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Russell Taff (born November 11, 1953) is an American
gospel Gospel originally meant the Christian message (" the gospel"), but in the 2nd century it came to be used also for the books in which the message was set out. In this sense a gospel can be defined as a loose-knit, episodic narrative of the words a ...
singer and songwriter who grew up in
Farmersville, California Farmersville is a city in the San Joaquin Valley in Tulare County, California, United States, just to the east of Visalia, California. The population was 10,588 at the 2010 census, up from 8,737 at the 2000 census. The current population of Far ...
. He has sung a variety of musical styles throughout his career including:
pop rock Pop rock (also typeset as pop/rock) is a fusion genre with an emphasis on professional songwriting and recording craft, and less emphasis on attitude than rock music. Originating in the late 1950s as an alternative to normal rock and roll, earl ...
, traditional Southern gospel, contemporary
country music Country (also called country and western) is a genre of popular music that originated in the Southern and Southwestern United States in the early 1920s. It primarily derives from blues, church music such as Southern gospel and spirituals, ...
, and
rhythm and blues Rhythm and blues, frequently abbreviated as R&B or R'n'B, is a genre of popular music that originated in African-American communities in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly ...
. He first gained recognition as lead vocalist for
the Imperials The Imperials are an American Christian music group that has been active for over 55 years. Originating as a southern gospel quartet, the innovative group would become pioneers of contemporary Christian music in the 1960s. There have been many ...
(1976–81). 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 ''Gaither Homecoming'' is the name applied to a series of videos, music recordings and concerts, which are organized, promoted and usually presented by Christian music songwriter and impresario Bill Gaither. To date, the ''Gaither Homecoming'' t ...
concerts. As a solo artist and songwriter, Taff is known for the 1980s anthem "We Will Stand". Taff has received various Dove and Grammy awards either as a solo artist or part of a larger musical group, most notably the Imperials.


Early life

Russ Taff was born to Joe and Ann Taff on November 11, 1953, the fourth of five sons, and grew up in Farmersville, California. Taff's father was a pastor of a small Pentecostal church - the Eastside Tabernacle Church which was located in an old laundromat - and machinist while his mother, Ann, was a field worker who picked fruit and chopped cotton. Taff's younger years were taken up with the church and a tumultuous home life where he suffered physical and verbal abuse from both parents. His father's alcoholism, which Taff shared later in life, and verbal abuse along with his mom's physical abuse became overwhelming and confusing to the young boy. He retreated to his mother's collection of black and southern gospel albums, as any secular music was forbidden by his parents along with newspapers, magazines and TV. By the time he was 11 years old, Taff had learned to play the guitar which, along with singing, became an outlet for him from the familial strife. He credits his oldest brother, Bill, with being highly influential at this time, taking him to "all-night gospel sings and that sort of thing." The family moved to
Hot Springs, Arkansas Hot Springs is a resort city in the state of Arkansas and the county seat of Garland County. The city is located in the Ouachita Mountains among the U.S. Interior Highlands, and is set among several natural hot springs for which the city is n ...
when Taff was 15 only to move back to California a few years later with Taff remaining in Arkansas to start college. It was at this time that he began listening to popular music for the first time. This was also the time, historically speaking, when the
Jesus movement The Jesus movement was an evangelical Christian movement which began on the West Coast of the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s and primarily spread throughout North America, Europe, and Central America, before it subsided in the l ...
was in evidence across the United States. At age 16, Taff started a band with James Hollihan, Jr. (who became a lifelong musical friend and frequent co-producer) which they named Sounds of Joy. This led to an opportunity to play at the high school they attended which opened many opportunities to share their faith with other classmates during this remarkable time in history. Sounds of Joy covered artists like
Love Song A love song is a song about romantic love, falling in love, heartbreak after a breakup, and the feelings that these experiences bring. A comprehensive list of even the best known performers and composers of love songs would be a large order ...
and Larry Norman. The group ended up recording 3 albums of their own, one of which was produced by
Gary Paxton Gary Sanford Paxton (born Larry Wayne Stevens; May 18, 1939 – July 17, 2016) was an American record producer, recording artist, and Grammy and Dove Award winning songwriter. Paxton was a member of Skip & Flip and the Hollywood Argyles and was ...
. At one point in the 70s, Sounds of Joy got the opportunity to open for the Imperials who were recognized as one of the trailblazing artists in the field of what became known as Contemporary Christian Music (CCM).


