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.'
Read more about Pee Wee Russell: Early Life, Career, Awards & Honors
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