This is true Faith in Christ. Not the fake stuff we see on TV so often. This man has been touched by the power of Jesus and has been made whole. So powerful.
Thank you, Russ. God has touched many lives through you. I feel as though you and I have gone done some of the same paths, although mine has not been in the public eye. I pray that some day I too can help others as your words have helped me. Thank you.
This is so touching. I know where he is coming from. I was plagued with guilt and shame for the sinful life I was living. I said aloud in an empty sanctuary one morning, "If you could only want me God". He heard my plea and embraced me. I literally felt arms embrace my body as I began weeping. What he says about slipping farther and farther away is so true. I am so happy that God led him out of his depression, as he did me. Great work Russ, love your voice and now love your testimony!
I love you my Brother Russ, I have follow your journey with the Lord since you were with the Imperials, songs like "I got Confidence" of course it help alot when you have Stormy Omartian writing some of the most wonderful pieces of lyrics and music, I have being Blessed by all your music my favorite song is "Silent Love" I don't see it posted. God bless you Russ and I'll be praying for you and Tori.
I can really relate to what Russ is describing here. It made me feel like him and I may have experienced very similar circumstances in our lives. Thank you for posting this video hoover4000, it made my day!
I revisited the Imperials "Priority" album the past few days. It reminded me of church camps and a time in my life when I needed that music. As I heard "Finished What You Started", tears came down my face because it was speaking to me. I love every song that Russ Taft sings in that group but more than that.. seeing this interview shows me what I never saw the many years after he went solo. Depression.. it's real, I've had it myself. Often what we want to believe isn't what really goes on.
It is a song placed within your heart which makes it all the more real. AMEN Russ, it is all Jesus, nothing within us, all of Him! YES YES YES! More of Jesus, less of me.
I have watched this u tube several time. I have been amazed at how YOU have allowed yourself to be transparent and real, in the face of all of your peers whom are still hiding!
...THANKS be to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Light in whom no variableness......HE set u free casue YOU wanted to be set free.....am rejoicing on the sidelines....KEEP singing cause you have the most talented voice i know.......bar none!.....dlyn
Thank you Lord for this man and how he has served you. We don't argue about who the greatest tenor is, we praise the glory of God made manifest in these testimonies!! Praise Jesus. The greatest is LOVE!
Nothing is stronger than his version of "I Still Believe." His music was so honest! That's what we need more. Songs that show the singers' honesty and struggles. There has to be a place in this in Christian music. His entire "Russ Taff" self titled project is one of the best albums ever.
It was not until this past year (2009) that I discovered the amazing and emotional voice of Russ Taff. I wish I had known his music before. Amazing performer! What a testimony!
@rejhhill yes russ is a very humble and Godly man. But i've met David Phelps and he was very soft-spoken and sweet and very suprisingly shy. You'd never know just by talking to him that he was the greatest tenor on the planet.
@hoover4000 I do not think we should compare these two great children of God. I see that both believed in Jesus as Savior but then Found a personal relationship with Him that made the difference. Both are great singers in their own way and God sees them as equal and so do I.
As a kid in the mid-to-late 1980s, I WILL NEVER FORGET THIS GUY, in his music video for 'I'm Not Alone'. I did not know Russ Taff's name but I knew his face and the music, and THE WORDS TO THAT SONG ->
'WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES,
I KNOW YOU ARE HERE'
That always made me smile when I saw it.
I saw it played on TV38 /Chicago on the program 'Lightmusic' or 'Solid Rock V.D.O.'
That music video was once on Youtube but it's gone. If anyone has it, PLEASE UPLOAD IT.
God is so good, I've prayed for Russ so many times. I was able to shake his hand at a concert in Mesa Arizona, I knew he had a softness and pliable spirit from the moment I met him. Thank you Lord for making him whole.
I was in the front row for Russ' St. Paul show on his tour for the 'Russ Taff' record. When he did the song "Believe In Love", the whole audience put their hands up in the air. Russ grabbed my hand and held it for almost the whole song. It was one of the seminal moments of my life. A simple gesture of affection for a random fan made a big difference in my life.
I love Russ Taff! They just don't come any more genuine or real than this man. He and I share a common Pentecostal heritage and I am so happy and proud to call him my brother. To God be all the glory for the mighty work He has done!