The Imperials

Sometime prior to 1976 Taff toured as a singer with evangelist Jerry Seville. Aside from the opportunity to perform, he was "really studying the Bible" after his many years of being influenced by the emotionalism of his Pentecostal upbringing. In 1976, having made an impression on the group 2 years earlier,
The Imperials The Imperials are an American Christian music group that has been active for over 55 years. Originating as a southern gospel quartet, the innovative group would become pioneers of contemporary Christian music in the 1960s. There have been many ...
called with an offer to audition for the position as the group's new lead singer. Two weeks before his 23rd birthday, Taff traveled to Nashville where the try outs were taking place. Taff said "I sang with them that afternoon and that evening they hired me. I joined the Imperials when I was 22, and I’ve been riding buses ever since." His first appearance on an Imperials album was on 1977's ''Sail On'' which won the Grammy for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary Or Inspirational. Taff remained their lead singer from 1976 through 1981 for what is recognized as the Imperials most successful period as a group. Part of the reason Taff left the group in 1981 was due to the financial arrangements he had with them. He was paid a straight salary for his work within the group which meant he did not share in any of the monies generated by ticket or album sales. Mark Allen Powell, writing in the ECCM, opined that this arrangement was likely fine when he first signed on with the Imperials, but was not an equitable situation when Taff's membership turned the group into the ‘single best-selling contemporary Christian music group’ in the US for the period of time he was a member. During his time with the Imperials the group garnered 3 Grammys and 5 Dove Awards with Taff earning 1 Dove Award himself. It was also during this time, at age 26, that the alcoholism that had been a part of the earlier family dynamic with his father became a part of Taff's own life.


Solo career to current

His time with the Imperials laid the groundwork for Taff's subsequent solo career. He has released 12 solo albums, earning two Grammys and five additional Dove Awards. He became highly regarded for his vocal ability with Billboard at one time calling him "the single most electrifying voice in Christian music". Aside from his own projects, Taff frequently appeared as a guest vocalist on other artist's albums. In fact, he mentioned that at one point his label had explored the idea of releasing an album of the duets he had sung with other artists, but soon realized that the resulting record would have resulted in a double disc worth of material. His 1985 album, ''
Medals A medal or medallion is a small portable artistic object, a thin disc, normally of metal, carrying a design, usually on both sides. They typically have a commemorative purpose of some kind, and many are presented as awards. They may be int ...
'', was well received critically moving CCM magazine to predict it would be that years choice for best album. While that prediction did not come to pass, U2's ''Unforgettable Fire'' received that honor, it became regarded as a classic amongst contemporary Christian albums. A 2001 poll of critics undertaken by
CCM Magazine ''CCM Magazine'' is a twice-monthly online magazine focusing on contemporary Christian music, published by Salem Publishing, a division of Salem Communications. History ''CCM'' was first published in July 1978, as a printed magazine. It has be ...
placed ''Medals'' at 36 on the list of the ‘greatest’ 100 Christian albums at that time. It did receive criticisms of sounding a ‘bit too derivative’ of Hall & Oates and its themes being too geared toward "simplistic triumphalism" as mentioned by Brian Quincy Newcombe and "expressive of a militancy" that was inappropriate for Christian music. In 1991 Taff was invited by Bill Gaither to join the Gaither Homecoming video series leading to guest appearances in the Homecoming concerts. He also briefly replaced Michael English in the Gaither Vocal Band in 1994. He had been doing a few solo albums during this time when he released the mainstream country album, '' Winds of Change'' (1995), on Reprise which was followed by his return to CCM after a decade-long absence from Christian pop with '' Right Here, Right Now'' in 1999, two years after the death of his father. He then joined the Gaither Vocal Band again, singing with them from 2001 to 2004. He still performs at some of the larger Gaither events along with doing solo appearances two weekends a month. ''I Still Believe'', a documentary film on Taff by director Rick Altizer saw limited release in October 2018. The film explores Taff's life from early childhood to present day touching on the family strife, singing career and dealing with his own issues of alcoholism.


Personal

Taff is married and with his wife Tori, who he married the same year he joined the Imperials, has two adult daughters. Tori is quite involved with her husband's career as she is his main songwriting partner. Taff's history of alcohol abuse, which started when he was 26, did experience a stretch of sobriety from 1988 to 1997 between his father and mother's deaths, but did not last. He finally gained victory over his addiction through Christian counseling and intense trauma therapy.


