Home | Bio | Photos | Russoul's Media | Events | Contact | Store Russoul's Bio Enlarge Biography AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artist) Russoul has opened for artists Kanye West, New Edition, Eryka Badu, Chaka Khan, Cameo, Frankie Beverly and Maze, and Sam Salter. He also has performed for major events in the city of Chicago. Russoul was declared the Chicago Idol winner by celebrity judges: Kanye West, Common, No ID, Selena Johnson, Tiffany Green and contest sponsor, Elroy Smith. Grammy Award winner Kanye West, produced the song, Second Chance on Russoul. Attending church, practicing piano, and singing created the foundation for Russoul's talent. He attended Chicago Public Schools, participated in school choirs, and he loved performing in school plays. After watching a Stevie Wonder concert on television, Russoul began to gravitate towards singing and playing the piano. At the age of ten, Russoul attended a concert given by The Soul Children of Chicago, under the leadership of Walter Whitman, and an indelible impression was made upon him. After auditioning and becoming a member of the Soul Children, he continued to grow musically and spiritually. His passion and drive for singing was enhanced as he watched other soloists perform. The Soul Children traveled extensively. A new precedence was set when the Soul Children journeyed to California to accompany Gladys Knight on the Motown 30th Anniversary Show. This experience enabled him to realize that he wanted to be versatile, and perform in various venues. Upon graduating from Whitney Young High School, he was encouraged to major in business at the University of Illinois. He later transferred to Clark Atlanta University, and majored in music. His unique voice and style of singing was known around the university campus. He earned a B. A. in music and he graduated with honors. In addition to being the voice teacher, song writer and producer for young Maestro Harrell, Young Simba in Disney's Chicago production of the Lion King, he has taught music in the Chicago Public Schools, and he has piano and voice students. russoul.com Copyright 2007. Russoul c/o Pike Unlimited Music, Inc. All Rights Reserved.