Gene Russell
William Eugene Russell (December 2, 1932 – May 5, 1981), known as Gene Russell, was an American pop, jazz, and soul keyboardist who played acoustic and Fender Rhodes.[1][2] He is mainly known for founding and releasing albums on Black Jazz Records.[1]
Russell was born in Los Angeles, California and was a cousin of guitarist Charlie Christian. He studied with Hampton Hawes. In the 1960s and 1970s, he composed music for film and television also appearing as an actor. Russell played with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Zoot Sims, William (Bill) Hillman, Leroy Vinnegar, Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray and Miles Davis.[2]
With financing from Dick Schrory, Russell established Black Jazz Records in 1969.[3][4] The aim of the record label was to promote young African American jazz musicians and singers.[3]
He died in Los Angeles on May 5, 1981.[2]
Discography
[edit | edit source]- 1967: Takin' Care of Business (Dot Records) - As the Gene Russell Trio
- 1967: Up and Away (Decca)
- 1971: New Direction (Black Jazz)
- 1972: Talk to My Lady (Black Jazz)
- 1981: Autumn Leaves (Sea Breeze)
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ a b Nastos, Michael G. Allmusic Biography: "Gene Russell." allmusic.com. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
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- African-American jazz musicians
- American jazz organists
- American male organists
- American jazz pianists
- American male jazz pianists
- American male jazz composers
- 1932 births
- 1981 deaths
- Black Jazz Records artists
- Jazz musicians from California
- 20th-century American pianists
- 20th-century American organists
- 20th-century American jazz composers
- African-American pianists
- 20th-century African-American musicians
- Musicians from Los Angeles
- 20th-century American male composers
- 20th-century American male pianists
- American musician stubs