Russ Taff: Freed from a Life of Pain

Russ Taff's success in the Christian music world came on the heels of years of abuse. He relied on God's intervention to break free.

[@j.sabien1903]

Im black from the hood, but i grew up on this dudes music. I love the song "I cry", " Were u there", " The Lord came Through". Beyond grateful for this testimony i was raised by christians yet under physical & emotional abuse.

[@gailbowman1690]

I am so sorry, thank God for Russ Taff's music, he is such an amazing singer. And what a testimony!

[@godsrevolver9737]

I was raised that way, as well. I'm no longer a Christian, but I do still enjoy enjoy music sometimes.

[@j.sabien1903]

@@godsrevolver9737 I get it 💯 I don't go to church but I still believe in Father, Son, Holy Spirit. I respect your decision Christianity has failed many ppl. I just think that Christ & his teachings have not failed.

[@michaelm7815]

Powerful stuff I just started listening to him and let me tell you he really is something

[@Lauricella71]

Yeshua’s grace, compassion and tremendous love for all of us is so incredibly overwhelming.

[@velondabe6868]

I went through the same thing as a Pastor's Daughter. But, Jesus brought me through it! I'm occupying until He comes!!!!!!

[@robbietomberlin2265]

Russ changed my life! God worked, as He always does, through a broken vessel. Thank God everyday for this man's life and ministry.

[@pamelabroce9973]

To me Russ really knows Jesus. That's what I have learned I can tell Jesus anything, that's what Russ did as a child when he went to the church to pray. God bless him

[@keinothompson]

I am moved by this testimony. I can agree with Russ when he said that God will move heaven and earth to sow me his love for me.

[@dougroberts9821]

As a teenager, when Russ left the Imperials and Greg X Volz left Petra...it felt like my life was over. Lol. Thanks, Russ, for keeping your ministry going despite years of struggle!

[@jojourias6766]

Gay gay

[@powrpak2]

God bless this man of God. I've been listening to his music since the 80's, and his ministry is still blessings me to this day!

[@geraldfields4469]

Now THIS is true power. what a testimony! Jesus, Jesus precious Jesus!!!

[@mauded2709]

As long as we know and love Jesus, He will pull us out any situation. We get strength from Christ Jesus even when it doesn't feel He is there. Keep on going Russ and Tori and the kids. One day everything will be revealed and we will get answers. May God guide you and your family every day. We are all children of God. Spread the Word and listen to The Holy Spirit. Love in Christ Jesus. South Africa

[@mknalgas1758]

I also got tears, hearing this story again. Thank you Russ for sharing your story. We all can see the love of God. Jesus our Saviour!!

[@happyolddude]

Russ, when I hear you speaking my mind remembers all the troubles I had with my father. He was an alcoholic who did not believe in God and did nothing but belittle me until he died in 1964, He left so many scars both inside and outside. We could not bring friends home in fear of him coming home so drunk he could hardly walk sometimes. He NEVER showed me any empathy and pulled me out of school when I was just 15 so I could go and earn money which he took to drink. My Mother had the greatest gift in 1964. My father died and she lived until 1994 doing what, when and how she wanted, not how he demanded. All through this time and with the help of my beautiful mother and our lord Jesus Christ i am now 74, have a wife of 54 years and two great sons. I never touched either of my two boys as punishment and have never touched alcohol! My father continually strapped me around the backs of my legs and I have the scars to prove it. I thank my mum, my wife and our Lord! Russ you inspire me with your story and your music especially songs like 'We Will Stand and Ain't No Grave'. Thank you for everything.

[@GentlRebel]

Now I understand where his song I Still Believe came from. It has been my mantra following the death of my young son. Some people turn away from God in the face of tragedy. I have needed my faith more than ever in the face of my tragedy because nothing else makes sense. It is so moving to hear that Mr. Taff's history of abuse and pain made him turn to God, not away from Him. Thank you, Mr. Taff. I, too, still believe.

[@7389]

That entire album was him expressing his personal pain, it is one of my all time favorites.

[@NoNo_IStay]

One of those actually on the narrow path. 63% of the world population claims Christianity. 63% aren't going through a narrow gate.

[@cpeace7884]

Beautiful. God is so good. HE knows exactly what we need, when and how to do it. HE is the God Who healeth thee. Anen

[@Sundayschoolnetwork]

Such a beautiful story of how God can redeem our darkest moments.

