JJ Russell

JJ Russell was born and raised in a small town in Southern IL. Russell developed a love for music at an early age and began playing guitar at the age of ten and performing at twelve. Performing with numerous bands throughout high school and college Russell was always a major contributing writer. In 1999 Russell moved from Lincoln IL, where he attended College, to Champaign IL to form and front the Power Pop/Rock group the Red Hot Valentines. The group grew rapidly in popularity in the Illinois/mid-western region, as well as headlining sold out shows in Chicago venues such as the Metro. In 2002 RHV signed with Champaign based Indie label Polyvinly Records and released their "Calling Off Today" ep and "Summer Fling" full length albums. By the summer of 2005 RHV had disbanded. Russell and RHV co-founder Tobin Kirk relocated to Nashville, TN to "try something new". As Russell and Kirk strayed away from the power of the over driven guitars, cutting synthesizers and oh so poppy melodies they had been known for in the north, they began to experiment with southern rock and country music. Joined by Robin Linton the trio wrote for two years and built a rather extensive catalog, several of which Russell continues to perform. After a trip around the world and much time spent in introspection and self actualization Russell is at it again. "It's all I know how to do", Russell states. Taking everything he has learned and combining it all together Russell gives his listeners some of the catchiest, most rocking country music one could ever hope to hear. JJ Russell is a hook driven Country/Rock singer/songwriter based out of Nashville, Tn.