Rogue Country Presents: Joel Adam Russell

Born and raised in Texas, Joel cut his teeth in the bars of Deep Ellum starting at the age of 13. There he would share the stage with Dallas-area natives such as Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Green River Ordinance, and others. By nineteen he had traded in the high-rises and concrete of Dallas for the Steinbeckian Central California farm town of Visalia, California. The influence of Bakersfield legends like Merle Haggard and Buck Owens was unmistakable in this new home, and it would begin to color Joels writing. Following his first release of music under his own name, Joel was lauded for his thoughtful lyricism and the hearty grit of his voice. Unexpectedly, these recordings would lead to invitations to perform as the opening artist for a handful of shows supporting headliners like Martina McBride, REO Speedwagon, Three Doors Down, and Spirit Family Reunion. It was after reading a memoir by Nashville troubadour, Todd Snider, and the fascination that came from his description of the East Nashville songwriting community, that Joel piled his humble belongings into his car and drove across the country to experience Tennessee for himself. Since arriving in Nashville in 2015, Joel has released one 5-song EP, Wildcat, and most recently his first full-length record, Grand Prairie. Opening the show is Rogue favourite, Brandin Ridley!