[@chrislawson7983]

I wasn't raised in church,but my 3 older siblings were,I was told to say my prayers before sleep, even when Mom was drunk, really confusing to a kid.I was born again at 18 then the race is on, now 30 odd years later to know a savoir who listens to me in answering prayers, there's no words but lift my hands in praise.

[@Revivaloftruth]

Keep giving the glory to God, Russ! If we endure to the end (trust Christ to the end, no matter what comes) we'll be with Him Forever. One Big Happy Family, in Father God's house, Forever!

[@tammeleemburg820]

Lord Bless Russ Taff more and more. Thank you for your testemony. I needed it to hear.

[@bosse641]

Love his voice. ...one of the best.

[@markharris2117]

While we all know that Russ was truly suffering during his time of his greatest success, it's somewhat incumbent to recognize that Russ's voice was and is one of the best voices in rock, pop, and contemporary christian music, mostly because his art and craft was so personal in it's presentation, always honestly representing who he was at that moment, at that time, and within his own soul. Now that we all know the real story, we can easily turn the somewhat glib rendering of his 'soulful' delivery in his voice into the actual pain he was experiencing at that time - just look at his eyes during this delivery - is so clear in retrospect. This was so clearly his own personal and soulful request being offering to his God - he was offering his own personal confession coupled with his request to be healed. Even while he was hiding, this is truly an honest and heart-felt 'pouring-out' of his deepest feelings, played out for us all in real life - if only we knew - but then again, many of us already knew because Russ is just as human as the rest of us. Hat's off to Russ for being so honest and open through his art and craft while at the same time hiding his pain - truly, truly, truly the mark of a true artist. Thank you Russ - you communicated so very, very, very truly. It can't be hidden from God, from you, and from us. You are truly an artist of the highest level.

[@MrVarkeyengland]

An anointed singer.

[@jesusanchorofmysoulkatheri3648]

✝️💟🙋🏼‍♀️🙏🏼🕊what an overcomer!! Heaven bound Russ💝

[@michellecita]

I was in tears watching this. God bless you

[@aranit69]

praise the Lord , God bless you Russ , thanks for your music and voice you dedicated to the One who loves and saves you .

[@farmdog3713]

God heals the brokenhearted! 2 Corinthians 1 3-5

[@livemusic1422]

Praise God! What a Awesome testimony! Russ you are a wonderful blessing to the Kingdom of Heaven! Jesus Christ loves you more than words! Your family loves you and I your sister in Christ love you! Can't wait to meet you when we are home with our King! ❤❤❤

[@stephanietimmerman7596]

so beautiful!! so poweful!!. God we praise You!! Thank you for sharing your life with us.. Thank you for how you radiate the love of Jesus Russ..

[@believeinyourself8895]

You have a wonderful talent and God has totally blessed you

[@carolynabshire4761]

This is why his voice is so anointed by God .... God is still using this man to reach so many .. His music truly touches the soul ...

[@HISandHISAlone]

Exactly, I was just thinking that! I just finished watching Resurrection. The song played at the end, In Moment of Light, captured me. I mean there's a tangible anointing upon that song!!!! I went searching for the singer, and found it was/is Russ Taff. However, I can't find his version on KZbin. There is a pretty good cover, but it doesn't have the passion, grit, and anointing heard in Russ' because he's truly walked through the fire with Abba Father, Y'shua/Jesus and Holy Spirit! Father thank You for the gift Russ is to the 'body,' and for healing his heart completely, IJN 🛐🕊🔥🎶💯

[@arethamorgan6613]

@ Carolyn Abshire. Russ has a single called " Medals". If your not familiar with it. You might want to, pull it up and listen to it. It's a beautiful song glorifying Jesus. Trust me, it's worth listening to. So enjoy. 😊

[@sryburn641]

RussTaff’s music caught my attention early on with the Imperials. In my teen years his solo cassettes moved me a lot. I think it was because you could hear some kind of beautiful relationship with pain that I couldn’t understand at the time. I only knew that his voice had a yearning and sincerity that was lacking in hard rock/metal/thrash, which was mostly what I listened to. My story is long and full of failures. I still fall down hard often but I never stop believing in the Lord. Russ Taff has played a part in me wanting to keep on. He’s the real deal and I believe 100% in his love for Christ.

[@michelledean5243]

Wow, a lot of people need to hear this story. Love you Russ. Keep singing for Jesus.

