Hodder & Stoughton hits high note with tenor Russell Watson's memoir about his brain tumour

Hodder & Stoughton has acquired a memoir by classical singer Russell Watson which charts the tenor’s treatment and recovery from two brain tumours.

Tom Perrin, consultant editor at Hodder & Stoughton, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Encore: My Journey Back to Centre Stage. Rights were acquired directly from the author.

The book will be published in hardback, e-book and audiobook in September 2024.

Watson shot to fame in the early 2000s. Having started out working in a factory in Salford while singing in working men’s clubs, he became a bestselling classical artist. He has released 14 studio albums, performed in front of popes and presidents and collaborated with a range of performers from Meatloaf to Paul McCartney.

In 2006 and 2007, he was diagnosed with two brain tumours, for which he received intense treatment, lifesaving operations and suffered severe mental health struggles.

Having been told he would never sing in the same way again, he fought to recover his voice, to return to live performing, and has now racked up 25 years as a recording artist.

Watson said: “I have found it quite cathartic to look back on some of the highs and lows of my life and career. The process has enabled me to make sense of some of the darker moments, but also to look back on my success as a recording artist and performer and to recall some of the wonderful people I have had the honour to work with along the way.”

Perrin added: “Russell has the remarkable ability to take his work seriously, without taking himself too seriously. His winning combination of good humour, kindness and positivity is infectious and explains a lot about his remarkable ability to triumph over adversity. His story is an inspiration to us all.”