Russell grew up in Utah, where he developed his love for music from his father. He would listen to his father play piano and keyboards for hours. In 1991, at 14 years old, Russell started his music journey in learning the piano; following his father's footsteps.

By 2000, Russell completed his first album, Hand In Hand, and won his first Utah State talent competition with is original piano composition, Running For The Stars.

In 2002, after 9/11, Russell joined the United States Air Force (USAF) as an Airborne Cryptologic Chinese Linguist. While in training at the Defense Language Institue (DLI), he was quickly known for his musical talents and was asked to compose the DLI school anthem. 

Later in his career, in 2005, he won the Air Force Entertainer of the Year, and subsequently, in 2006, was selected to tour around the world with Tops In Blue as their lead keyboard/pianist.

While Russell chose not to do music full-time after his career in the USAF, he still moonlights as a pianist, arranger, and songwriter. He resides in Layton, Utah, with his beautiful wife, Lindsey, and has five children.