I love Russ Taff. They just don't come any more genuine or real than this man. We share a common Pentecostal heritage, and I'm so happy and proud to call him my brother. To God be all the glory for the mighty work He has done!
this vid should come with a warning, must have tissues handy,due to the sweet honesty and amazing man speaking his story about his christianity and his walk with jesus
You are a strength in our weakness. Thank you for sharing with us. Yes,we are all on this journey to a closer deeper walk with Jesus! Thank you for you Russ you are HIS Pillar! Love, Brian & Sally
We loved each other so much oh but not so very well,
and now that we run out of time I know time will never tell
I set around asking why - I wonder if you cried too?
Did you know that all was forgiven, did you know that I loved you?
I had the same struggles with my Dad Russ - and they still haunt me. I wish we could have been friends. I thank God that I was able to lead him to Jesus. But I still wish I could lose all the hurt from the childhood years. Maybe in heaven we will rest.
WOW! I am soo there! this is soo powerful and speaks to my heart in a great wy. Wayyyy tooo long I have hid myself and been afraid! But its aa wonderful thing when Jesus steps in and ministers to the child that was wounded! Awesome. Brian Nichols. I have a video w/ a song please check it out Brian Nichols Word of God Speak! Bless u on today!
Russ - Thank you so very much for your honesty and transparency. I needed so much to hear this, and I can't help but weep each time I view it. I have used it to share with other struggling believers. I have been a huge fan of you and your unique voice since the early days, and your 'testimony' of God's grace and deliverance only adds to my appreciation for your God-given talent. Thanks again.
Thank you for such a honest, uplifting video. Russ Taff God has blest you with a voice that the world can't reach or achieve or touch- It's from God. I have been the places in my life that you have been.Still God is showing me what He is really like. I believe that's the way we know Him. Keeping lifting up Our King!!!!
Wow! Russ was/is one of the best singers. An artist you could play for unsaved friends and not be ashamed because of his talented voice. I really hope that other CCM stars would listen to this and heed the words. There is much expectation for perfection for people in ministry that it can put the person in ministry in an isolation we never dreamed. God Bless you Russ. Artist need you as a mentor and let others know it's ok to be imperfect and completely submitted to God for daily strength.
I don't know if Russ will ever see this but I sit here speeechless. That was the most honest, exposed, brave, tranparent interview that I have ever seen. Russ I have listend to your music for years and have been a struggling Christian in my own right. I just don't feel so alone right now...
Russ Taff is one of God's best "cheerleaders" and his joy in the Lord shines. What a wonderful testimony of God's healing power. Thanks for sharing this clip.
Russ- Thank you for your honesty and vulnerbility and courage. Thanks for being real.Thanks Bill G. for helping Russ. I can relate to what you shared as well.
So real - you have to come to the end of yourself before God can be strong IN you. It must be hard for a talented Christian...always getting the applause of men. Russ had prayin' parents & grandparents I'm sure. 2 Corinthians 12
This is a very honest interview and I appreciate Russ. I totally understand what he is saying, and I am glad that he had the courage to say it. It will be an encouragement to many.
I promoted concerts in the Northwest in the 80's. That period of time in my life was probably some of the most painful times I have encountered. The exception to that for me was working with Russ Taff. He treated me better than anyone I ever worked with in Christian music. When you left Russ' company you always felt better about yourself. God used him on many occasions to make a lot of us who were wounded feel better about ourselves...and apparently God is still doing just that!
Talented and genuine man. God bless him.
rammorales14 3 months ago
This is true Faith in Christ. Not the fake stuff we see on TV so often. This man has been touched by the power of Jesus and has been made whole. So powerful.
nachomanpdx 5 months ago
thank you for being a wonderful witness and man of God Russ!
Marz5004 6 months ago
This man is just a true living testimony of what he sings. You can see the joy now as he sings the different songs. What a blessing
barbarakmitchell 6 months ago
I thought Gaither was going to cough ! heh
mrkwonsony 8 months ago
AND STILL THE BEST IS YET TO COME>WOW THANK YOU JESUS THE CHRIST<
pgjdeesj 8 months ago
Amen bro,, it's no good way to live i know too.
seahorse49 9 months ago
i love RUSS TAFF!
suegarplum 10 months ago
Thank you, Russ. God has touched many lives through you. I feel as though you and I have gone done some of the same paths, although mine has not been in the public eye. I pray that some day I too can help others as your words have helped me. Thank you.
swiggame 1 year ago
This is so touching. I know where he is coming from. I was plagued with guilt and shame for the sinful life I was living. I said aloud in an empty sanctuary one morning, "If you could only want me God". He heard my plea and embraced me. I literally felt arms embrace my body as I began weeping. What he says about slipping farther and farther away is so true. I am so happy that God led him out of his depression, as he did me. Great work Russ, love your voice and now love your testimony!
violetangel73 1 year ago
I love you my Brother Russ, I have follow your journey with the Lord since you were with the Imperials, songs like "I got Confidence" of course it help alot when you have Stormy Omartian writing some of the most wonderful pieces of lyrics and music, I have being Blessed by all your music my favorite song is "Silent Love" I don't see it posted. God bless you Russ and I'll be praying for you and Tori.
musicllady17 1 year ago
I Love You Russ! Your the man bro!
