As a shy schoolboy growing up, Barry Russo found music as a way to connect with people. Each day after school, he headed straight to the baby grand piano in the living room of his parents' home overlooking the shores of Narragansett Bay.

Barry’s early classical studies included the works of Bach, Mozart, and Clementi, as well as many other composers, who became his inspiration. Equally influential in his development was the music of many pop artists, including Howard Jones, Survivor, the Hooters, Duran Duran, Phil Collins, Richard Marx, Michael W. Smith, and, of course, Billy Joel. All helped to shape Barry's development as a musician, and also contributed to the writing of infectious melodies and catchy lyrics that have come to characterize his artistry.

Perhaps the seeds of a paradoxical nature were planted and nurtured as Barry's musical experiences unfolded, when extremes seemed to be the norm. Often, he would find himself playing songs such as AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" in a bar with a band at 2 AM, only to be in church a mere six hours later leading the congregation in the singing of hymns!

“Though my performances these days tend to be more pop-oriented, as opposed to playing with a hard rock band,” Barry elaborates, “a typical day in my life can still very often include the widest spectrum of music and venues that you can possibly imagine, and I'm grateful for it all!” Experiences from such extremes have granted Barry a unique perspective on life and have helped shape his creations and define him as an artist and person.

Indeed, Barry’s musical resume and life experiences still scream “variety” to the highest degree. He has been involved in church music ministry for most of his years since high school, and is currently employed as director of music at St. Peter's Church in Warwick, RI. His church music ministry has not been limited only to his parish position, as Barry has been a featured guest artist in churches and coffeehouses of numerous denominations nationally, and has brought a message of hope and encouragement to non-religious audiences as well. In late 2008, his musical ventures took him around the world to the US territory of Guam, where he performed a series of church-related concerts and led a series of youth workshops.

Alongside his spiritual music experiences, Barry has simultaneously forged a highly successful, full-time career as a popular entertainer in the secular music market, performing frequently across Southern New England.

In travels to Nashville, Barry began collaborating with Shay Watson, whose career as a songwriter, artist, and producer has included working with Michael Tait of DC Talk and Newsboys, Switchfoot's Jon Foreman, Word recording artists Sidewalk Prophets, and Sony recording artist Gretchen Wilson. 2005 saw the release of Barry’s debut solo album, These Are the Days, produced by Watson and featuring deft handling of weighty life issues through playful lyrics and catchy melodies that makes one want to put the top down, turn up the volume and take a long cruise down an open highway. Included in this collection is Russo’s zany 80s tribute anthem, "Child of the 80s."

Two more EP releases followed. 2008’s Where I Want To Be, recorded and co-produced by Steve Catizone of Sanctum Sound of Boston/Los Angeles (Wyclef Jean, T-Pain, New Kids On the Block), delves deeper into areas of faith and spirituality and more distinctly defines Barry as a Christian crossover artist who is wrestling, like many people, with issues of faith on the journey through this secular and at times difficult world.

September of 2009 marked the release of Barry's third solo project, Back to Life, a six song compilation recorded in Nashville and produced by These Are the Days steward Watson and his songwriting and production colleague Joe Nash. Back to Life continues Barry's reflections on experiences and the world around him. On this endeavor, in addition to participating in the writing, Barry also found congruent observations in the songs of Watson and other fellow Nashville writers, along with two very well-regarded 80s hits, which correlated well with Barry's heavy influence from that era and his experiences as a performing musician.

Today, Barry continues to be a student of life, while at the same time taking his listeners and audiences on a journey of discovery and reflection. All the while, he's serving up encouragement and sometimes sheer fun on a silver CD platter. "I'm just another passenger on this journey. Many times, my music isn't necessarily about where I'm at, but more where I want to be. Time seems to go by so quickly. It's easy to get bogged down in day-to-day living and lose sight of the big picture. I think to some extent, a lot of people are in a similar situation. Much of my music is based on the challenges of overcoming obstacles and living life to its fullest."

For Barry Russo, music is still very much about connecting with people.

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BARRY IN CONCERT

"An experience of pop and rock music that will get your feet tapping and your soul smiling!" - Bronwyn A. Dannenfelser, Director of Development, WaterFire Providence



In concert, Barry creates an energetic atmosphere that takes the audience on an exhilarating ride of peaks and valleys. As the first note is sounded, there is a sense in the air that this event will be far more than just hearing some music performed. Instead, it becomes quickly apparent that it will be a couple of hours of inspiration, soul searching, celebration, laughter, and sentiment. All the while it is often hard to tell who is having more fun - the audience or Barry himself. His innate ability to connect with people, along with his humble persona and dry, often self-depreciating humor, strikes a chord at every concert. Through a series of up-tempo songs and ballads, storytelling, and moments of audience participation, he takes the audience on a fun-filled, yet powerful journey. Whether solo or with his superb backing band, Barry makes the most of every performance, blending his piano and keyboard skills with heartfelt vocals. Most of all, his audiences leave not only having been thoroughly entertained and encouraged, but feeling as though they have just made a personal connection with this unassuming "everyman."

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"Barry's own personal reflections and music are so in tune with those who want something more in their life's journey." - Fred Rodriguez, television & radio host, Hagatna, Guam

"Barry's artistry and songwriting are an excellent combination for an exciting musical journey." - Shay Watson, producer / songwriter / recording artist, Nashville, TN

"Working with Barry on all levels has been a wonderful experience." - Maureen Janetta, St. Luke's School, Barrington, RI

"Barry has a passion for performance. A genuine artist!" - Joe Simpson, songwriter, Nashville, TN

"For a musical adventure, call Barry. He rocks the night away with his soulful playing & melodic voice!" - Jennifer Powers, Cranston, RI

"For every song that was so personal to Barry and his journey, he managed to make me feel as though that song was mine as well." - Laurie Toracinta Rossi, concert attendee, Warwick, RI



For booking information write to
booking@barryrusso.com