Discography

Solo albums Compilations *1994: '' We Will Stand/Yesterday and Today'' (Myrrh) *2003: ''The Best of Russ Taff'' (Spring Hill) With the Sounds of Joy *1974: ''YHWH'' (Shalom Records) *1975: ''Sharin (JoySong Records) With the Imperials *1977: ''Sail On'' (Dayspring/Word) *1978: ''Imperials Live'' (Dayspring/Word) *1979: ''Heed The Call'' (Dayspring/Word) *1979: ''One More Song For You'' (Dayspring/Word) *1980: ''Priority'' (Dayspring/Word) *1980: ''Christmas with the Imperials'' (Dayspring/Word) *1981: ''The Very Best of the Imperials'' (Dayspring/Word) compilation *1986: ''Old Fashioned Faith'' (Dayspring/Word) compilation *1996: ''Legacy 1977–1988'' (Word Records) compilation *2006: ''The Lost Album'' (Word Records) (originally recorded in 1976) *2006: ''The Imperials – Classic Hits'' (New Haven/Provident) compilation *2007: ''The Definitive Collection'' (Word/Warner) compilation With Gaither Vocal Band *2002: ''Everything Good'' (SpringHouse/EMI) *2003: ''A Cappella'' (SpringHouse/EMI) Appearances on other albums * 1981: '' For Every Man''
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"Thank You" * 1981: ''Love Overflowing''
Sandi Patty Sandra Faye "Sandi" Patty (born July 12, 1956) is an American Christian music singer, known for her wide soprano vocal range and expressive flexibility. Biography Early life Patty was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, into a family of musician ...
"The Home of the Lord" * 1983: ''More than a Feelin Koinonia (Sparrow) "Give Your Love", "Divina" * 1984: ''For People Who Don't Hear The Music Anymore'' (Word) Joyce Landorf "I'll keep my eyes you" * 1984: ''Dancing with Danger''
Leslie Phillips Leslie Samuel Phillips (20 April 1924 – 7 November 2022) was an English actor, director, producer and author. He achieved prominence in the 1950s, playing smooth, upper-class comic roles utilising his "Ding dong" and "Hello" catchphrases. ...
(Myrrh) "Strength of My Life" * 1984: ''The Praise in Us – A Word Family Praise Album'' Various Artists (Myrrh) "Simple Song for a Mighty God" * 1984: ''
Vital Signs Vital signs (also known as vitals) are a group of the four to six most crucial medical signs that indicate the status of the body's vital (life-sustaining) functions. These measurements are taken to help assess the general physical health of a ...
'' – White Heart (
Home Sweet Home Records Home Sweet Home Records (also known as CC Entertainment) is a record label, based in Dallas, Texas. History Home Sweet Home began in 1981, in Nashville, Tennessee. It was founded by singer, songwriter and producer Chris Christian. Since its in ...
/Myrrh) "We Are His Hands" * 1985: ''The CAUSE'' (various artists) (Sparrow) "Do Something Now" * 1985: '' Lulu Roman Smith'' "King of Who I Am" * 1985: ''Sheep in Wolves Clothing'' Mylon LeFevre and Broken Heart (Myrrh) "Gospel Ship" * 1988: ''Phil Keaggy & Sunday's Child'' Phil Keaggy (Myrrh) "Aint Got No" * 1988: ''Can't Buy a Miracle''
Randy Stonehill Randall Evan Stonehill (born March 12, 1952) is an American singer and songwriter from Stockton, California, best known as one of the pioneers of contemporary Christian music. His music is primarily folk rock in the style of James Taylor, but ...
(Word) "Awfully Loud World" * 1988: '' Lead Me On'' –
Amy Grant Amy Lee Grant (born November 25, 1960) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She began in contemporary Christian music (CCM) before crossing over to pop music in the 1980s and 1990s. She has been referred to as "The Queen of Christia ...
(A&M) "All Right" * 1989: '' Our Hymns'' (Word) Medley: "Near The Cross"/"My Jesus I Love Thee"/"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" * 1990: ''Phase II'' Eddie DeGarmo (Fore Front) "There's Something About That Name" * 1990: '' Stolen Moments'' –
John Hiatt John Robert Hiatt (born August 20, 1952) is an American singer-songwriter. He has played a variety of musical styles on his albums, including new wave, blues, and country. Hiatt has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards and has been awarded ...
(A&M) * 1990: ''Through Flood & Fire'' – Sparks "Jesus Rescues Me" (Reunion) * 1990: ''Our Christmas'' (Word) "
Silent Night "Silent Night" (german: "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht", links=no, italic=no) is a popular Christmas carol, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. It was declared an ...
" * 1990: ''Handel's Young Messiah'' (A&M) "He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd" with Sheila Walsh * 1991: ''For Such a Time as This'' Sheila Walsh (Star Song) "A Dove Amongst Eagles" * 1991: ''
Big Town ''Big Town'' is a popular long-running radio drama featuring a corruption-fighting newspaper editor initially played from 1937 to 1942 by Edward G. Robinson in his first radio role, with echoes of the conscience-stricken tabloid editor he had ...
'' –
