Pee Wee Russell Video | Celebrity Interview and Paparazzi

Charles Ellsworth Russell, much better known by his nickname Pee Wee Russell, (27 March 1906 – 15 February 1969) was a jazz musician. Early in his career he played clarinet and saxophones, but eventually focused solely on clarinet. With a highly individualistic and spontaneous clarinet style that "defied classification," Russell began his career playing Dixieland jazz, but throughout his career incorporated elements of newer developments such as swing, be-bop and free jazz. In the words of Philip Larkin, "No one familiar with the characteristic excitement of his solos, their lurid,... MORE

Charles Ellsworth Russell, much better known by his nickname Pee Wee Russell, (27 March 1906 – 15 February 1969) was a jazz musician. Early in his career he played clarinet and saxophones, but eventually focused solely on clarinet. With a highly individualistic and spontaneous clarinet style that "defied classification," Russell began his career playing Dixieland jazz, but throughout his career incorporated elements of newer developments such as swing, be-bop and free jazz. In the words of Philip Larkin, "No one familiar with the characteristic excitement of his solos, their lurid, snuffling, asthmatic voicelessness, notes leant on till they split, and sudden passionate intensities, could deny the uniqueness of his contribution to jazz.' Pee Wee Russell was born in Maplewood, Missouri and grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma. As a child, he first studied violin, but 'couldn't get along with it', then piano, disliking the scales and chord exercises, and then drums – including all the associated special effects. Then his father sneaked young Ellsworth into a dance at the local Elks Club to a four- or five-piece band led by New Orleans jazz clarinetist Alcide "Yellow" Nunez. Russell was LESS