Russell Watson

Russell Watson (born 23 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 entitled 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, entitled 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 his new album La Voce, his first album since overcoming brain cancer.

Read more about Russell Watson:  Early Career, 2000–2005: The "People's Tenor", 2006–2008, 2008–present, Critical Reception, Personal Life

Famous quotes containing the words russell and/or watson:

    “There is Lowell, who’s striving Parnassus to climb
    With a whole bale of isms tied together with rhyme,
    He might get on alone, spite of brambles and boulders,
    But he can’t with that bundle he has on his shoulders,
    The top of the hill he will ne’er come nigh reaching
    Till he learns the distinction ‘twixt singing and preaching;
    —James Russell Lowell (1819–1891)

    His friends he loved. His direst earthly foes—
    Cats—I believe he did but feign to hate.
    My hand will miss the insinuated nose,
    Mine eyes the tail that wagg’d contempt at Fate.
    —Sir William Watson (1858–1935)