Russ Lorenson

Russ Lorenson (born July 5, 1963, birth name Russ Gangloff) is an American singer and actor.

Though a stage actor since childhood, since the mid-2000s Lorenson has established a reputation as an interpreter of jazz standards.

With a retro crooner style, Lorenson’s sound and approach are an amalgam of Broadway, jazz, and pop.

Born in Upland, Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia, Lorenson’s career began as a youngster, making his stage debut at the age of seven. He continued singing and acting in the theatre throughout his early school years, moving with his family to San Diego, California when he was nine years old. At Patrick Henry High School he performed and toured with a classical vocal ensemble. He also gained experience as both a choral conductor and composer, winning a young artists’ competition in his school district for his composition work.

At 18 years old, he adopted the stage name of “Lorenson”, in honor of his teacher and mentor, Loren Salter, who had helped Lorenson develop as a singer and actor throughout his teen years.

After college, he continued his work as a choral conductor and voice coach, working for five years as Associate Conductor of the California Youth Chorale, founded by Salter. He also returned to theatrical performing, appearing in musical productions with San Diego’s Diversionary Theatre, Starlight Musical Theatre, and Lyric Opera San Diego.

Downbeat calls Lorenson, “A showman of taste and discretion, [who] admires Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin without imitating them or adopting a Rat Pack smugness.”

TalkinBroadway.com stated that Lorenson “has a voice that is reminiscent of some of the great singers like Tony Bennett, Chet Baker and a little of Mel Tormé.” The Los Angeles Times said that he brings “a supple voice and strong sense of characterization to all his songs.”

Albums:

2006 A Little Travelin’ Music
2006 What I Want For Christmas
2015 In The Holiday Spirit
2023 Standard Time: Live In New York