John Bright "Johnny" Russell (January 23, 1940 – July 3, 2001) was an influential American country music singer, songwriter, and comedian. Born in Moorhead, Mississippi, Russell moved with his family to Fresno, California, at the age of 11. It was there that he began writing songs and participating in talent contests during his high school years, graduating in 1958.

Russell's career as a songwriter took off with his first published song, "In a Mansion Stands My Love," recorded by Jim Reeves as the B-side to the 1960 hit "He'll Have to Go." He gained significant recognition with his song "Act Naturally," which became a hit for Buck Owens in 1963 and was later covered by The Beatles in 1965, with Ringo Starr on lead vocals.

Throughout his career, Russell's songs were recorded by a diverse array of artists, including Burl Ives, Jerry Garcia, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt. As a performer, he achieved his biggest solo success in 1973 with the song "Rednecks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer," which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and earned a Grammy nomination.

In addition to his songwriting and recording achievements, Russell was a beloved member of the Grand Ole Opry, known for his humor and affable personality. He joined the Opry cast in 1985 and became a cherished entertainer until his passing. Despite health challenges, including diabetes that led to the amputation of both legs in 2001, Russell continued to perform and host annual concerts in his hometown of Moorhead, Mississippi.

Johnny Russell passed away on July 3, 2001, in Nashville, Tennessee, from complications related to diabetes. He was posthumously inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001, leaving behind a legacy of enduring country music and memorable performances.