Russ was born in Long Beach, CA in 1964. His family moved between southern California and Arizona in his early years, but by school age, he and his family had settled in the south-central valley of California, in the dusty city of Bakersfield.

Inspired by Elvis, Russ picked up a guitar for the first time when he was fourteen. However, it was the Jesus Movement of the 1970’s, coupled with the teachings of Oswald Chambers, that set the drive and focus for everything Russ wrote from then on, and continues to write.

His first CD, “Your Child,” was recorded at the end of 1999, with four other talented musicians he met shortly after moving to Michigan. “Russ Tapley Christmas” was completed in 2014; his own acoustic guitar arrangements of traditional carols, except for two instrumentals, which include his son, Jorim’s, instrumental accompaniment. “Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs” includes eight original songs—five new songs that Russ wrote in June 2016—and two traditional songs of his own arrangement.

Several days in a week, Russ sells furniture for a quality family company, and he genuinely enjoys helping his customers. On his off time, he loves spending time with his family, listening to music, reading, and (weather permitting) biking around town and on the beautiful trails in St. Clair County.