Russ Winstanley
Russ Winstanley born October 1952 is an English DJ, originating from the Beech Hill area Wigan, Greater Manchester. He is best known for his championing of Northern Soul music. Since its closure in 1981, Russ has still been very active, both on the Northern Soul circuit and in radio. He has hosted his own show on BBC GMR and XFM in Manchester, but is now hosting a regular northern soul show on BBC Radio Lancashire on Saturdays 7pm till 8pm.
On 23 September 1973, Russ had the idea for putting on and DJing at the famous Soul Allnighters at Wigan Casino. Over 4 million people passed through the venue which ran four nights per week until 6 December 1981. Both Wigan Casino and Russ Winstanley won many awards for best venue and best DJ. In 1997, Russ compiled Telstar Records northern soul album "Soul Survivors" which has become the biggest selling northern soul compilation ever grossing over £2million. In 1998, his book "Wigan Casino Story" joined the best sellers' list.
Russ was also music consultant on the Bolton Octagons re-staging of "Once Upon A Time In Wigan". Based loosely on Paul Sadot's original sell-out production of 2003. Ace/Kent Records released a CD compilation in 2004 featuring music consultant and director, Paul Sadot's, tracks from the original production: http://www.discogs.com/Various-Once-Upon-A-Time-In-Wigan/release/3113544
External links
- wigan-casino.co.uk - Russ' website.
- bbc.co.uk/lancashire - Winstanley's BBC page.
- xfm.co.uk - XFM Article on Winstanley.
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