Brian Russell
was born and educated in Edinburgh, Scotland. After moving to Canada, he began working in music and television. He hosted his own musical variety show and began writing music. In 1973 he moved to LA where he became a studio singer and ultimately a recording artist signed to Elton John’s Rocket Records. He went on to write hit songs for Chaka Khan, Kanye West, Jay Z, Beyonce, Cheryl Ladd, and many others. He has produced both feature films and television including The Grace Kelly Story, Spellbinder, and From The Hip. He has written a children’s book called “The Adventures Of Little Nettie Windship” and the critically acclaimed novel “Scribe” which is set in his beloved Scotland. He lives in the Texas Hill Country with his wife, Cheryl Ladd of Charlie’s Angels fame and has two daughters, Lindsay Walker and Jordan Ladd.
“I didn’t plan this life—I just followed the story.”
– Brian Russell
Brian Russell
was born and educated in Edinburgh, Scotland. After moving to Canada, he began working in music and television. He hosted his own musical variety show and began writing music. In 1973 he moved to LA where he became a studio singer and ultimately a recording artist signed to Elton John’s Rocket Records. He went on to write hit songs for Chaka Khan, Kanye West, Jay Z, Beyonce, Cheryl Ladd, and many others. He has produced both feature films and television including The Grace Kelly Story, Spellbinder, and From The Hip. He has written a children’s book called “The Adventures Of Little Nettie Windship” and the critically acclaimed novel “Scribe” which is set in his beloved Scotland. He lives in the Texas Hill Country with his wife, Cheryl Ladd of Charlie’s Angels fame and has two daughters, Lindsay Walker and Jordan Ladd.
“I didn’t plan this life—I just followed the story.”
– Brian Russell
Brian Russell was born in Scotland on a dark and stormy night—and not long after, was proudly wearing a kilt. When his family moved to New Brunswick, Canada, the kilt gave way to overalls, but a creative spark remained. In Toronto, he discovered his love for music through church choir, which would become the launching pad for a lifelong career in the arts.
Brian’s early days in music included jingles, choir performances, and co-starring in two musical TV series. He later joined a rock band called Doctor Music, writing his first song—which flopped—but introduced him to the perseverance needed in the industry.
After being hired for a show in L.A., Brian knew he had found his home. He moved there permanently and was soon singing on The Sonny and Cher Show, even dancing alongside Cher. His talent and charisma opened doors to new opportunities.
While performing at Hollywood’s Troubadour, Brian and his then-partner Brenda Russell caught the attention of Elton John’s team. That night, they were signed to Rocket Records. Brian would go on to co-write songs for Beyoncé, Chaka Khan, Kanye West, Jay-Z, and more.
Following his divorce, Brian reconnected with friend and actress Cheryl Ladd. Their connection deepened, and they eventually married. Over forty years later, they continue to share a life filled with love, creativity, and laughter.
Settling in Santa Barbara and later the Texas Hill Country, Brian shifted from music and film production to novel writing. With only his dogs for company while Cheryl was away filming, he began work on Scribe. What started as a spontaneous project became a deep creative journey—one driven by characters, setting, and discovery.
Brian’s approach to storytelling is organic and character-led—he doesn’t plot in advance. Each book is an unfolding surprise, both for him and his readers. He’s offered inspiration to fellow writers, including one friend whose one-page start became a best-seller (much to Brian’s amusement).
Brian now enjoys a quiet life on the Texas Hill Country with Cheryl and their dogs, thankful for God’s blessings, the love of his family, and the gift of storytelling that continues to evolve with each chapter.
