An artist who's talents range from folk music to tex-mex Tom Russell is a talented individual with a unique style of music. Russell's most noteworthy album of the 90s was the 1999 folk opera classic, "The Man From God Knows Where". This album was called by John Lomax "one of the most important folk records ever recorded". Referring to this record Rolling Stone and journalist John Swenson stated: "Russell is one of America's greatest songwriters”. Tom Russell appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman a number of times over the years, his songs have also appeared in many movies and television shows.

Tom Russell

Tom Russell is an American singer-songwriter who's style includes country music, folk music, Tex-Mex and cowboy music of the American West. Tom is a very popular country and folk singer who has recorded 25 records and two DVDs to date. Tom Russell has also published three books. Tom is also an established painter represented by Yard Dog Folk Art in Austin and Rainbow Man in Santa Fe.

Tom Russell

Blood and Candle Smoke

In September 2009 Tom Russell released his new album “Blood and Candle Smoke” which features twelve new and original songs.

The album was produced by Tom Russell and Craig Schumacher. It was recorded in Tucson, AZ at Wave Lab Studios.

For Tom, this is an important album. Tom wanted to craft twelve good songs that meant a lot to him and that he believed in.

Tom has come out with a unique, new sound and one that he is happy with. His new album Blood and Candle Smoke is a must have for every Tom Russell fan.

Tom Russell performs "East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam"
on the Late Show with David Letterman in October 2009

Tom Russell History

Tom Russell (Thomas George Russell) was born in 1953 in Los Angeles. Tom began his music career in the early 70's where he played in Vancouver strip bars. He moved to Texas and then to San Francisco where he performed with Patricia Hardin. In 1979 Tom Russell walked away from the music industry for a time.

In 1984 the "Tom Russell Band" was formed, they released four albums with Philo records. The line up consisted of: Tom Russell on acoustic guitar and vocals, Andrew Hardin guitar, bass, David Mansfield on slide guitar, Fats Kaplin (pedal steel, fiddle, harmonica, accordion), Lee Thornburg, Tom Timko (horns), Skip Edwards (keyboards), Hank Bones, Dusty Wakeman, Billy Troiani (bass), Steve Holley, Charlie Caldarola, Mike Warner, and Jeff Donovan on drums.

In the 90's Tom Russell made some solo albums and an acoustic album mixing new material with his favorite cowboy-themed songs. His albums included several guest appearances from other folk and country artists. It was the 1999 album however which stands out as the most notable, folk opera: The Man From God Knows Where.

The recent albums released by Tom Russell are, 2005 Hotwalker, 2006, Love and Fear, 2008, Veteran's Day: The Tom Russell Anthology, 2009 Blood and Candle Smoke.

Tom Russell's Albums

1976 - Ring of Bone (with Patricia Hardin)
1978 - Wax Museum (with Patricia Hardin)
1984 - Heart on a Sleeve (Tom Russell Band)
1987 - Road to Bayamon (Tom Russell Band)
1989 - Poor Man's Dream (Tom Russell Band)
1991 - Hurricane Season (Tom Russell Band) & Cowboy Real
1993 - Box of Visions & Hillbilly Voodoo (with Barrence Whitfield)
1994 - Cowboy Mambo (with Barrence Whitfield)
1995 - The Rose of the San Joaquin
1997 - The Long Way Around & Song of the West
1999 - The Man from God Knows Where
2001 - Borderland
2002 - Museum of Memories
2003 - Modern Art
2004 - Indians Cowboys Horses Dogs
2005 - Hotwalker & Raw Vision 1984-1994
2006 - Love and Fear
2007 - The Wounded Heart of America
2008 - Veteran's Day: The Tom Russell Anthology
2009 - One to the Heart, One to the Head (with Gretchen Peters)
2009 - Blood and Candle Smoke

Some Folk Music Resources:
The Folk Song Index
Anglo-American Folk Music Tradition
Australian folk music

Other Resources: Free MP3 Download