[@lissettesbloom8223]

Not even Christian families are perfect that’s why we all need Jesus’s mercy

[@TheMaryam1891]

my mother was not perfect so we had to be

[@barbarasunday3514]

I think that's why God used him to reach me when I was in my very worst fight with myself. Russ Taff and Rich Mullins probably saved my life when I was 18 and 19.

[@dr.donald]

Thank you Russ Taft for your life of service to Jesus. The song you sung, "Praise the Lord," sustained me through 27 years of prison and brought me home back to my family. I wept as I heard your testimony and the heavy burden you carried for so many years that was lifted by that dying preacher and the Lord Jesus. Keep singing that love song and continue to share what God has done for you, not only through the mountain top experience but through the valleys as well. I met you many years ago at a music conference when you sat next to me at our meal together and you were so gracious and encouraging. God bless you and your beautiful wife.

[@700club]

Praise God, Donald! Thank you for sharing your testimony with us.

[@dr.donald]

@@700club Thank you for the 70O Club which blessed me so much through those difficult years.

[@roseaguirre2786]

I first saw Mr. Russ at Cornerstone with Pastor Matt, and his testimony touched me so much. God bless him for we are healed by the Lamb and our testimony.

[@jonhantsbarger6196]

I think it is common that people do not know the pain that some of those on stage serving the Lord have been dealing with for years

[@ryanfreer77]

I didn’t really like much contemporary Christian music growing up, and still don’t. Only a handful stood out to me, like REZ (Resurrection Band), early Petra, Larry Bryant, and Billy Crocket. But Russ Taff’s work was-and is-far different and beyond anything else in the genre...reaching me in ways many others never have. I think back specifically to one of his solo albums, “Medals” which resonates more powerfully today than it did even in the 80s. Most of the tracks on that record have a special magic. His rough and raspy, yet beautiful voice is something I can only liken to singers like Peter Gabriel or SEAL. Just an amazing talent.

[@757Church]

What a great testimony. The power of a Father's blessing! Great interview, Wendy!

[@ruthworman2733]

Russ the lord had his hands on your life your whole life. Praise God he followed you and never left you alone. You are so much stronger today because of of all the pain you endure your whole life. Praise God 👏 you have been set free. 🙏 God bless you and your family ❤️❤️🙏🙏🙌🙌 because God is love !!!!! Amen 🙏

[@700club]

Thank you for sharing those kind words for his life and testimony.

[@theoracle5265]

Your a very strong lady for holding back your tears and keeping your composure, great job. My Brother Russ our story's are very similar as far as the abuse but our Heavenly Father is waiting to wrap His arms around us and as the scriptures tell us He Will Rejoice Over Us With Singing !

[@CorinneDTZ]

GOD is always with us no matter how bad the situation

[@stevedewberry]

Amazing when those abused in the name of Jesus become His loudest trumpets.

[@ebriggs3498]

They weren't abused "in the name of Jesus". They were abused in the name of alcohol, addiction and shame..

[@PhoenixRising251]

I feel beyond blessed and privileged to have met this man back in the early 80's. Go Russ! 💪👍 I STILL BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!

[@KrissiCreates]

Just now finding this July 2022 ! What a testimony! Wow! I had goosebumps listening to this! Thank you so much. God bless you and keep you and yours!

[@BossSpringsteen69]

Thank you Russ, for giving to the Lord. This was so inspiring to me to continue walking in my call.

[@Arobisme]

Thank god that nobody believes this religion lie anymore

[@reg8297]

God bless this man

[@ab-kw6mx]

down in the lowlands... that is one of the best songs I've ever heard ....i used to listen to Russ Taff for hours on end when I first got saved... now I am far away from God so I'm going to maybe start listening to him again....

[@JohnW335andTele]

a b I would like to encourage you to draw near to God once again.

[@babettehebert6844]

Jesus loves you too! If you were the only person on earth He would have died for you too. Jesus is still there waiting. Just come home. Praying for you

[@sunflowersusan3696]

Hey, I hear what u saying, I listened to russ, fell away and now I'm back, better than ever. You can too!! Hugs to you.

[@rachelhillhouse5967]

My mom passed away 3 years ago. When she did my dad remarried and completely rejected my sisters and me and our families. I just recently have started dealing with anger that I don't understand. I have wondered at times does anybody understand how I feel. After hearing Russ's testimony, I realize that there's hope and healing.

[@sryburn641]

There is absolutely hope. Just keep getting up when you feel thrown down. Never give up.

[@rachelhillhouse5967]

@@sryburn641 Update on my dad's, my step mother's, and my relationship. God has completely healed and restored our relationships. My dad and I are on good terms and my stepmother and I get along very well. God is good!

