The rock duo known as Acosta/Russell is made up of James Francais Russell and Juan Carlos, who goes by the name of John Acosta. Both artists are skilled songwriters, singers, and guitarists. Acosta was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, but for the most part he was raised in Canada. It was there in high school, in 1983, that Acosta and Russell met and formed a friendship that included their love of music. Russell had already spent time as a member of the Toronto Youth Symphony. Not long after they teamed up, and while in the ninth grade, they won their first talent contest. Things began to look promising for the young duo when Acosta landed a spot writing for and singing on a demo recording for another artist. That demo ended up at Eureka Records and as luck would have it, happened to catch the attention of the right person at the right time. In 1990, Acosta/Russell released a self-titled debut album. In 1991, there were a couple of hit singles that moved the duo into the range of teen idols and then to a full-length album, A Little Direction, in 1992. Some of the better-known songs by Acosta/Russell are "Call Me," "Never Change My Mind," "Do It to Me," and "Deep in My Soul." Acosta/Russell might have lasted longer, but around 1993 their label, Eureka, closed up shop. Acosta and Russell split shortly after. ~ Charlotte Dillon, Rovi