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It’s amazing Jack Russell’s sung as well as he has for as long as he has.

Before and after rising to fame in the late ‘80s with Los Angeles hard-rockers Great White, Russell’s been through hell personally and professionally, some of it due to his well-documented demons.

Russell’s a survivor though. Even later in his career, no matter how bad his health got, when he was onstage and had a mic in his hand, he could always deliver. Until, finally, his body wouldn’t let him any longer

On July 17, Russell posted on social media he’s retiring from touring. “After a recent diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in May 2024,” Russell wrote, “I am unable to perform at the level I desire and at the level you deserve. Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love, and support. Thank you for letting me live my dreams. You have made my life a wonder.”

Even though Russell came up in an era filled with great hard-rock singers, his bluesy feel set him apart.

Great White’s best known for their hit 1989 makeover of Ian Hunter’s glam classic “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.” Powered by Russell’s lemon-squeezing vocal — along with Micheal Lardie’s piano, Mark Kendall’s hot guitar and a swaggering groove by drummer Audie Desbrow and bassist Tony Montana — Great White’s version smokes the original.

But what set Russell apart from many of his fellow frontmen was his ability to elevate a rock ballad with not only range but warmth and nuance. See his vocals on Great White cuts like “House of Broken Love,” “The Angel Song” and “Save Your Love.”