by Before she was filling arenas with her infectious brand of pop rock, Pink was just a young singer trying to make it in the music industry. Though she had raw talent and stage presence, Pink needed guidance to hone her skills and develop the powerful voice that she is now famous for. That guidance came from vocal coach and mentor Patti Russo, who played an instrumental role in shaping Pink into the superstar she is today.
Russo first met Pink in the late 1990s when Pink was just a teenager. Pink had signed her first record deal with L.A. Reid at LaFace Records and was working on her debut album, Can’t Take Me Home. Though Pink had a big voice even then, she struggled with control and projecting her voice in a way that translated in the recording studio. LaFace Records brought in Russo, an established industry vocal coach who had previously worked with artists like Cher and Celine Dion, to help give Pink the vocal coaching she needed to complete her album.
“I could tell right away that Pink had a ton of raw talent,” Russo recalled in an interview. “She had that raspiness and grit in her voice that you can’t teach someone. But she needed help bridging that raw talent into a controlled, polished vocal style that would allow her to make great records.”
Russo worked extensively with Pink in the studio, helping her record the vocals for songs like “There You Go” and “Most Girls.” She gave Pink vocal exercises to expand her range and worked on music theory and arrangement with her. Russo taught Pink how to riff and use runs in a way that showcased the soulful, raspy tone of her voice rather than distract from it. Her coaching allowed Pink to complete her debut album and laid the foundations for Pink’s vocal prowess.
However, Russo’s mentorship extended far beyond the studio. She helped shape Pink’s performance style and stage presence as well. “Patti was the one who taught me how to be a performer,” Pink said in an interview. “She taught me how to use my voice and body to tell the story of a song when on stage.”
Russo focused on giving Pink routines to help with stamina and breath control during live performances. She also encouraged Pink to bring out her rebellious, tomboy spirit during shows rather than conform to being a pop princess. Russo’s guidance allowed Pink to develop the wild child persona and energetic stage presence that she has become known for over the course of her career.
When Pink was struggling during the promotion of her debut album or butting heads with her record label, Russo was also there as a mentor and friend. “Patti was always there for me,” Pink said. “She was the one person I could always count on.” Having the support and wisdom of her vocal coach helped give Pink the confidence she needed as a young artist finding her way in the industry.
Russo downplays her importance in Pink’s origin story, but is clearly proud of her pupil’s massive success. “I’m so proud of Pink,” Russo has said. “She’s an amazing singer and a talented performer. I’m so glad that I could be a part of her journey.”
For her part, Pink is quick to give Russo credit for where she is today. “I owe Patti everything,” she said recently. “She’s the best mentor anyone could ask for.” Their work together laid the vocal and performance foundations that allowed Pink to grow into one of the most unique and successful pop artists of her generation.
Over the two decades since, Pink has gone on to sell over 60 million albums worldwide and counting. She has achieved multiple #1 albums and top 10 hits. Her last three concert tours have grossed nearly $400 million total. Her energetic live show and hits like “Get the Party Started,” “Raise Your Glass,” and “Just Give Me A Reason” have made her a global pop icon.
A key ingredient in that success has been the powerhouse vocals that Patti Russo helped shape. Pink is now considered one of the most gifted contemporary vocalists in pop music. She is able to seamlessly combine raw, soulful tones with high-octane belting thanks to the early training Russo gave her. Reviewers consistently praise the strength and versatility of Pink’s voice during both live shows and in the recording studio.
Russo also gave Pink lessons in stamina that she continues to use as one of the most dynamic live performers in pop. During her concerts, Pink is constantly singing live at full voice while simultaneously dancing across elaborate stages and even doing circus-style aerial stunts. Her ability to move with high energy while never missing a note traces back to the demanding vocal regimens instilled by Russo.
Most importantly, Russo shaped the singular mix of rebellious attitude and vulnerable emotion that makes Pink’s music so relatable. Russo encouraged Pink to remain true to herself rather than conforming to pop star expectations. Pink carried forward that authenticity and unique spirit which resonates so deeply with her fans around the world.
“Patti saw something special in me at the very beginning, before anyone else did,” Pink said recently. “She believed I could become a strong, successful artist by staying true to myself. I’m forever thankful she pushed me and taught me so much. Without her, there would be no Pink.”
So while Pink has rightfully earned her place as one of the most popular and influential pop artists of her era through her immense talent and determination, she also owes part of that journey to the vocal coach who first saw her potential. Though they no longer work together formally, Patti Russo will always hold a special place in Pink’s story as her first mentor and harshest critic. Thanks to Russo’s lessons, Pink had the tools and confidence to find her unique voice and become the superstar fans around the world now adore.
