The song ‘Hallelujah’ from Shrek, performed by John Cale, plays during one of the film’s most emotional moments, right after Shrek and Fiona argue and everything seems to fall apart.
The choice wasn’t random. As Rolling Stone explains, Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ is about conflict, pain, and learning to accept life’s chaos. It reminds us that all forms of praise and prayer matter, even when life feels broken.
Over the years, ‘Hallelujah’ has been covered countless times and remains one of the most beloved songs ever written. But one version stands out from the rest.
In 2018, an elderly street performer named Herbie Russ began drawing crowds with his powerful voice. With long gray hair and simple clothes, he sang on the streets, sometimes a cappella, sometimes with a guitarist.
Unlike many street musicians, Russ didn’t keep the money he earned. He gave it away to help homeless shelters and people in need.
Russ is actually a professional singer, songwriter, and saxophonist who has even appeared in major commercials.
His life, however, began with hardship. He became homeless in high school and survived by sleeping on friends’ couches and performing wherever he could. Even after finding success, he chose to continue living simply, believing it was his calling to serve others through music.
His soulful, jazz-influenced version of ‘Hallelujah’ deeply moved listeners online. Many said they were brought to tears. After appearing on America’s Got Talent, Russ gained more opportunities to perform across the U.S., but he remains humble and grateful.
As Russ says, when he stopped thinking about himself and focused on helping others, joy returned to his music. And you can hear that joy in every note he sings.