The inspirational autobiography from Britain's home-grown Pavarotti - megastar Russell Watson
Russell Watson is an international superstar with a real story to tell. Known as 'The Voice' due to his incredible yet untrained singing talent, his is an inspirational working class rags to riches tale of how a young man from Salford went on to become one of the world's biggest selling popular classical singers. While most stars of today find success early, Russell was working in a Salford factory at the age of 30. He spent the evenings singing in workingmen's clubs for extra cash to keep the bailiffs from his family's door. The Chairman of Manchester United gave him is big break in May 1999, the opportunity to sing at Old Trafford. His extraordinary performance was quickly followed by a record deal and his phenomenally successful debut album. He has since sold over five million albums, won four Brit awards, embarked on numerous sell-out world tours and entertained the Pope, Blair, Bush and the Emperor of Japan.In 2002, he was invited to perform at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in front of a worldwide television audience of 1 billion people. But success has not come easy.

His rapidly escalating fame led to a bitter divorce from his childhood sweetheart and his private life being splashed across the tabloids. His career was threatened when a polyp was found on his throat and only last autumn, he was struck down by a life-threatening brain tumour and had to undergo extensive brain surgery. He plunged into a deep depression and it was only the thought of leaving his two daughters fatherless that kept him from committing suicide. Now, having totally recovered from his debilitating illness, Russell reveals for the first time the true story of how an ordinary man with an extraordinary voice became one of Britain's favourite recording artists.
Russell Watson was born in Salford, Lancashire, in 1966. He has sold over five million albums, won four BRIT awards, embarked on numerous sell-out world tours and entertained the Pope, Blair, Bush and the Emperor of Japan. He has two young daughters, Rebecca and Hannah.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Finding My Voice
Comment: I've read many autobiographies of actors, composers, singers, musicians etc., and I've got to say this is one of the best autobiographies I've ever read. I know its been said before, but it is a true rags to riches story. You can't help but feel very proud for him, for what he has achieved, when often behind closed doors there has been real turmoil in this man's life. He could have gone one way or the other, but I truely feel Russell's positive attitude (although tough at times), and cheeky chappy strong personality pulled him through.

Russell's autobiography includes every emotion I can possibly think of (!), and good on him for sticking two fingers up at the "snobs who are classically trained at one of the top musical establishments", who have never accepted him.

If there is one autobiography that you EVER buy, make it this one.

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Unputdownable!!!!
Comment: Yes, I like Russell Watson so am a bit biased, but I really do think that this is worth a read.
His descriptions of the antics he got up to as a child and young teen will have you in stitches and I defie you not to well up when he talks of his illness.
I've read many biographies and some come over as me,me,me, look at how great I am, but not this one.
Well done Russell, look forward to the next installment in a few years time.

PS Got my copy signed last Friday!!! Thanks Russ

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Fantastic read
Comment: I've loved and admired Russell for many years and reading this book has made me love and admire him even more. He's gone through life working extremely hard and the terrible health issues he's had to over come have been horrendous for him, his family, his friends and all his millions of fans. He is an inspiration to everyone and I couldn't put this book down. He's very witty and the book will have you laughing at the mischief he got into when he was younger and crying as you join him on his emotional rollercoaster through his illness. Read it, you won't regret it.

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Russell Watson `The Story'
Comment:
This is Russell Watson's first - and hopefully not last - autobiography, and is an essential item not only for dedicated fans but also a thoroughly good read for anyone interested in how fate, luck, talent and enthusiasm play their part in a person's destiny.

The book is written loosely in the form of a diary. Starting in October 2007 the chapters combine his childhood to adult journey with latter day experiences of success mixed with his recent traumatic health challenges. Two eight page sections of colour photos give a lovely insight into the success story, and the final entry in the diary is February 2008, providing a year of writing but a lifetime of experiences.

The story of his performance of Nessun Dorma, at Old Trafford for Manchester United's final game of the 1999 season, is unforgetable. So too is the account of his meeting with Pavarotti, one of his great idols.

Well written, in Russell's easy style of talking, and compulsive reading for his fans. It's also a chance for his critics to judge him better and maybe offer a more thoughtful opinion.

The 'voice' has spoken!

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Emotive and enjoyable read
Comment: This book was almost devoured in one sitting such was my interest in the subject matter. The book is very thought provoking and moving and you get a real feel of Russell's recent health struggles and how elated he is to finally reach the end of his treatment. There are lots of interesting anecdotes from Russell's hugely successful career and you really get a glimpse at the real Russell!

---