Meet Russell Morris, one of Australia's must enduring, most talented and most beloved singer, songwriters. From his pop stardom in the '60s to pioneering singer-songwriter, Russell has shaped the country's musical landscape for over seven decades. We explore the origins of his iconic hit, "The Real Thing," and the unconventional journey that led him to pursue a solo career. Discover the role Ian Meldrum played in transforming a six-and-a-half-minute epic into a chart-topping sensation, defying industry norms. Russell shares anecdotes from his early days, revealing the supportive environment that fuelled his passion for music. From his unconventional start to becoming an Australian rock legend, this episode is a journey through the highs and lows of a remarkable career. Starting as a pop sensation in the '60s, Russell faced a tough road ahead when his early hits didn't translate into lasting success. Undeterred, he explored different genres and even went MIA for a while. Fast forward to the '70s, and Russell makes a surprising comeback with the iconic "The Real Thing." He shares the wild story behind the creation of the song, involving an LSD trip and a makeshift studio in a houseboat. The success of "The Real Thing" catapults him back into the limelight, marking a pivotal moment in his career. But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Russell opens up about the challenges of dealing with record labels, the music industry, and the highs and lows of fame. Our chat delves into the nitty-gritty of Russell's artistic evolution, from pop to blues, and the unexpected twists that kept his career vibrant. In a nutshell, it's a rollercoaster tale of a music legend who faced setbacks, embraced change, and ultimately found his groove, creating a legacy that spans decades. At times, feeling like an old has-been, Russell yearned to create something current. After an album's failure, he faced the reality that people just weren't interested anymore. Undeterred, he looked in the mirror, realizing he couldn't sing pop songs as an old fart. So, he decided to return to his roots, exploring rhythm and blues, Tamla Motown, and Blues. His Blues journey took an unexpected turn when he stumbled upon a 1918 police file photo of Thomas Archer, aka Shark Jaws. Inspired, he turned Archer's story into the blues hit "Shark Mouth," which marked the resurrection of his career. His subsequent albums, like "Van Diemens Land" and "Red Dirt, Red Heart," defied industry expectations, blending blues and country. Despite initial skepticism, these albums went on to become chart-toppers. Russell's bluesy revival continued with "Black and Blue Heart" in 2019, a pop-rock collaboration with Bernard Fanning and Nick Didier. He even joined forces with Rick Springfield, creating an album under the pseudonym Jack Chrome. Fast forward to the present, and Russell Morris is still pushing boundaries. His latest release, "The Real Thing, The Symphonic Concert," features him performing with a 54-piece symphony orchestra. The idea, born from an encounter with businessman Clive Palmer, turned out to be a massive success, selling out venues across the country. Russell's story is one of determination and resolve. A tale of belief in yourself and never giving up your passion. He is an icon in Australia and loved by all. You may or may not know his name. You may or may not know his music but, by the time you've listened to this episode, I guarantee you will not forget him. I hope you enjoy this episode. Don't forget, if you have someone you'd like me to interview on your behalf (and perhaps you can join me on the line too) just send me a message through my website ⁠https:www.abreathoffreshair.com.au⁠ and let me know who your favourite 60s 70s or 80s artist is. Warmest Sandy