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![Luis Russell (1902-1963)](https://syncopatedtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Luis-Russell-1902-1963.jpg.webp)
By 1929 his band had grown to ten-pieces and they recorded a dozen records that are considered some of the first and best examples of Swing music. The band started backing up Louis Armstrong on a few of his early orchestra recordings. In 1935 Louis Armstrong took it over the orchestra altogether and for the next eight years they functioned as back-up band for Armstrong with Russell acting as the musical director. Russell led a new band from 1943-48 that played at the Savoy and Apollo and made a few recordings. The final 15 years of his life he made his living outside of music, operating a candy shop, a toy store and then working as a chauffeur.
His daughter, Catherine Russell is currently a star jazz vocalist. For more information read:
The Russell Family’s Legacy of Jazz: Luis Russell, Carline Ray, & Catherine Russell
![sss band or session leader](https://syncopatedtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/band-or-session-leader.gif)
Luis Russell And his Orchestra | Russell’s Hot Six |
Luis Russell and his Heebie Jeebie Stompers | Luis Russell And his Burning Eight |
Lou And his Gingersnaps | Jungle Town Stompers |