Russ Murphy was raised in the central Texas towns of Hubbard and Waco before heading off to Lubbock, Texas to attend Texas Tech University. While at Tech Russ was very active in the University and Music Ministries of First Baptist Church. As the director of the 100 voice University Singers Choir, Russ wrote 2 full-length musicals that were performed by the choir and orchestra. It was also while at Tech that Russ met his life-long friend, Bill Gammill. From 1981-1989 Bill and Russ, known as Gammill and Murphy, sang over 2,000 times in churches all around the country and world and recorded 3 albums.
	From 1989-2005 Russ served on the staff of Indiana Avenue Baptist Church in Lubbock as the University Minister. The group started with just 9 students but over the years the Lord grew the group to over 1,200 students coming each Sunday to hear Russ preach and lead worship making it, at the time, the largest University Ministry in the nation. Word spread about the IABC University Ministry and was once featured in a segment on the 700 Club with Pat Robertson.  In August of 2006 Russ and his wife, Saralyn moved to Spring Hill, TN to pursue his writing and singing career.  In just a little over 2 years Russ has seen 5 of his songs go to #1 on the Inspirational Country Music charts with “Welcome Home Soldier” and “Wood and Steel” both being nominated for Song of the Year.  In 2007 Russ was honored to receive the ICM New Artist of the Year Award and was just recently chosen as the 2008 ICM Songwriter of the Year.  In May of 2008 Russ was chosen as the AgapeFest Horizon Award winner as well as winner of the AgapeFest 2008 Songwriter of the Year.  Russ gives all the glory to the Lord but he also has been so blessed to have the help of his amazing friend, award – winning writer and producer, Robert Jason, www.robertjason.com.   Robert has helped Russ shape his approach to singing and writing and has played a huge role in Russ’ success. Russ travels across the nation singing & speaking at churches and Military Appreciation Events including: West Point Academy, Valley Forge, PA for the Regional Chaplain’s Conference, Washington, D.C. for the Royal Order of the Purple Hearts, F t. Benning, GA for their Presidential Banquet, Ft.Hood, TX National Prayer Breakfast, for Congressman Ortiz at the South Texas Veterans Summit and Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. He also has made 20 overseas trips to sing and share the Gospel in such places as Kenya, Canada, China, Israel, Italy, Germany, England, Sicily and Bolivia. Russ and Saralyn live in Spring Hill, TN where she is an outstanding math teacher at Independence High School.  Russ knows he wouldn’t be in Nashville pursuing his dream if it wasn’t for her love, encouragement and sacrifice.  Russ has often said that, “I feel that I am the most blessed man on earth to have Saralyn as my wife and best friend.” Russ and Saralyn Murphy are living examples that with the Lord “dreams really can come true.”