RUSSELL WATSON

 Decca Recording Artist Russell Watson Performs for First Lady Laura Bush & Mrs. Cherie Blair at the Congressional Club's "First Lady Luncheon"

May 2003 (Newstream) -- Russell Watson, one of the world's leading vocal artists, performed at this year's First Lady Luncheon, honoring congressional spouses. The annual charity event has been a tradition since 1912, with this year's theme being "Britain". The day proved to be particularly symbolic, as it was the first time Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Blair have shared company since the end of the war in Iraq. A superstar in his own right, Mr. Watson, who hails from Manchester, England, came to Washington to celebrate the close ties and relationship between the two countries. As an official United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, Mr. Watson is frequently called upon to lend his talents to distinguished and meaningful events.

Known to his fans as "The People's Tenor", Russell Watson has climbed all the way from the factory floor of a Manchester engineering firm to become an internationally renowned recording artist. His debut album "The Voice" was the fastest selling classical debut in UK history, and enjoyed the No. 1 position on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart for several months. Watson has performed for The Queen of England, President George Bush, and Pope John Paul II, and won the hearts of Americans through numerous US TV appearances including The Today Show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and Good Morning America. Watson's acclaimed CD releases also include "Encore" (2002) and the forthcoming "Reprise" (fall 2003), both on Decca.