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Michelle Russell was born in Burbank, California and grew
up watching her mother, Marian, dance. She began performing at the age of three, at first for Christmas events, and then
in hospitals.
At the age of 7, Michelle was inspired by the old movie musicals of Shirley Temple, Al Jolsen, Fred
Astaire & Ginger Rogers, among others. After seeing the young Judy Garland singing "Dear Mr. Gable", she
was inspired to become a singer.
After attending Los Angeles City College, Michelle moved to New
York City where she attended HB Studio and studied privately with many teachers. Eventually, she created her own cabaret shows
which were performed at numerous clubs throughout New York City.
In a return to California, Michelle worked
in several films and TV shows including Back to School with Rodney Dangerfield. Following this, she worked
on Capital Hill in Washington, DC for several years, as well as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
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| With Chita Rivera at the Kennedy Center Honors |
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| with B'way Kevin Gray, touring as the Phantom of the Opera! |
In the mid-1990s, Michelle Russell returned to New
York City where she had the good fortune to sing with the great Bennie Martini, as well as create many shows, included a
living history program for the Judy Garland Birthplace in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and a show honoring songs from the films
of Shirley Temple.
In 2000, Michelle recorded her self-named CD, "Michelle
Russell & The Moonlight Band" with Gary Pace. (This CD recording is still available thru CdBaby.com.) Later
that same year, Michelle released a single-song recording of Bennie Martini's Mother's Day song.
A new CD which may include songs from the original CD, as well as others listed
below has been in the works for the last year, and hopefully will be released in 2007. If you would be interested in
receiving news on this CD, please e-mail us and ask to join Michelle's mailing list.
Songs recorded with both Gary Pace and Jerry Scott include:
As Time Goes By
The Things We Did Last Summer
Them There Eyes
Sentimental Journey
& Orange Colored Sky.
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