University of Virginia Library

Studio Man

Later, after working some years
in Los Angeles night clubs, Russell
met James Burton, guitarist for
Ricky Nelson, who taught him
most of what he knows about the
guitar. In no time Russell was in the
studios recording with Dorsey
Brunette and Glen Campbell.

At age 21 Russell became
Hollywood's most popular studio
man for five years. He played "He's
a Rebel" for the Crystals, "Lost
that Lovin' Feeling" for the
Righteous Brothers, "Taste of
Honey" for Herb Alpert, "Elusive
Butterfly" for Bob Lind, and "Mr.
Tambourine Man" for the Byrds.

Before Russell quit everything
to relax for two years he met
Delaney Bramlett then one of the
Shindogs on ABC's Shindig. So in
1969 he became one of Delaney
and Bonnie's friends playing the
piano and handling the
arrangements for their first album.

In 1970 Russell starred with Joe
Cocker in "Mad Dogs and
Englishmen" for which he did most
of the arrangements and wrote
many of the songs including the
title song. He has also written
"Hello, Little Friend", "Give Peace
a Chance" and "Superstar" which
was recently recorded by the
Carpenters.

Presently Russell tours with the
Shelter People, one of the best and
most professional rock and roll
shows on the road. It is composed
of some of Derek's Dominoes,
Delaney and Bonnie's' Friends, and
Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and
Englishmen.