Russell's music career moved to the next level in 1999, when he was invited to Old Trafford to sing the World Cup anthem 'Nessun Dorma' before United's Premiership Winning game. He received a standing ovation and this incredible exposure led Russell to be signed by the Decca Music Group for a six-album deal.
A factory worker born in Salford in North West England, Russell went from performing on the pub and club circuit in his spare time, to selling over 5 million albums world wide, and to be dubbed 'The Peoples Tenor' taking opera and classical music to a new audience world wide.
Russell has performed around the world in front of many audiences - from Independence Day celebrations in Washington DC and the Beckhams pre-World Cup party; to more intimate performances for the President of the United States, the UK Prime Minister and the Pope; as well as duets with artists as diverse as Cliff Richard, Lulu, Lionel Ritchie, Mel C (of Spice Girls fame) and Meatloaf.
He has broken a succession of records, being the first British male to simultaneously occupy a No.1 spot in the UK and American classical charts, as well as being the first artist to have a classical album at the No.1 spot in the UK classical charts for an entire year.