[@sryburn641]

@@rachelhillhouse5967 that He is. I’m happy for you.

[@purpleangelwings6579]

🌳🌱🌳 I feel your pain my brother....i can relate very well with what has happened to you...and i too can testify that through it all iv learned to trust in Jesus Christ ....Russ your annointing annoys the demons on others......its that way for most of us .....thats just one reason the Father tells us to pray for those who persecute you .....🙂....i will tell ya this...i will go out with a song !!! The Lord has changed my name and i am no longer my own ...🙂.....i am forever greatful that He loves me ...unto the ends of the earth !!!! 🌳🌱🌳🌱🌳🌱🌳Russ that man gave you the Blessing you were suppose to recieve from your father....i love it that the Lord made certain you got that ....oooohhhhh how lovely the Lord id and His Great love for His children....thank you Jesus...🌺🌻🌺🌻🌺🌻🌺

[@pauldiaz25]

So touching love the way God use you brother Russ. It was a blessing to meet you at NRB

[@youngmusic29]

Thank you for this testimony.

[@lynnstevenson8015]

LOVE YOUR HEART RUSS💞 SO ANOINTED!

[@elizabethsinclair6256]

.You blessed my soul today!! Thanks for sharing. May God continue using you!

[@hazzachannel1]

I HEARD RUSS TAFF SINGING WITH THE IMPERIALS. I LOVE HIS TRUMPET OF JESUS! TO HEAR HIS TESTIMONY NOW, IT SHOOK ME TO KNOW HIS STORY. HE CUDDA GONE OFF, BUT HE LOVES JESUS! HIS FATHER GOD HOLDS HIM. THANK YOU 700 FOR THIS TESTIMONY.

[@stylebudd204]

love Russ Taff since the 80s

[@analyntambiag995]

I am bless to hear this great testimony God bless bro. Russ and family

[@lovingkindness0]

Thank you for sharing this video. God bless you, Russ. Thank you for being true and for allowing God to continue to use you mightily for His Glory and Praise!

[@jew10400]

I love Russ he is so anointed and so genuine. I get blessed so much by his music , even the songs I thought I didn't like I end up coming back to it months later because it stayed in my spirit.

[@hollyfisher8811]

Oh my gosh~I have always loved Russ Taff's amazing music❤... Our Father in Heaven holds us ALL close, no matter our Earthly Parents:)

[@paulaharness8413]

It’s no mistake that Russ Taff came to my mind three days ago and then, Jesus brought his documentary to me. Wow! I needed to hear his story and hear the voice of God speak to me.

[@pamdelong5113]

God bless you Russ you are such a blessing to so many people 🙂♥️

[@700club]

Your comment is appreciated.

[@peapicker]

I'm crying with you, Russ. I had parents that were so similar. High expectations and no support. Thanks for telling your story of God's healing love. I am so grateful.

[@mimifiorentino327]

Patti Miller q.

[@AGM-ts5bb]

Praying for your healing. ❤

[@paulgavin3603]

God bless and heal you, Patti

[@frevryngrocks9346]

❤❤❤

[@patriciawickholm3617]

Same for me Patti.

[@angelahatfield1365]

This totally hit home!!!! I felt that when I chose to forgive the nine men who raped and molested me. I remember craving attention and doing what ever it took to get it.... Praise God that i am a new creature and i am unashamed to testify to God's glorious miracles. I am so excited to tell what God has taught me. I am so happy now and I choose to be the Lady that Jesus died for..... I am learning daily! I see miracles and I am humbled by His glory. I had to share because the most beautiful things are happening.

[@700club]

We are glad that you enjoyed this video and thank you for sharing your testimony, Angela. May the Lord bless you!

[@garyclark4365]

We seen the movie about Russ life on Oct. 30 was a tear jerker.

[@markpayne1748]

I absolutely love Russ Taff, Greg Volz, and Mylon LeFevre. They've been my guardian angels throughout my live. I'm so grateful for them!

[@believeinyourself8895]

It's sad when you're expected to be perfect. Only God is perfect.

[@angelenesukhan6665]

I have known Russ music for such a long time. But I never knew what he went through. I am 😢 too. Thanks for sharing. I was kicked out of the house many times for the Kingdom of God, beaten and molested and I had to forgive my Daddy too. Since I gave my heart to the Lord, He becomes my Dad. He has been taking good care of me. We're going home soon to be with our Father. God bless for great testimony. Keep on serving Jesus

[@frevryngrocks9346]

Bless your heart! I am so sorry! Sending love & prayers!🙏❤

[@droid264]

This is why Gods grace is soooo Amazing....God Bless you Russ.