Ashley Cleveland Ashley Cleveland (born February 2, 1957) is an American singer/songwriter best known as a background vocalist and gospel singer. Ashley Cleveland was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. She has been married to Kenny Greenberg since April 27, 1991, a ...
(Atlantic) * 1991: '' Show Me Your Way''
Glen Campbell Glen Travis Campbell (April 22, 1936 – August 8, 2017) was an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, actor and television host. He was best known for a series of hit songs in the 1960s and 1970s, and for hosting '' The Glen Campbell Good ...
(New Haven) "The Greatest Gift of All" * 1992: ''Above And Beyond'' O'Landa Draper & The Associates (Word) "Wipe A Tear" * 1992: ''Innocent Eyes'' Tanya Goodman Sykes (Benson) "Who at My Door is Standing?" * 1992: ''No Compromise: Remembering the Music of Keith Green'' (Sparrow) "Your Love Broke Through" * 1992: ''Did You Think to Pray This Morning?'' – The Johnson Sisters with Russ Taff (Canaan) * 1993: '' Lead Me Not'' –
Lari White Lari Michele White Cannon (, ; May 13, 1965 – January 23, 2018) was an American country music singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her debut in 1988 after winning ''You Can Be a Star'', a televised talent competition ...
(RCA) * 1993: '' Sweet Relief: A Benefit for Victoria Williams'' – various artists (Thirsty Ear/Chaos) * 1995: ''Beyond December'' – First Call (Warner Alliance) * 1996: ''Way I Should'' –
Iris DeMent Iris Luella DeMent (born January 5, 1961) is an American two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and musician . DeMent's musical style includes elements of folk, country and gospel. Early life DeMent was born in Paragould, Arkansas, the 14 ...
(Warner Bros.) * 1997: '' Fire Down Below'' original soundtrack (Warner Brothers) "I'd Walk Through Fire" * 1997: ''
Misguided Roses ''Misguided Roses'' is singer/guitarist Edwin McCain's second album released by Lava Records. It was originally issued on June 24, 1997. "I'll Be (Edwin McCain song), I'll Be", a very successful single in 1998, came from this record. Although "I' ...
'' –
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Band (Atlantic) * 1998: '' Alabama Song'' –
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(MCA) * 1998: ''
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'' original soundtrack (Rising Tide) "There Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down" * 1998: ''Joy'' –
Melissa Manchester Melissa Manchester (born February 15, 1951) is an American singer, songwriter and actress. Since the 1970s, her songs have been carried by adult contemporary radio stations. She has also appeared on television, in films, and on stage. Early l ...
(Capitol) * 1998: '' Mission 3:16'' – Carman (Sparrow) "People of God" * 1998: ''
Totally Committed ''Totally Committed'' is an album by American comedian Jeff Foxworthy. It was released by Warner Bros. Records on May 19, 1998. The album peaked at number 50 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart and has been certified Gold by the RIAA. Track listing ...
'' – Jeff Foxworthy (Warner Bros.) * 1998: ''Jesus Saves'' Greg Long(Myrrh) "Prove That By Me" * 1999: ''Vestal & Friends''
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"Giver of Life" * 1999: ''Bridges'' original soundtrack (Verity) "Raven and the Dove" * 2000: ''Child of the Promise'' original cast recording (Sparrow) "The Mary I Know", "Mary Recitative", "Zacharias Recitative", "Nothing Ever Happens to a Shepherd" * 2000: ''Hands of Time'' Anthony Burger (Daywind) "I Wish We'd All Been Ready" * 2000: ''Ordinary Day'' Jeff and Sheri Easter (Spring Hill) "One Way" * 2001: ''Supernatural'' – The Raphaels (Track Records) * 2001: ''Press On''
Selah (; hbo, סֶלָה, selā) is a word used 74 times in the Hebrew Bible. Its etymology and precise meaning are unknown, though various interpretations are given. It is probably either a liturgical-musical mark or an instruction on the reading ...
(Curb) "Were You There" * 2002: ''Traveling Light: Songs from the 23rd Psalm'' (Brentwood) "Let It Flow" * 2002: ''Edge of the World''
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(Fair Oaks) "We Were So Young" * 2004: ''Better Days'' Frank Bradford (Frb Records) "Watergrave" * 2005: ''Hymned No. 1'' Bart Millard (of
MercyMe MercyMe is an American contemporary Christian music band founded in Edmond, Oklahoma. The band consists of lead vocalist Bart Millard, percussionist Robby Shaffer, bassist Nathan Cochran and guitarists Michael Scheuchzer and Barry Graul. The b ...
) (INO/Epic) "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" * 2006: ''Stand''
Avalon Avalon (; la, Insula Avallonis; cy, Ynys Afallon, Ynys Afallach; kw, Enys Avalow; literally meaning "the isle of fruit r appletrees"; also written ''Avallon'' or ''Avilion'' among various other spellings) is a mythical island featured in the ...
(Sparrow/EMI) "We Will Stand" * 2008: ''Fall Like Rain''
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(Tribe Records) "I'm Forgiven" * 2016: ''Circuit Rider'' –
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(Gaither Gospel Series)


