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Russell, Olive Nelson (September 28, 1915-April 23, 1935)

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: September 28, 1915 - April 23, 1935

Biography

Olive N. Russell was born September 28, 1915, in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Emil and Lora Nelson. She attended Sherwood Music School in Chicago (1935). From 1936-1940, she traveled to Paris to study music under Robert Casadesus and Yves Nat. She returned to Chicago to continue her musical education at the American Conservatory of Music (1941-1942).

Russell was a pianist, organist, director and teacher. Russell performed in various cities in the United States and in France. She performed in Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New York, Beloit, Paris, and Bordeaux during her career as a pianist. As an organist and director, she held positions in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Kansas City. In addition to her work as a pianist, organist and director, Russell was also a teacher. She taught piano and organ at MacPhail College of Music (1942-1947), and at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (1961-1971).

She composed and arranged a number of works, such as All Glory Laud and Honor, Bubble Gum, Caribbean Suite, Christmas Collection, Combo, Exultation, Excursion, Hail the Heaven Born Prince, Hay-foot, Straw-foot, Hurricane Zilda, Island Song, The Lord Into His Garden Come, Man of the Earth, Nostalgia, Music for Holy Communion, Panorama, Program Music, Sea Shells, Spring Gal, The Time Machine, and Whimsy.

She married Clarence H. Russell on April 23, 1935.

Source: Who's Who of American Women. Chicago: Marquis Who’s Who, Inc., 1974/75. See: Box10, F5 [pamphlet]

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

American Composers Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0078
Scope and Contents

The American Composers Collection includes material related to over 150 composers, including manuscript music scores, programs, correspondence, news clippings, and other items. Material varies with composer, from a single item to several folders. The collection was amassed from various donations to the University of Missouri-Kansas City before being given to the Dr. Kenneth J. LaBudde Department of Special Collections. Provenance is noted when known.

Dates: 1813 - 2006

Olive Nelson Russell, 1943-1973

 Series
Scope and Contents From the Collection:

The American Composers Collection includes material related to over 150 composers, including manuscript music scores, programs, correspondence, news clippings, and other items. Material varies with composer, from a single item to several folders. The collection was amassed from various donations to the University of Missouri-Kansas City before being given to the Dr. Kenneth J. LaBudde Department of Special Collections. Provenance is noted when known.

Dates: 1943-1973

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Subject
Art music 1
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Music 1
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