Catherine Russell (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Catherine Russell
Russell at the Detroit Jazz Fest in 2006
Background information
Also known as	Cat
Born	(1956-09-20) September 20, 1956 (age 68) New York City, U.S.
Genres	Jazz blues rock
Occupation(s)	Singer
Instruments	Vocals keyboards guitar percussion
Years active	2006–present
Labels	Harmonia Mundi Dot Time Records

Catherine Russell (born in 1956) is an American jazz and blues singer. She is well-known for her 2016 album Harlem on My Mind. She also toured with famous musicians like David Bowie and Steely Dan.

Biography

Early life and musical family

Catherine Russell comes from a very musical family. Her father, Luis Russell, was a talented Panamanian-born pianist. He led one of the most amazing big bands in early New York jazz. He also became the long-time musical director for the legendary Louis Armstrong.

Her mother, Carline Ray, was also a gifted musician. She studied at top music schools like Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music. She performed with groups like the International Sweethearts of Rhythm during World War II. Later, she played with famous jazz artists such as Doc Cheatham and Wynton Marsalis.

Catherine's love for music started when she was a child. She grew up listening to early jazz from the 1920s and 1930s, including her father's recordings. She also enjoyed R&B from the 1940s and 1950s. She even loved country music artists like George Jones and Patsy Cline. She simply enjoyed "anything that swings!"

Starting as a backup singer

In the mid-1980s, Catherine often visited a club in Manhattan. One night, she was invited to sing on stage with Donald Fagen from the band Steely Dan. Soon after, she joined Fagen's "New York Rock and Soul Revue" tour in 1992.

When Steely Dan got back together in 1993, Fagen asked her to join them. She toured with Steely Dan until 1996. Catherine spent many years traveling and singing with rock, blues, jazz, soul, and gospel bands. She especially liked touring with acoustic bands because her voice didn't have to compete with loud electric guitars.

From 2002 to 2004, Catherine worked with the famous musician David Bowie. She sang backup vocals and played guitar, keyboard, and percussion for his tours. She also contributed to his 2003 album Reality.

Catherine said that working with David Bowie was "a dream come true." She admired him since 1971. She described him as a kind and musically generous person who helped her do her best. She felt lucky to have known him.

Becoming a jazz star

After David Bowie stopped touring in 2004, Catherine's business partner (and future husband) Paul Kahn suggested she record her own album. At first, she wasn't sure, as she was happy being a backup singer. But she eventually agreed to record some songs.

Kahn then invited record company executives to hear her sing. This led to her getting a recording contract. Her first album, Cat, was released in 2006.

Catherine then had a big change in her career. She went from being a popular backup singer for rock and pop stars to becoming a leading singer of classic jazz and R&B songs. She released seven more albums, about one every two years. She also toured a lot in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States.

With her strong background in jazz and blues, Catherine quickly became well-known in the jazz world. By 2014, she was one of the best-selling female artists on several jazz music charts.

People describe her voice as being like many great jazz and blues singers. They say her singing is perfect and sounds easy and natural. The New York Times said her performances show "strength, good humor and intelligence." Her version of "Harlem on My Mind" was highly praised. One critic said she might be the modern answer to the famous singer Dinah Washington.

Catherine's cover of the 1920s song "Crazy Blues" was used in the TV show Boardwalk Empire. This song was part of a soundtrack that won a Grammy Award in 2012.

In 2019, Catherine appeared in the movie Bolden!, which was about early jazz musician Buddy Bolden. She sang the blues folk song "Make Me a Pallet on the Floor." That same year, she released her seventh album, Alone Together.

In 2022, Catherine released Send For Me, her eighth album. It received great reviews from many music magazines. She also performed a Tiny Desk (Home) Concert for NPR Music. In 2024, she released My Ideal, a collaborative album with Sean Mason.

Awards

Russell performing in 2009

Catherine Russell has won many awards for her music:

• German Record Critics' Award — Sentimental Streak (2008)
• Prix Decouverte from Hot Club de France — Sentimental Streak (2008)
• Grammy Award — Best Compilation Soundtrack — Visual Media, Boardwalk Empire Vol. 1 (2011)
• Prix du Vocal Jazz from L'Academie du Jazz — Strictly Romancin' (2012)
• Grand Prix from Hot Club de France — Strictly Romancin' (2012)
• NYC Nightlife Award — Outstanding Jazz Performer (2012)
• Bistro Award for Outstanding Achievement, Recording — Strictly Romancin' (2013)
• Fans Decision Jazz Award — Hot House Magazine & Metropolitan Room — Female Vocalist (2016)
• The Louie from The Louis Armstrong House Museum — For preserving and promoting the legacy of Louis Armstrong (2016)
• Grammy Nomination — Best Jazz Vocal Album — Harlem on My Mind (2017)
• Grammy Nomination — Best Jazz Vocal Album — Alone Together (2019)
• Grammy Nomination — Best Jazz Vocal Album — My Ideal (2024)

Discography

Albums

• Cat (2006)
• Sentimental Streak (2008)
• Inside This Heart of Mine (2010)
• Strictly Romancin' (2012)
• Bring It Back (2014)
• Harlem on My Mind (2016)
• Alone Together (2019)
• Send for Me (2022)

Collaborative albums

• My Ideal (2024) (with Sean Mason)

Soundtracks and compilations as featured artist

As backing singer, musician or guest lead singer

Catherine Russell has also contributed to many other artists' albums as a backing singer, musician, or guest lead singer. Here are some of her credits:

See also

In Spanish: Catherine Russell para niños