Christian Music Network
Featured Artist of May
John Russo

Christian Music Network (C.M.N.) is about networking artists and making the general public aware of what is going on within the Christian music ministry today. This is why we are instituting a special monthly article, to introduce you to artists who are on the Christian music scene today. Please feel free to give us feedback on these articles. Tell us what you like, don’t like about the articles in general, and would like to know about the featured artists.



John Russo is a 40-something singer/songwriter based in New York.

His laid back, James Taylor-styled contemporary music reflects his deep and passionate love for Christ. It also reveals his educated and heart-felt experience in the music world. Some of those lyrics you hear are collaborations with another love in his life…his wife Jane, who is a banker. On a train, two weeks prior to heading for college, he met the woman who would be his future wife and helpmate. John and Jane have two sons, J.J. (15) and William (11). J.J. and William think what their dad is doing is "pretty cool". They attend shows and help out from time to time. John was first ‘awakened’ to his spiritual depth at the age of 11. Born and raised Catholic for most of his young life, it was a long process of maturing into the spirit. John doesn’t place more importance on one event over another; rather, the culmination of experiences that brought him to a fullness in the Spirit. As he says, “My deep spiritual passion has been a progressive journey since then.” Such a healthy and balanced perspective gives a good example to us all. John first became interested in music as a 4th grader, playing the recorder in primary school. He then joined the junior and high school bands. After graduating college, he played saxophone and sang with a touring show band. John attended Boston’s, Berklee College of Music and graduated 1981 with a bachelor's of music. After receiving his masters, from New York University in 1995, John taught general music classes and 6th grade band in New York City’s public school system. He also performed in numerous nursing homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centers regionally. There are two albums out to date. The first, ‘Two Weeks From Tuesday’, came out in 1997. Basically secular; however, three of the eleven songs on the album are spiritual in nature. John had no thought of being a Christian artist, until someone attended one of his concerts and asked, “Have you ever considered your self a Christian musician?” He had never given it thought until that point. This single question inspired and encouraged John to follow his deeply passionate spirit into the venue of Christian music. The second album, ‘Come On With Me’, began in 2001. It was a work in progress beginning production in December of 2005 and completed in January 2006. The lyrics and music are reflective of deep spirit and thoughts. This pop gospel album is an eclectic variety of different styles. Listening to this smooth, subtle album reveals that John not only, ‘knows his craft’ well; but, can affect listeners in the spirit.

John’s advice to musicians just starting out… “Know yourself, know your passion. Take It, Go With It and Own It. Be able to take constructive criticism from intelligent, loving people who care. When performing… watch how your music affects others and be prepared.”

The single most meaningful Bible passage to John, Luke 23:32-42. John feels these verses proved that Jesus ‘walked what he talked’. “He said it, He meant it, He was here to represent it!” John greets daily challenges and strives to show the love, kindness and generous spirit of Christ in life. In the time I spent sharing and talking with John Russo, I feel he has succeeded admirably. He reflects Christ not only in his music, but in his person as well. For an entirely enjoyable experience check out his hyperlink website http://www. johnruso.info. Pick up a copy of his latest album, “Come On With Me’ right here at the C.M.N. online store. This writer found John to be as open, deep and warm as his music. For his patient tolerance and kind indulgence to my probing, and long list of questions, I send out a big ‘Thank You’ to John Russo. We wish you great success and will be looking forward to your next album.

Article written by Jan LeVan, C.M.N. Board Member and Carbon/Schuylkill Director. janlevan@christianmusicnetwork.com

You can also get John's cd at www.towerrecords.comand cdbaby.com