Sitting behind a desk and grading papers is not the only thing professors are doing in today’s world. Most seem to be finding lives beyond teaching.
Rob Russell is among this generation of rebellious teachers. Not only does he teach English and run the Writing and Communications Center at ETSU, he plays rock ‘n’ roll in a popular local band, Rob Russell and the Sore Losers.
Along with playing lead guitar, he teaches his guitar knowledge to students at Teddy Roosevelt Elementary School in Kingsport. “I get the joy of being around the kids and learning something they are excited about,” said Russell.
Russell, who began by playing with small bands in his hometown of Morristown, moved to Johnson City in 1988 to go to school at ETSU. Local bands picked him up early because of his loud voice – a voice said to be heard over a large crowded room.
Russell’s current band is said to be more of a roots rock sound influenced by bluegrass, R&B and country, but it seems hard to classify it into one specific music genre. “As soon as you classify yourself, you limit yourself,” said Russell.
“Combining jangly guitars, tight rock rhythms and bluesy vocals, the songs from the new album have the band poised for national prominence,” said Jeff Eason of the Mountain Times News. “Unlike many of their American brethren, these guys know how to rock. They have a sense of when to invoke the introspective spirit of Hank Williams Sr. and when to party like his son.”
The band includes Russell’s younger brother Andy Russell on drums, David Hart on guitar and vocals, and Josh Reifert on bass and vocals.
Living in Johnson City has given the band the opportunity to have places to play all the time. “It’s the ideal place to cut teeth,” said Russell.
This band wanted to play as much as they could and if we work hard we can play three nights a week, he said.
In Johnson City, the band not only preserves it’s identity but they stay close as friends and band members, practicing and hanging out in the basement of Russell’s house. They also have a solid group of fans who have supported them even through the rocky times.
Also, the band’s view on songs and contribution is very important to Russell. “I am always asking the other guys for input and for any changes they may want to make,” he said.
Russell not only is lead singer and guitarist, he also writes all of their lyrics and basis for songs. His strategy for writing songs is inconsistent though.
“Sometimes I am just messing around on the guitar, other times a phrase just pops into my head,” said Russell. “I try and write everyday, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.”
Russell’s first performance ever was at age 4 when he volunteered to sing “Little Drummer Boy” at church. His performance was well liked and he says his mom even received calls from other churches asking him to perform.
“Performing is in your blood,” said Russell. “Even if no one cared, I would still do it.”
Rob Russell and the Sore Losers have struggled over the years to make their new CD, Lucky On The Side, happen. Russell said that it has been a long process but after two and a half years since their last album, I Think We’re Gonna Be Alright, it is finally here.
They are having a CD release party Saturday, Feb. 26 at The Casbah. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door and include a free copy of their new CD. “We want to make this more than just another show,” said Andy Russell. “We want it to be an event, something for the people who have supported us for the past five years to remember.

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