User:Stevenrussell40/Steven Russell (Musician)

Singer, Songwriter, Producer and Vocal Arranger

In a musical career that has spanned over two decades, Steve Russell started his professional musical journey as one of the lead men for the 90's platinum selling group Troop and has remained relevant and in demand by today's music industry elite to budding new artist by creating and taking part in remarkable hit records such as Jordin Sparks’ Grammy nominated "No Air", Chris Brown's Grammy nominated "Take You Down”, and 2008 Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson's debut CD titled "Jennifer Hudson". Singer, songwriter, producer and vocal arranger, Steve Russell has personified the essence of song making and has spawned hits that will continue to influence generations to come. Steve was born in Hartford, Connecticut and raised in Pasadena, California. As a teen, Steve would spend countless hours in front of the television watching and mocking the musical and dance styling of his most admired artist - Michael Jackson. Having aspirations of being the next phenomenon, Steve would wow crowds at Los Angele's renowned Venice Beach by displaying his undeniable talents of singing and dancing. Often drawing crowds of hundreds to watch him perform, Steve predicted that by the time he was 18 he would have a #1 record playing on the radio. Well, Steve would fulfill his prophecy far beyond his expectations by winning a talent show with childhood friends Allen McNeil, Rodney Benford, John Harreld and Reggie Warren that sparked interest from major record labels. Signing to Atlantic Records, these childhood friends from Pasadena would be known to the world as Troop. Troop released their debut single, "Mamacita", from their self-titled debut album in 1988 that reached #2 on Billboard's R&B charts. After the release of their debut album, Troop released "Attitude" in 1990, which included such hit songs as "Spread My Wings" and the Jackson 5 cover of "All I Do is Think of You", which were both #1 on the Billboard R&B charts and remained in the top 10 on the charts for several weeks. At the height of Troop's success, the group appeared in the 1991 urban classic film New Jack City harmonizing their rendition of the O'Jays, "For the Love of Money/Living for the City". Following a stream of hits and an enormous fan base, Troop released "Deepa" in 1992 and remained consistent with yet another #1 single, "Sweet November", on the Billboard R&B charts. Two more albums would follow... "A Lil Sumpin' Sumpin'" in 1994 and "Mayday" in 1998 which both received rave reviews.

After releasing "Mayday" in 1998, Troop took a hiatus and Steve began to redirect his focus on songwriting and producing. Acquiring much experience writing and producing with the likes of Babyface, Chuckii Booker and Gerald Levert while recording with Troop, as well as singing background vocals for Babyface's "Tender Lover" album as well as Keith Sweat's "Merry Go Round", Steve began what would be a long productive relationship with the Los Angeles based production team The Underdogs.

As one of the main writers and producers for The Underdogs, Steve would write and produce hit songs for artist like: Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Aretha Franklin, Kelly Clarkson, Charlie Wilson, Jordin Sparks,Toni Braxton, Tyrese, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Mario, Omarion, B2K, Joe, Tank, Katherine McPhee and Brian McKnight. The Underdogs, along with Steve, undertook the task of being the sole production team to produce the soundtrack for the 2006 film adaptation of Dreamgirls, which Steve also had a cameo appearance in, as well as a song placement as "Steve Russell" - the artist. Proving he still had the ability to swoon audiences as he did with leading songs with Troop like "All I Do Is Think of You" and "Sweet November", Steve continues to reincarnate and refine his talents. Not only has Steve proven to be one of today's most prolific lyrical wordsmith's, he has also established himself as one of R&B and Pop music's most sought after producers. Steve's success as a producer can be attributed to creating hits that are simple but heartfelt, relatable yet wishful, sweet and sincere.

After completing a very successful and highly regarded tenure with The Underdogs, Steve is stepping out on his own to continue writing and producing timeless music. Establishing his own production company, The Motel Music Media, industry leaders are still relying and calling upon Steve to write and produce for current projects such as: Toni Braxton, Elliot Yamin, NBA player Lebron James soon to be released film - "More Than A Game", David Archuletta, Tank and Chanj. Not only is Steve remaining busy with these greatly anticipated projects, he currently has production and writing credit for five songs on Charlie Wilson's latest CD, which remained in the Top 10 on Billboard's R&B charts for several weeks.

With so many accolades to his name as a songwriter and producer for other performers, Steve has found time to craft his own soon to be released solo album, “So Random” that will soothe the soul, inspire love and make you feel again! The first single, “Bring It Back”, is currently gaining momentum across the nation, impacting radio and is on the fast track to becoming yet another hit for Steve.

After 20 years and counting in the music industry, Steve Russell has remained and maintained his status as one of the industry's most relevant and hit making sources. Recently receiving the 2008 ASCAP Pop Music Award for one of the most performed songs in 2008 for Grammy nominated "No Air" and a 2008 ASCAP Music Award for one of the most performed songs in 2008 for Grammy nominated "Take You Down".