Luis Russell (born Panama Aug 5, 1902, died New York City Dec 11, 1963) was a pioneer; an orchestra leader, arranger, composer, and pianist of the first order of magnitude. Luis was a key architect in the development of jazz and swing, from Panama to New Orleans to Chicago to New York City. His knack for always landing at the center of the action and for working with the leading musicians of his day led to a performing and recording career that spanned four decades. His first recordings as a leader were in Chicago in 1926, while a member of Joe King Oliver’s band.
Luis Russell (born Panama Aug 5, 1902, died New York City Dec 11, 1963) was a pioneer; an orchestra leader, arranger, composer, and pianist of the first order of magnitude. Luis was a key architect in the development of jazz and swing, from Panama to New Orleans to Chicago to New York City. His knack for always landing at the center of the action and for working with the leading musicians of his day led to a performing and recording career that spanned four decades. His first recordings as a leader were in Chicago in 1926, while a member of Joe King Oliver’s band.
By 1927, Luis was leading his own orchestra in New York City, which in 1929 and 1930 rivaled the orchestras of Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson. He began a lifelong collaboration with Louis Armstrong, and Armstrong started fronting Luis Russell’s orchestra, riding it to fame from 1935 to 1940, through the height of the swing era. Luis Russell formed his final orchestra in 1943, which had a successful run through 1949, with recordings, awards, and extensive touring.
© Copyright 2024 – Dot time Records
Webdesign by
Luis Russell: At The Swing Cats Ball