[@catherinagoodal5695]

Thank you for sharing i just started to listen to Rass his connection with JESUS is so strong you can feel it just watching him singing on internet. Cathy RSA

[@700club]

Cathy, thank you so much for watching and for leaving your comment. May God always bless you!

[@marvintillis8136]

awesome man of God his music had a tremendous impact on my life as a christian teenager.

[@DougMcDave]

My parents followed "The Imperials," when I was a kid. We have even heard them in concert. They were great! I did not realize what he went through!!

[@kateflohr9669]

I always loved the Imperials,they were awesome! Didnt realize his life was so,so hard!

[@530MAIDU]

What an inspirational biographical story... God surely blessed you with great love and grace!!! Thank you for sharing. 🙏🌟🎼👏🏽

[@DONOTS]

Good job CBN interview, i cried on part where Russ Taff shared how he forgive his father (see 7.11 mts)

[@terryrideout7457]

Love u russ u r great.

[@coralynrojas8934]

May Russ Taff testimony heal the world!!! God changes negative thoughts because of a wound given by a loved one!!!!

[@bjstew8043]

I’m crying 😥Thank you Russ Taff and 700 Club. Such a POWERFUL TESTIMONY.

[@BAn-mu4qe]

I am so glad that Russ was freed and that he now knows that God loves him. It does take a while to be released from emotional abuse. I am glad that he was so honest because his testimony will help hundreds of thousands if not millions of people. Thank you.

[@lindyjohnson2908]

A very great man. An example to us all. To God be the glory! Russ is humble , honest and real. His great testimony is giving hundreds of thousands hope in Jesus.

[@neat6237]

God bless you, thank you for sharing💞💟❣💛💖💘💝💗

[@bigroy38]

THE voice!!!

[@perstgaard530]

Fantastic. 😊.

[@Jettguzman]

Wow, all his music is powerful as is this message from life experience, that i never new. Best album I still listen all the way through is his 1989, The Way Home, it was wonderful back then as it is now... check it out it’s powerful! It has helped me from my life’s enduring experience.

[@nancydecosta8577]

It takes Jesus too heal...

[@0rdinaryPerson555]

Amen

[@0rdinaryPerson555]

I just seen a quote which go with this awesome video - "You Are A Blessing Sent From Heaven Above, A Huggable Reminder 0f God's Unfailing Love." (Unknown)

[@annmika]

Every one has a story to tell. You can never tell how much a person went through just by looking. We will understand it better by and by.

[@tblightningbolt8902]

congrats Theo!!!!!!

[@Emmanuel-gd9hx]

I'M SALUTE RUSS TAFF. LORD JESUS ALWAYS WITH YOU BROTHER.

[@glennweeks7176]

God bless him....

[@rickcarmack5850]

Here from Theo von although I have always been a Russ taff fan. Nobody does hold to gods unchanging hand better.

[@johannajacobs2552]

Thank you for sharing. I was crying.....

[@amazonalain]

Praise God for yur life.

[@donnacreek2423]

Amazing testimony!!

[@JoaoPaulo-xb1ge]

russ i love you , Brasil

[@ghopkins7928]

Wow thankyou

[@dan8221]

Powerful!

[@falandoaverdade5796]

LOUVADO SEJA DEUS POR SUA VIDA. LOUVORES LINDOS PARA A GLÓRIA DE DEUS.

[@nathangriffin9893]

Where's my theo followers? We're down this rabbit hole together

[@robertwhittemore4872]

Wow!!! I never knew the pain he was in.

[@sandrawilkins1995]

That is so sad to hear this story, just can't imagine growing up like that

[@Marsena]

WOW! What a testimony! I'm SO sorry I missed seeing his documentary on Netflix. I wish there was some way my husband and I could buy it. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and for raising awareness of abuse in the Christian community!!!

[@patriciawickholm3617]

My father wasn't a preacher or an alcoholic. However, many of his behaviors are the same as Russ's dad. I often said that my dad had characteristics of an alcoholic. I was 50 yrs. before i began to believe I was "enough". God Bless Russ.

[@tonygville2969]

We're just a bunch of Ragamuffins working out our Salvation in Fear and Trembling 🙏 Viva Cristo Rey 💪🙏