Graham RussellGraham Russell

Graham Russell is a British musician, singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist born on June 11, 1950, in Arnold, Nottinghamshire. Interested in poetry, music, and books from an early age, Russell taught himself guitar and percussion, began writing poetry at age 11, and wrote his first song, "That Rockin' Feeling."

The Beatles' music prompted Russell to turn his interests into a career. The Beatles influenced him in 1963; after seeing a live performance in 1964, he decided to become a musician. When he joined Union Blues in 1965, Russell played percussion but preferred to perform his own material at the front of the stage.

After moving to Australia, Russell continued performing both in bands and on his own. In 1968, he formed his second band in Melbourne and began performing solo in coffeehouses and dance halls. These experiences preceded his meeting Russell Hitchcock; the two met in Sydney on May 12, 1975, during the first day of rehearsals for "Jesus Christ Superstar."