Born in the picturesque Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Russell Mael's life took a dramatic turn when he enrolled in the esteemed University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to pursue a degree in Theater Arts and Filmmaking, a decision that would ultimately shape his future as a renowned musician. Little did he know that his most significant collaborations were yet to come, specifically with his brother Ron Mael, with whom he would form the iconic American rock and pop duo Sparks.
Initially, the brothers were known as Halfnelson, but after the release of their debut album in 1971, they rebranded themselves as Sparks, a nod to the legendary Marx Brothers. This transformation marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see the duo constantly reinvent themselves, defying genre conventions and pushing the boundaries of popular music.
As the charismatic frontman of Sparks, Russell Mael is instantly recognizable for his captivating stage presence, distinctive falsetto voice, and animated demeanor, which serves as the perfect foil to his brother Ron's deadpan delivery and songwriting prowess. Throughout their illustrious career, Sparks have left an indelible mark on the music world, inspiring generations of musicians to experiment and innovate.
In 2017, the brothers released their 23rd studio album, Hippopotamus, a testament to their enduring creativity and ability to evolve with the times.
