Artist:Russ Taff
Song:Not Gonna Bow
Album:The Ultimate Collection
Russ Taff was the lead singer of the Southern Gospel group The Imperials from 1976-81. After he left, he had a very successful career in CCM through the 80s. When he faded in the 90s, he started performing with Bill Gaither and he still does that today. He was born Nov. 11, 1953 in Farmersville, CA which is in the San Joaquin Valley. His father was pastor of a small church. But he was also an alcoholic. And that led to abuse of Taff and his four brothers. So he listened to his mom's collection of gospel records. He wasn't allowed to listen to secular music anyway. Taff learned to play guitar and his older brother took him to see live gospel music. At age 15, Taff's family moved to Hot Springs, AR. They returned to California two years later. But Taff remained in Arkansas to attend college. This was around when the Jesus movement was starting and that led to Jesus music and later CCM. Taff formed the band Sounds of Joy with his buddy James Holihan Jr. The played local high schools and shared testimony. Sounds of Joy were covering artists like Larry Norman. And they recorded three albums with producer Gary Paxton. They got to open for The Imperials who mixed Southern Gospel with Jesus music. After touring as a singer with evangelist Jerry Savelle, The Imperials called Taff. They were holding auditions for a new lead singer. Taff auditioned in Nashville and was hired immediately. He remained with The Imperials until 1981. He left because he was on a straight salary and could potentially use his fame with The Imperials to make more money solo. Taff signed with Word's CCM label Myrrh. His solo albums are mostly pop. He was very successful in the 80s. He won two Grammys and five Dove awards. Not Gonna Bow is from the 1985 album Medals. Taff wrote and produced. His co-producer was recording engineer Jack Joseph Puig. Taff wrote all the songs with his wife Tori and various co-writers. Not Gonna Bow was co-written by film music composer James Newton Howard and guitarist Michael Landau. Both played on the song and Landau played the guitar solo. Session keyboardist Robbie Buchanan led the studio band. This comp is a good intro to Taff's music. It's available as a digital download. When Taff started to fade in the 90s, Bill Gaither invited him to join the Gaither Homecoming group. He still sings with them. Taff recorded a 1995 country album for Reprise produced by Randy Scruggs. It didn't sell. Taff recorded CCM albums for Benson and Spring Hill. He released an album on his own label last year. Taff plays occasional shows but he doesn't tour full time anymore. Here's the video for Not Gonna Bow by Russ Taff.
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