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About Russ Parr

A true Renaissance man…

Russ Parr’s career has evolved from a stand-up comedian to recording artist to a top-rated, nationally-syndicated radio host, heard weekdays by 3.2 million listeners in 25 cities across America and now….to independent filmmaker.

He’s opened for the legendary comedienne Joan Rivers and avoided bombing on stage, thanks to the laugher of friends and family. Russ credits his work as a comedian for developing his comedic timing as well as the many character voices – such as Magic Man, Burner, Mickey Mouse, Ali, and Bobby Jimmy — that have led to his success in radio.

Russ landed his own morning show on 1580 KDAY, the first 24-hour, all hip hop station in the country. He used his platform on the airwaves to address gang violence and used the station studios and airwaves to provide gang intervention.  He realized that urban radio not only needed to be funny and uplifting, but it also had a responsibility to the black community to be informative.

While at KDAY, Russ launched his own independent record label, Rapsur Records, Russ Parr spelled backwards.  He recorded a parody song, called “We Like Ugly Women,” as one of his popular characters, Bobby Jimmy. The record was a hit.

Other hit parodies followed and he later signed with rapper Eazy-E’s label, Ruthless Records.  He recorded several EPs produced by Dr. Dre and DJ Pooh.  Russ recorded the hit singles “Big Butt,” “Roaches” and “Hair or Weave.”  He performed his hit parodies in live shows alongside his label-mates Ice Cube, DJ Yella, MC Ren, World Class Wreckin’ Cru, Michel’le and Yo-Yo.

Eventually, Russ left Los Angeles for Dallas – taking over the morning show slot on 100.3 Jamz/ KJMZ-FM. While in Dallas, Russ created, wrote, and produced FLAVA TV, and starred in the show alongside his morning show sidekick, Afredas. He later sold the show FLAVA TV, which still airs and is hosted by Skip Cheatum.  Other forays into television include commercials for major clients like McDonald’s, where he was the original „Big Mac Man“ and later, the dating/game show “Get The Hook Up,”  which aired on TV One.

Russ was later offered the position as morning show host at 93.9 WKYS in Washington, DC, two years later, the nationally-syndicated Russ Parr Morning Show was born and has been syndicated for over 14 years.

With Uptoparr Productions, Inc. in conjunction with Swirl Films, Parr has written, produced and directed four other films including: The Last Stand (2006; Something Like a Business (2010)Love For Sale (2008) and 35 and Ticking (2011)currently airing on BET, TV One and Showtime and available on DVD.

Russ Parr Bio  was originally published on blackamericaweb.com