Russell Watson

Russell Watson
Watson performing at Broadlands in Hampshire, England, in 2007.
Background information
Born	(1966-11-24) 24 November 1966 (age 50)
Origin	Salford, Lancashire, England, UK
Genres	Classical crossover, operatic pop(popera), Pop rock
Occupation(s)	Tenor
Years active	1998–present
Labels	Sony Records (2009–2013) Decca (2000–09)
Website	www.russell-watson.com

Russell Watson (born 24 November 1966) is an English tenor who has released singles and albums of both operatic-style and pop songs. The self-styled "People's Tenor" had been singing since he was a child, and became known after performing at a working men's club. He came to attention in 1999 when he sang "God Save the Queen" at the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, "Barcelona" at the last match of the Premiership season between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford and a full set of songs at the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final in Barcelona between Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

Watson's debut album titled The Voice was released in May 2001; four others followed. However, an album planned for November 2006 was delayed due to the removal of a benign pituitary tumour. This album, titled That's Life, was eventually released on 5 March 2007.

On 24 October 2007, it was discovered that there had been a regrowth of his pituitary tumour and bleeding into his brain. He underwent emergency surgery and was discharged from hospital on 31 October. He underwent an extensive rehabilitation programme, including radiotherapy. His sixth studio album, Outside In, was released on 26 November 2007.

On 22 November 2010, Watson released La Voce, his first album since overcoming a brain tumour .

Watson was born on 24 November 1966 in Gildersome England. Although he had been singing since he was a child, he never sought a career as a professional singer. He attended Irlam Endowed Primary School and Irlam and Cadishead High School which he left with no GCEs. He then began earning £29.50 a week on a Youth Opportunities Programme as a bolt-cutter in Irlam, near Manchester. Then married and with a baby, he began to earn extra cash singing Elvis Presley and other covers in North West clubs to help support his young family.