Reviews:

Look up Texas Troubadour according to Webster…n. Shake Russell. Few have made contributions to Texas music comparable to Shake. Winsome melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a truly Texas spirit are the signature of Shake’s unmatched style. Like no one else, Shake Russell can capture the timeless beauty of Texas with songs more vivid than a summer's dream. Most of us cut our musical teeth in the early 70’s with Shake Russell showing us what Texas music could be. Like a fine wine, Shake has aged, mellowed, and improved over the past three decades culminating in his latest, and arguably greatest, releases in the past few years. Shake's contribution to the body of Texas music is undeniable yet proven incomplete with each new song he offers.
- Barney Goodman, Texas Nights House Concerts

“The Texas Legend himself… Shake Russell -- Austin, Texas any place touched by Shake becomes “hallowed ground”. Shake leaves a little Texas behind him, no matter where he goes. You just have to hear this legend and his legendary songs!” - East Texas House Concerts

There is a contemporary Austin artist whose songs have become themes for the very State of Texas itself. The songs are Travelin’ Texas, River of Innocence. Deep In The West, You’ve Got a Lover, “Two Silver Hearts”, “Temper, Temper” and “Put Yourself in My Shoes” and are songs of courtship, reverence, joy, love, celebration, sorrow and regret, along with a with a myriad of other songs. These songs have woven themselves into the hearts and minds of Texans: young, new and old-time purists. The artist’s name? Shake Russell, of course. - Logon Cafe

“You can mention the name “Shake Russell” and be virtually assured of interest, pleasure and joyful recognition. If you’re a true Texan, then Shake Russell’s music has touched your life in some way. He is a Texas icon in the music world." - Pam - J. P. Hops House

Shake's music reaches in to the heart of everyone (yes, everyone) who hears it, and affects them in ways nothing else can. They use his songs at their weddings, their children's christenings, to cheer up their friends, or to do the talking for them. For example, just a few months ago, we had a man who asked us to send "Deep In The West" to his ex-wife along with a note explaining that after their son died, that album really got him through the tough times. I really think Shake, without even realizing it himself, is one of the few songwriters that people of any age or musical preference can relate to. He's painfully honest, and brilliantly descriptive. His music will always be an important part of the lives of his fans!"- Jinelle Boyd, Co-Founder, Academy of Texas Music

"Shake’s music walks right up to you, says howdy and gives you a big hug. His tunes make you happy or sad or thoughtful, but above all - they make you feel. Nobody writes a better love song. I’ve been a huge fan for decades at Anderson Fair"
Bruce Bryant - Anderson Fair


Awards and Notable Events:

2008: Entertainer of the Year for 2008 by the Texas Music Awards
2002: Houston Press Award in for "Best Folk" category.
2000: "Travelin' Texas" released on compilation CD "Travelin' Texas".
1998: BMI "Million-air" award for the Clint Black recorded "One More Payment".
1997: BMI "Million-air" award for the Clint Black recorded "Put Yourself In My Shoes".
1997: "Our Kind of Love" co-written with Clint Black recorded as a duet with Clint & Alison Krauss and Union Station.
1997: "You Don't Need Me Now" co-written with Clint Black is released as the 5th single from Clint's CD "Nothin' But The Taillights".
1996: "Deep in the West" re-recorded by Waylon Jennings & Jesse Colter.
1996: "Put Yourself in My Shoes" on Clint Black's Greatest Hits CD "Pure Black".
1995: "Til Santa's Gone" co-written with Clint Black & Hayden Nicholas released on "Looking for Christmas" album.
1994: "Hey Hot Rod" co-written with Clint Black recorded on Clint's "One Emotion" CD.
1993: Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter recorded "Deep In The West".
1993: Houston Press awards, Best Male vocal, songwriter "Album of the Year" for "Listen With Your Heart".
1990: "Put Yourself in My Shoes" & "One More Payment" recorded by Clint Black on the "Put Yourself in My Shoes" CD.
1987: Waylon Jennings records "Deep in the West" on his "Hanging Tough" album.
1985: City of Houston presented fine arts achievment award "Tex-Rex award".
1983: Ricky Skaggs recorded "You've Got A Lover" on "Highways and Heartaches" (won BMI Writers Award 1984).
BMI Writers Award: 1984, 1989, 1990, 1997.
Kerrville Folk Festival: 28 years Main Stage performer and trustee.