I met Russ at Great America in the bay area, wow love your spirit bro...
Pastor Rudy
pastorrudytrujillo 1 year ago
I can really relate to what Russ is describing here. It made me feel like him and I may have experienced very similar circumstances in our lives. Thank you for posting this video hoover4000, it made my day!
bbuck822 1 year ago
I revisited the Imperials "Priority" album the past few days. It reminded me of church camps and a time in my life when I needed that music. As I heard "Finished What You Started", tears came down my face because it was speaking to me. I love every song that Russ Taft sings in that group but more than that.. seeing this interview shows me what I never saw the many years after he went solo. Depression.. it's real, I've had it myself. Often what we want to believe isn't what really goes on.
TheOriginalPK14 1 year ago
This spoke to my heart this morning, and gave me hope. Thank you so much for posting this wonderfully transparent testimony
kyleandstephanie1 1 year ago 2
It is a song placed within your heart which makes it all the more real. AMEN Russ, it is all Jesus, nothing within us, all of Him! YES YES YES! More of Jesus, less of me.
stryperman1 1 year ago
Russ
I have watched this u tube several time. I have been amazed at how YOU have allowed yourself to be transparent and real, in the face of all of your peers whom are still hiding!
...THANKS be to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Light in whom no variableness......HE set u free casue YOU wanted to be set free.....am rejoicing on the sidelines....KEEP singing cause you have the most talented voice i know.......bar none!.....dlyn
dardalyn 1 year ago
wow...amazing testimony
lavonah 1 year ago
Thank you Lord for this man and how he has served you. We don't argue about who the greatest tenor is, we praise the glory of God made manifest in these testimonies!! Praise Jesus. The greatest is LOVE!
proclaimingchrist51 1 year ago
what a beautiful testimony. praise Jesus for his grace, mercy, and love for all of us.
yeshua3777 1 year ago
Metals album was the best from russ..........
grovercnash 1 year ago
i met him he is my bff uncle
oriongonzalesz 1 year ago
It is a matter of opinion as to who is the greatest. There are several tenors that I enjoy a lot.
rejhhill 1 year ago
@rejhhill there are several tenors that I enjoy too. But that wasnt really the point I was trying to make
hoover4000 1 year ago
I love him too!
rejhhill 1 year ago
He went through having a dad who was a big drinker and was a preacher....his song In The New Jerusalem was about that struggle.....
graysonbr 1 year ago
Thanks Russ. Good on you... שלום
Praise G-d for that...
Keith
KeithTilbury 1 year ago
Good on you Russ!... Shalom...
Keith
KeithTilbury 1 year ago
Nothing is stronger than his version of "I Still Believe." His music was so honest! That's what we need more. Songs that show the singers' honesty and struggles. There has to be a place in this in Christian music. His entire "Russ Taff" self titled project is one of the best albums ever.
richardwilliams1972 2 years ago
It was not until this past year (2009) that I discovered the amazing and emotional voice of Russ Taff. I wish I had known his music before. Amazing performer! What a testimony!
zuttorizzo 2 years ago
What humility compared to David!!
rejhhill 2 years ago
@rejhhill yes russ is a very humble and Godly man. But i've met David Phelps and he was very soft-spoken and sweet and very suprisingly shy. You'd never know just by talking to him that he was the greatest tenor on the planet.
hoover4000 1 year ago 5
@hoover4000 I do not think we should compare these two great children of God. I see that both believed in Jesus as Savior but then Found a personal relationship with Him that made the difference. Both are great singers in their own way and God sees them as equal and so do I.
marianne6280 1 year ago
May God continue to bless Russ Taff. He has been a great influence in my life. Praise The Lord for the things He has done in this man's life.
jdwmfr 2 years ago
If the power of God can do all this for Russ, it can do the same for me. I'm trusting Him that He will do the same for me - and you too.
