Russell Watson: From factory worker to performing for the Emperor of Japan

"I had this inner feeling that something would happen to take me
away from my mundane life".


The first twenty years of Russell Watson's life were very
ordinary. He grew up in Salford, left school at 16 with almost no
qualifications and joined the government's Youth Training Scheme.
By the age of 20, he was working on the shop floor of a factory,
making nuts and bolts.


He started singing in local pubs and working men's clubs after
winning a local talent competition organised by Manchester
Piccadilly Radio. It was tough, and Russell considered giving up
- until one night in Wigan changed everything.


Russell has gone on to become one of the UK's most popular
classical artists, selling over 7 million records and performing
for notable figures including Pope John Paul II, members of the
Royal Family and the Emperor of Japan. Tickets for his
Magnificent Buildings concert tour are available at
russellwatson.com