cry," "Not Gonna Bow" and "Farther On." Taff’s lyrics, co-written with his wife Tori, authentically chronicle his deeply personal spiritual path.

In 2018, "Russ Taff:  I Still Believe" premiered in more than 700 movie theaters nationwide. The documentary follows Taff's unparalleled musical journey and unflinchingly reveals how the trauma from an abusive childhood fueled his own secret alcohol addiction.  It powerfully portrays the effect it had on his marriage and family, as Taff struggled to find freedom from the prison of his past and ultimately learned to embrace Christ's love and forgiveness.  The response to the movie was swift and overwhelming, which has led to yet another new chapter in Taff's ever-evolving career and ministry.  "I had no idea what it would feel like to watch some of my darkest moments and deepest regrets play out in front of an audience," Taff shares.  "What I was completely unprepared for was the wave of unconditional love, compassion, acceptance and encouragement I received by telling my truth.  Our prayer is that God can continue to use our story to help coax other hurting people out of the shadows."

• 6 Grammy awards
• 18 Gospel Music Association Dove awards
• Dove Award-nominated
• Has been hailed by Billboard Magazine as "the single most electrifying voice in Christian music"
• Cited as a musical influence by artists as diverse as Bart Millard of Mercy Me, Jason Crabb, Michael Tait and the Kings of Leon
• Inducted into the Arkansas Hall of Fame
• Inducted into Christian Music Hall of Fame
• Honored for his lifetime achievements in the industry at the 2012 GMA Dove Awards
• Named 2013 RC Cola King at the annual Moon Pie festival in his tiny hometown of Bell Buckle, TN
• Toured with Bill Gaither Homecoming Tour
• Was a Gaither Vocal Band member
• Preachers son