Just look at the power and conviction of this man's testimony - don't you think God wants you to have a testimony just as powerful?
To God be the glory!
Minotaur6 2 years ago 9
I love him. I saw him in concert many times, and to this day, I love his music.
chopped50ford 2 years ago 2
Honesty. A good thing.
drtlhaupt 2 years ago 2
Touching Video.
As a kid in the mid-to-late 1980s, I WILL NEVER FORGET THIS GUY, in his music video for 'I'm Not Alone'. I did not know Russ Taff's name but I knew his face and the music, and THE WORDS TO THAT SONG ->
'WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES,
I KNOW YOU ARE HERE'
That always made me smile when I saw it.
I saw it played on TV38 /Chicago on the program 'Lightmusic' or 'Solid Rock V.D.O.'
That music video was once on Youtube but it's gone. If anyone has it, PLEASE UPLOAD IT.
turbografx 2 years ago 2
Totally awsome I love this man.
coolmom1988 2 years ago
hoover...thanks for sharing all of these videos...you are sharing God's greatness..
junjunmarilou 2 years ago 3
God is so good, I've prayed for Russ so many times. I was able to shake his hand at a concert in Mesa Arizona, I knew he had a softness and pliable spirit from the moment I met him. Thank you Lord for making him whole.
Frosty1962 2 years ago
I love his song "I Cry" I wish someone would post it. I'd like to know what he was doing when he wrote that song.
hillary7xox 2 years ago 2
Yea, I've been looking for that song for so long... I love it...
Hoover dear, could you post it?
El7Cantante7 2 years ago
I was in the front row for Russ' St. Paul show on his tour for the 'Russ Taff' record. When he did the song "Believe In Love", the whole audience put their hands up in the air. Russ grabbed my hand and held it for almost the whole song. It was one of the seminal moments of my life. A simple gesture of affection for a random fan made a big difference in my life.
thevm 2 years ago
I love Russ Taff! They just don't come any more genuine or real than this man. He and I share a common Pentecostal heritage and I am so happy and proud to call him my brother. To God be all the glory for the mighty work He has done!
storypeddler 3 years ago
I love Russ Taff. They just don't come any more genuine or real than this man. We share a common Pentecostal heritage, and I'm so happy and proud to call him my brother. To God be all the glory for the mighty work He has done!
storypeddler 3 years ago
JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Masimo97 3 years ago
What a beautiful spirit this man has. I love to hear him sing and I love the emotion he shows. I beleive he is a man after God's own heart.
evegpt 3 years ago
this vid should come with a warning, must have tissues handy,due to the sweet honesty and amazing man speaking his story about his christianity and his walk with jesus
1admullins 3 years ago
God gave him peace with what ever it was.
Everybody needs that wonderful peace.
Pray and God will give it to you.
Thanks Hoover 4000 God bless everybody on earth.
Mildred72
mildred72 3 years ago
You are a strength in our weakness. Thank you for sharing with us. Yes,we are all on this journey to a closer deeper walk with Jesus! Thank you for you Russ you are HIS Pillar! Love, Brian & Sally
brisal3 3 years ago
Wonderful testimony and amen it is ALL because of Jesus!
aezanc 3 years ago
When was this filmed, please??
amylh322 3 years ago
JESUS, There's something about that name!
aejinc 3 years ago
every time i hear him sing, i cry so much, im crying now, but to hear god speak through his music, you can only be blessed...
im forgiven, now i have reason for livin, jesus keeps giving and giving until my heart overflows!!!
and i will always love you in the same old fashioned way.....
i have my own demons to deal with, but god will always take me back, he loves me.
katonthekeys 3 years ago
We loved each other so much oh but not so very well,
and now that we run out of time I know time will never tell
I set around asking why - I wonder if you cried too?
Did you know that all was forgiven, did you know that I loved you?
I had the same struggles with my Dad Russ - and they still haunt me. I wish we could have been friends. I thank God that I was able to lead him to Jesus. But I still wish I could lose all the hurt from the childhood years. Maybe in heaven we will rest.
benstep2 3 years ago 4
WOW! I am soo there! this is soo powerful and speaks to my heart in a great wy. Wayyyy tooo long I have hid myself and been afraid! But its aa wonderful thing when Jesus steps in and ministers to the child that was wounded! Awesome. Brian Nichols. I have a video w/ a song please check it out Brian Nichols Word of God Speak! Bless u on today!
brianbrian2008 3 years ago
awesome!!! я настолько близок своей жизненной повестью с Руссом. обожаю работу которую Иисус делает с ним и со мной... praise the Lord!
russiansinatra 3 years ago 2
I started listening to Russ Taff as a teenager, and left God in my 20s only to come back to believing in God more than ever.
