Winds of Change

The song "Winds of Change" from Russ Taff's 1989 album The Way Home carries a reflective and spiritual weight, capturing themes of resilience and finding one's way back to faith. In a 2018 documentary, I Still Believe, Taff shared that the song was born out of personal struggles, including his battle with alcoholism, which he faced during the late 1980s. He described the lyrics as a metaphor for life's cyclical challenges and the hope of redemption, inspired by his own journey of falling and rising again through faith. The song’s music video, which aired on Christian music channels, featured Taff wandering through a desert, symbolizing a search for direction, a visual he suggested to reflect the song’s introspective tone. Fans on platforms like YouTube have commented on its enduring impact, with one user in 2021 calling it “a classic that still feels like a punch to the soul,” highlighting its emotional resonance with listeners.

Another piece of trivia comes from the production of The Way Home. Taff worked closely with his longtime collaborator James Hollihan Jr., who produced the album. In a 1990 interview with CCM Magazine, Taff mentioned that "Winds of Change" was one of the first tracks recorded for the album, setting the tone for its raw, honest exploration of faith and failure. The song’s inclusion of a gospel-infused bridge was a nod to Taff’s Southern gospel roots, blending contemporary Christian music with traditional influences. A fan on a Facebook group dedicated to Russ Taff shared in 2020 that the song was a staple at Christian radio stations in the early '90s, often played during late-night broadcasts for its calming yet powerful message. The album itself was a critical success, ranking number 11 on CCM Magazine’s 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music.

Russ Taff’s journey in music began in Farmersville, California, where he was born on November 11, 1953, to a Pentecostal preacher father and a gospel-loving mother. As the fourth of five sons, Taff grew up singing in church, discovering early that his voice could move people. In his teens, after moving to Arkansas, he started exploring secular music, which broadened his musical palette. At 16, he formed a band called Sounds of Joy with James Hollihan Jr., covering artists like Larry Norman and playing at local high schools during the Jesus Movement of the 1970s. This band recorded three albums and even opened for the Imperials, a pivotal moment that led to Taff joining the legendary gospel group as their lead vocalist in 1976. His time with the Imperials, from 1976 to 1981, earned him two Grammy Awards and helped him gain recognition as a dynamic performer, with Billboard later calling him “the single most electrifying voice in Christian music.”

Taff’s solo career took off after leaving the Imperials, with his 1983 album Walls of Glass featuring the hit “We Will Stand,” which won him a Grammy for Best Male Gospel Performance. His ability to blend pop-rock, Southern gospel, and later country, as seen in his 1995 album Winds of Change, showcased his versatility. Taff’s wife, Tori, has been a key songwriting partner, co-writing many of his songs, including tracks on The Way Home. Despite personal challenges, including a public struggle with alcohol that he overcame through counseling, Taff has continued to perform, often with the Gaither Homecoming concerts, and remains a beloved figure in Christian music, inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame three times.

For more about Russ Taff, visit his official website at russtaff.com. You can follow him on social media through his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates on performances and reflections on his career. Fans can also connect through the Russ Taff Fans Facebook group, a community where Zoo Freaks might find like-minded listeners sharing stories and memories about songs like “Winds of Change.” Additionally, fan-run sites like NewReleaseToday offer detailed discographies and updates on Taff’s work.