Catherine Russell (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Catherine Russell
Russell at the Detroit Jazz Festival, 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 mandolin
Years active	2006–present
Labels	Harmonia Mundi Dot Time Records

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

Life and Music Career

Early Life and Musical Family

Catherine Russell grew up in a very musical family. Her father, Luis Russell, was a talented pianist and led a big jazz band in New York. He also worked as the musical director for the legendary Louis Armstrong.

Her mother, Carline Ray, was also a gifted musician. She studied at famous music schools like Juilliard. She performed with many groups, including the International Sweethearts of Rhythm after World War II.

Catherine loved music from a young age. She listened to early jazz and blues from the 1920s to the 1950s. She also enjoyed country music artists like Patsy Cline and Hank Williams. She liked any music that had a good "swing" to it.

Singing for Other Artists

In the 1980s, Catherine often visited a club in New York. 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. She spent many years singing background vocals for rock, blues, jazz, soul, and gospel bands. She even sang background vocals on Madonna's 1990 song "Rescue Me".

From 2002 to 2004, Catherine worked with the famous musician David Bowie. She sang backing vocals and played guitar, keyboard, percussion, and mandolin for his tours and his album Reality. She really enjoyed working with Bowie, saying he was kind and helped her grow as a musician.

Becoming a Solo Jazz Singer

After David Bowie stopped touring in 2004, Catherine's business partner, Paul Kahn, suggested she record her own album. At first, she wasn't sure, as she was happy being a background singer. But she eventually agreed.

She recorded songs at a friend's studio. Record company executives heard her sing and offered her a contract. These first songs became her debut album, Cat, released in 2006.

After this, Catherine's career really took off. She became known as a top singer of classic jazz and R&B songs. She released seven more albums, about one every two years. She toured a lot in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States. By 2014, she was one of the best-selling female jazz artists.

People describe her voice as smooth and powerful, like many great jazz and blues singers. The New York Times said her performances fill the room with warmth and good cheer. Her version of "Harlem on My Mind" was highly praised.

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

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

In 2024, Catherine Russell released My Ideal, a collaborative album with Sean Mason.

Awards and Recognitions

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, for 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)
• Bistro Award Catherine Russell & Sean Mason for Outstanding Recording 2025 - My Ideal
• 2025 Harvard Jazz Master In Residence

Music Albums

Solo 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)

Albums with Others

• My Ideal (2024) (with Sean Mason)

Soundtracks and Collections

As a Background Singer or Musician

Catherine Russell has contributed to many albums by other artists:

See also

In Spanish: Catherine Russell para niños