George Russell
June 23, 1923 – July 27, 2009
George Russell was just seven years old when he walked on a stage for the first time and sang “Moon Over Miami” with Fats Waller. Growing up to be a respected musician and theorist, he is said to have influenced Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Throughout his career, he’s played with the likes of Benny Carter, Bill Evans, Art Pepper and Eric Dolphy. Russell died of Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 86.