Solo singles


Video

Long-form * 1982: ''More Than Music'' No. 1 (Word) (originally aired as a TV show in 1981) "I Go to the Rock", "Here We Are" (duet with
Amy Grant Amy Lee Grant (born November 25, 1960) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She began in contemporary Christian music (CCM) before crossing over to pop music in the 1980s and 1990s. She has been referred to as "The Queen of Christia ...
) * 1992: ''Russ Taff: A Christmas Song'' (Sparrow) * 2002: ''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 Series * 2007: ''Timeless: Concert of Faith & Inspiration'' * 2009: ''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 videos Gaither Homecoming video performances *1998: ''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 William Franklin Graham Jr. (November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018) was an American evangelist and an ordained Southern Baptist minister who became well known internationally in the late 1940s. He was a prominent evangelical Christi ...
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 Homecoming'' *2003: ''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 "Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn published in 1779 with words written in 1772 by English Anglican clergyman and poet John Newton (1725–1807). It is an immensely popular hymn, particularly in the United States, where it is used for both ...
" *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 Imperials *1977 Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational for ''Sail On'' *1979 Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational for ''Heed the Call'' *1981 Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational for '' Priority'' Solo *1983 Best Gospel Performance, Male for ''Walls of Glass'' *1991 Best Rock/Contemporary Gospel Album for ''Under Their Influence''


GMA Doves

As member of the Imperials *1977: Male Group of the Year *1979: Male Group of the Year *1980: Male Group of the Year *1981: Male Group of the Year *1981: Song of the Year – "Praise The Lord" *1981: Male Vocalist of the Year *1982: Male Vocalist of the Year *1998: Inducted into the GMA's
Gospel Music Hall of Fame The Gospel Music Hall of Fame, created in 1972 by the Gospel Music Association, is a Hall of Fame dedicated exclusively to recognizing meaningful contributions by individuals and groups in all forms of gospel music. Inductees This is an incompl ...
(with all five original members:
Jake Hess Jake Hess (December 24, 1927 – January 4, 2004) was an American Grammy Award-winning southern gospel singer.McNeil, W.K., Ed. (2010). ''Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music''. Routledge. . Pp. 201-202. Life The son of "a sharecropper who was ...
, Armond Morales, Gary McSpadden, Sherrill Neilsen & Henry Slaughter, as well as Joe Moscheo, Terry Blackwood, Sherman Andrus, and Jim Murray) Solo *1984: Male Vocalist of the Year *1986: Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for ''Medals'' *1989: Rock Album of the Year for ''Russ Taff'' *1989: Recorded Music Packaging of the Year for ''Russ Taff'' *1990: Rock Album of the Year for ''The Way Home'' *1990: Rock Recorded Song of the Year for "The River Unbroken" *2016: Inducted into the GMA's Gospel Music Hall of Fame Nominations with the Gaither Vocal Band *2003: Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year *2003: Country Album of the Year


See also

* Dove Award for Song of the Year * Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary


References


Sources

* Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music; Powell; pp 46, 47; Hendrickson Publishers; Pap/Cdr edition (August 2002) * Alfonso, Barry (2002
s The Billboard Guide to Contemporary Christian Music
* Jones, Kim (2008

* Larkin, Colin (2006

* Mansfield, Brian (2005)
Allmusic.com AllMusic (previously known as All Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the databas ...
* TPE Interview (2006)
Today's Pentecostal Evangel


External links

* *
The Imperials official websiteGaither Homecoming website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Taff, Russ 1953 births American performers of Christian music Grammy Award winners Living people Myrrh Records artists People from Farmersville, California Southern gospel performers