BIO
Russ Caldwell,
a Country/Southern Rock Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist, at age 22 , left his hometown Mooresville North Carolina, Race
City USA, and made the move to Nashville Tennessee to pursue a Country Music Career.
At 8 years old, Russ saw Garth Brooks on
TV and made his decision then that was what he wanted to do someday.Getting his first Guitar at age 9,and having a few lessons,
Russ taught himself to play lead guitar and never looked back. From that point on he performed many shows locally solo and
formed his own band at age 15.
Opening
on Side stage at Blockbuster Pavilion, Verizon Wireless, in Charlotte North Carolina, for Reba, Vince Gill, Dwight
Yoakham, David Ball, Montgomery Gentry and Kenny Chesney, were major highlights in his career pursuit.
Recording his first Country
Album, "A Country Song" locally at age 14, led him to new contacts to record an 8 song demo CD, "Midnight
Special" in Nashville Tennessee, at age 16.
Great Reviews from Midnight Special brought Russ an opportunity to be a part of a multitalent
Showcase at Douglas Corner in 1999 during Fan Fair Week, and also caught the attention of a well known Nashville Publicist
/Producer who started working with Russ and arranged a major label showcase at The Castle Door. Several major label
reps came out to see his showcase at age 17.
At age 18, Russ recorded a 4 song self penned demo at Love Shack Studio in Nashville. Musicians
who played on this demo were several of Garth Brooks original studio musicians.
Russ was honored to get to meet in person, his favorite Country
Music Star Garth Brooks, at Garths announcement of his retirement Press Conference in Nashville. Garth signed Russ's
hat and had a picture taken with him.This was a dream come true in its self for Russ, being a hugh fan and Garth being his
reason for getting into Country Music.
After making many trips to Nashville From age 15 to 22, Russ decided to make a permanent
move there. He had already paid his dues, fronting his own Country Southern Rock Band, as Band leader,
Lead Vocalist and Lead Guitarist for 8 years, prior to his move.
Russ arrived in Music City with much stage
experience already under his belt, and is proud to say that hard work has led him to his new contacts, now on his
own.
Working
at Fed Ex and Gibson Guitar in his early days in town, it did not take long before he was meeting the right
connections and hired to work with Outstanding Up and Coming Acts as Lead Guitarist and Band
Leader.
Russ
performed regularly weekend shows with one of these outstanding acts in 2007, at the World Famous
Legends Corner on Broadway in downtown Nashville and also has performed shows with other outstanding
up and coming Acts at Wild Horse Saloon, Tootsies, Broken Spoke , The Stage, Cadillac Ranch, Fiddle and Steel
Guitar Bar, Paradise park, Windows On The Cumberland, Crossroads, and at the Alabama Hall of Fame.
2008 kept Russ
busy playing more shows on Broadway and all around Nashville and Alabama, still working as Band Leader and Lead Guitarist with Outstanding
Up and Coming Singer/Songwriter Jamie Grooms and The Catfish Johnston Band.
Working as lead guitarist for Shalacy Griffin, new up and coming Country Artist, and being asked
to be part of the Band Bush Hog, as lead guitarist was a highlight of 2008 for Russ. These
two acts are represented by Platinum producer Michael Knox, Knox Music Group, who also produced Country Stars
Jason Aldean and Crossin Dixon.
Russ is also working as Lead guitarist for up and coming new Country Artist Jeff
Adkins, who is working with top producer Norro Wilson.
2009 brings Russ living in Nashville for
five years. Meeting and getting the great opportunities to work with top musicians, singer/ songwriters, producers
and friends, playing up and down Broadway with many shows performed at WILD HORSE SALOON and The BILLY BLOCK SHOW at 12Th
and Porter, his drive, determination, and hard work, has never let up and Russ still remains totally focused on
his ultimate goal of achieving a Major Recording Contract.
