In 1991, Russ was invited by his long-time friend Bill Gaither to be part of one of the fledgling Homecoming videos, which honored and celebrated the Southern gospel part of Taff’s musical roots. He eventually became a regular artist on the Homecoming Tour, and in a surprise move, joined the famed Gaither Vocal Band as a baritone in 2001. He was a member of the group for almost three years, and the two projects recorded during his tenure earned unprecedented back-to-back Grammy nominations. Early in 2004, Russ decided to step down from the Vocal Band and return to his solo artist status. A perennial favorite, he appears regularly in Gaither videos and makes frequent guest appearances on the Homecoming tour. His solo concerts literally take him all over the world—his multiple Dove Award-nominated “Faroe Islands” project was actually recorded in that mysterious, remote country of islands located in the North Atlantic between Norway and Iceland.

In 2015 Russ was prominently featured in the live concert event billed as “The greatest night in the history of contemporary Christian music.” He joined 32 other legendary CCM artists such as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris in an evening entitled “We Will Stand,” named after Russ’ signature song. The CCM United concert was live-streamed into millions of households, and offered as a CD and DVD package as well.

However you choose to label it, Russ Taff’s music has won him a wide audience and critical acclaim, as well as a total of 6 Grammy awards and 18 Gospel Music Association Dove awards. He has been hailed by Billboard Magazine as “the single most electrifying voice in Christian music,” and cited

as a musical influence by artists as diverse as Bart Millard of Mercy Me, Jason Crabb, Michael Tait and the Kings of Leon. He’s been inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame an unprecedented three times– as a member of the Imperials, a member of the Gaither Vocal Band and to recognize his solo career as well. He has also been inducted into the Arkansas Walk of Fame, Christian Music Hall of Fame, and was honored for his lifetime achievements in the industry in a musical tribute at the 2012 GMA Dove Awards. Of equal importance, he is quick to add, is the title bestowed on him at the annual RC Cola/Moon Pie festival in his tiny new hometown of Bell Buckle, TN. “I’ll have you know that you are talking to the 2013 RC Cola King,” he says with great satisfaction.

Taff’s musical journey is far from over. Whether looking back at a career that spans four decades, or excitedly looking forward to his upcoming recording project, Russ Taff is the picture of a man filled with gratitude and grace. ”God called me to sing when I was just a little preacher’s kid in Farmersville, California,” Taff says with a smile. “And He’s still calling.”