I still listen to his music today, and his music has made a positive impact on my way of thinking.
Totally understand what Russ is saying.
realmichaud 3 years ago 11
WOW!!! that was some testimony. Thank you Russ for sharing YOUR story and may God bless YOU and your family always love from UK
mrsdoubtfire831 4 years ago 2
Russ,you are in my prayers!
Astrid270718 4 years ago
This could be anyone. Thank you for an honest interview from a popular Christian artist. God bless you, Russ. You are a blessing to us.
okgladmom 4 years ago
This is an awesome testimony from a genuine believer. God is good.
19PHS74 4 years ago
Real sTuff :)
linzki 4 years ago
thanks russ i guess there is still hope for meiam still far from being home
eddiejlauzon 4 years ago 2
come on back home Eddie, God knows your failures and still deals with you and opened the opportunity for you to see this interview with Russ.
Gag660 3 years ago
Russ - Thank you so very much for your honesty and transparency. I needed so much to hear this, and I can't help but weep each time I view it. I have used it to share with other struggling believers. I have been a huge fan of you and your unique voice since the early days, and your 'testimony' of God's grace and deliverance only adds to my appreciation for your God-given talent. Thanks again.
pianoman4jc 4 years ago 4
Thank you for such a honest, uplifting video. Russ Taff God has blest you with a voice that the world can't reach or achieve or touch- It's from God. I have been the places in my life that you have been.Still God is showing me what He is really like. I believe that's the way we know Him. Keeping lifting up Our King!!!!
psalms140 4 years ago 2
Wow! Russ was/is one of the best singers. An artist you could play for unsaved friends and not be ashamed because of his talented voice. I really hope that other CCM stars would listen to this and heed the words. There is much expectation for perfection for people in ministry that it can put the person in ministry in an isolation we never dreamed. God Bless you Russ. Artist need you as a mentor and let others know it's ok to be imperfect and completely submitted to God for daily strength.
eden512 4 years ago 2
Thank you for posting this!
so inspiring and so amazing.
bluffpark 4 years ago 2
Wow! What a testimony, I needed to hear this; thanks for posting.
awisecountrygal 4 years ago 2
Wow, waht a testmony, I walked in pain for many years also, God has truly blessed you Russ
narleypig 4 years ago 2
God bless you, Russ. And thank you...for sharing.
dynja 4 years ago 2
I don't know if Russ will ever see this but I sit here speeechless. That was the most honest, exposed, brave, tranparent interview that I have ever seen. Russ I have listend to your music for years and have been a struggling Christian in my own right. I just don't feel so alone right now...
michael83686 4 years ago 2
Russ Taff is one of God's best "cheerleaders" and his joy in the Lord shines. What a wonderful testimony of God's healing power. Thanks for sharing this clip.
live4hvn 4 years ago 2
After watching this interview I was absolutely bless by what I heard.... thanks Russ.
nuachick 4 years ago 2
Russ- Thank you for your honesty and vulnerbility and courage. Thanks for being real.Thanks Bill G. for helping Russ. I can relate to what you shared as well.
lisa0462 4 years ago 2
russ taff, what can i say? he is the best, his music is so uplifting and i love him and his music,iceburgallie from the rock
iceburgallie 4 years ago
So real - you have to come to the end of yourself before God can be strong IN you. It must be hard for a talented Christian...always getting the applause of men. Russ had prayin' parents & grandparents I'm sure. 2 Corinthians 12
gareof 4 years ago
Thank you. This is very good to see and listen to.
IloveMarshallHall 4 years ago
This is a very honest interview and I appreciate Russ. I totally understand what he is saying, and I am glad that he had the courage to say it. It will be an encouragement to many.
carton253 4 years ago
I promoted concerts in the Northwest in the 80's. That period of time in my life was probably some of the most painful times I have encountered. The exception to that for me was working with Russ Taff. He treated me better than anyone I ever worked with in Christian music. When you left Russ' company you always felt better about yourself. God used him on many occasions to make a lot of us who were wounded feel better about ourselves...and apparently God is still doing just that!
paulguadarrama 4 years ago
Praise the Lord...beautiful!
I understand so much what he is saying.
dawn10379 4 years ago 2
great interview! thanx hoover.
qwevu 4 years ago