Catherine Russell

Biography

Catherine Russell, born in 1956 in New York City, is an acclaimed American jazz and blues vocalist renowned for her deep connection to the roots of swing, jazz, and blues. The daughter of two jazz luminaries—Panamanian-born bandleader and Louis Armstrong’s longtime musical director Luis Russell, and pioneering guitarist/vocalist Carline Ray—she was immersed in music from an early age, absorbing the sounds of early jazz, R&B, and even country music. Her mother’s background included performing with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, the first integrated all-women’s big band in the U.S., and her father’s orchestras were central to the jazz scene of the 1920s and 1930s.[1][4][8]

Russell’s career began as a highly sought-after backup singer and multi-instrumentalist, touring and recording with artists such as David Bowie, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Rosanne Cash, and Wynton Marsalis. Her transition to a solo career came in 2006 with the release of her debut album 'Cat,' which marked the start of a new chapter as a leading interpreter of vintage jazz and R&B. Her subsequent albums, including the Grammy-nominated 'Harlem on My Mind' and 'Alone Together,' have garnered critical acclaim, and she has become a fixture at major jazz festivals and venues worldwide. Russell is celebrated for her impeccable pitch, storytelling ability, and her role in preserving and revitalizing classic American music.[1][2][5][6][7]

Her musical style is deeply rooted in swing, blues, and jazz traditions, characterized by a warm, expressive voice and a commitment to authentic interpretations of classic repertoire. Russell’s legacy is defined by her ability to bridge generations, honoring her family’s musical heritage while inspiring contemporary audiences and musicians alike.[1][2][5][6]

Fun Facts

• Catherine Russell performed background vocals on Madonna’s 1990 hit 'Rescue Me.'[1]
• She is a Grammy Award winner for her contribution to the HBO series 'Boardwalk Empire' soundtrack.[5][7]
• Russell initially resisted becoming a solo artist, preferring her career as a backup singer until encouraged by her husband and business partner, Paul Kahn.[1]
• She has perfect pitch, a trait that has contributed to her reputation as a consummate musician.[2]

Associated Acts

• Child Is Father to the Man

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Carline Ray - mother, Juilliard-trained musician, performed with International Sweethearts of Rhythm and jazz greats (family influence, early musical education) [1956–present (lifelong influence)]
• Luis Russell - father, legendary jazz bandleader and arranger for Louis Armstrong (exposure to early jazz and swing) [1956–1963 (childhood influence)]
• Daryl Coley - gospel choir director at College of Alameda (gospel choir experience) [early career]

Key Collaborators

• David Bowie - touring musician and backing vocalist (Heathen Tour (2002), Reality Tour (2003–2004), studio albums) [2002–2004]
• Steely Dan (Donald Fagen) - touring and recording backing vocalist (New York Rock and Soul Revue, Everything Must Go (2003)) [1992–1996, 2003]
• Rosanne Cash - background vocalist (Rules of Travel (2003)) [2003]
• Wynton Marsalis - featured vocalist with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (live performances) [2010s–present]
• John Pizzarelli - duo performances and tributes (Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra tribute tours) [2020s]
• Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks - featured vocalist (live performances, Boardwalk Empire soundtrack) [2010s]

Artists Influenced

• Younger jazz vocalists - her interpretive style and career path serve as a model for contemporary jazz singers (influence noted in interviews and jazz education settings) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Did I Remember (Send For Me)
2. Don't Take Your Love From Me (Harlem On My Mind)
3. You Turned The Tables On Me (Alone Together)
4. Blue And Sentimental (Send For Me)
5. I Only Have Eyes For You (Alone Together)
6. You Stepped Out of A Dream (Send For Me)
7. Alone Together (Alone Together)
8. East of The Sun (and West of The Moon) (Send For Me)
9. How Deep Is The Ocean (Alone Together)
10. Million Dollar Smile (Send For Me)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #blues, #jazz