Russell Watson: The UK's bestselling classical artist finds faith

00:00
00:00

The world-renowned tenor Russell Watson never planned to be a recording artist, instead dreaming of football stardom as a young boy. “It was daydreams really. I was never any good,” he confesses. His rise to fame saw him move from imitating crooners in backstreet pubs to performing for the Pope, the late Queen Elizabeth II and two US presidents. Along the way, he's sold more than 7 million albums, won multiple BRIT awards and worked with musical legends including Paul McCartney and Luciano Pavarotti. Yet at the height of his fame, he came close to death. Brain tumours caused the then 40-year-old to suffer a brain hemorrhage while lying in bed one night, resulting in emergency surgery. These events rocked his world – and cemented his faith. He tells Premier Christianity's Emma Fowle the full story.

Released on 22 Dec 2023

Share this page...

Did you know Premier is listener-funded?

What we do wouldn't be possible without the support of our generous listeners.

Every day, we hear stories of how lives are transformed through God's word on the radio - whether encouraging and offering hope during a dark time in their life or bringing a non-believer into the light. By joining your fellow listeners, you can make this impact too.

Please give to Premier today so the Gospel can continue to reach those who need it most.

Please Give Today

Premier Gospel Awards

THE ULTIMATE GOSPEL EXPERIENCE

A spectacular experience awaits you, with unmissable performances that fuse entertainment, encounter, and storytelling. Find out more

FIND OUT MORE

Happy 30th Birthday to Premier Christian Radio

Come and celebrate with us LIVE as we learn the history of Premier as well as what to look forward to in the coming years!

LISTEN NOW