Catherine Russell is a native New Yorker, born into musical royalty. Her father, the late Luis Russell, was born in Panama, emigrated to New Orleans and then to Chicago and New York City, becoming a pianist, bandleader, arranger, composer and Louis Arm-strong’s long-time collaborator and musical director. Her mother, Carline Ray, was a pioneering bassist, gui-tarist, vocalist and holder of advanced degrees from Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music. Russell is a graduate of American Academy of Dramatic Arts; she has toured the world, performing and recording with David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Jackson Browne, Michael Feinstein, Paul Simon, Rosanne Cash, Wynton Marsalis, Dr. John, Joan Osborne, Vince Giordano and many others, appearing on over 200 albums.