Renowned vocalist Catherine Russell celebrated her 70th birthday with standout performances at Jazz at Lincoln Center on October 3 and 4, joined by friend and pop icon Cyndi Lauper, who hit the stage for some special duets throughout the night, including a rendition of Lauper’s 1984 hit, “Time After Time.” “Welcome to the party,” Russell said to the audience. “This is the most guests I’ve ever had!”
Russell is jazz royalty: Her father, Luis Russell, laid roots in Panama, New Orleans, and Chicago, and was Louis Armstrong’s longtime musical director. Her mother, Carline Ray, was an accomplished guitarist and vocalist who studied at Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music. Russell carries on the rich tradition of her parents, reinterpreting jazz tunes from the genre’s earliest days and packaging old-world classics for a new audience with her effortlessly smooth voice. Russell’s birthday repertoire included songs by Sarah Vaughn, Irving Berlin, Billie Holiday, Ethel Waters, and other great singers and composers of the early- to mid-1900s. While jazz has continued to expand over the last century, Russell’s performance is a reminder of the genre’s roots as pop music, illustrating how this early form of jazz still has a place today. The audience connected, dancing and singing along to tunes like “When the Lights Are Low.”
Later in the night, when Lauper joined Russell on stage, the pair reminisced about their longtime friendship and collaborations throughout the years. “We used to rock out,” said Lauper. “She is one of the greatest singers.” Their four duets included a spine-tingling rendition of “Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” made famous by Nina Simone and later the Animals, and Lauper’s “Time After Time,” which closed the night. The pair’s chemistry was undeniable as they held each other close, danced, and riffed on these classic tunes together.
Russell’s performance was part of an incredible season of programming at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the last with longtime Artistic Director and Founder Wynton Marsalis at the helm. This weekend, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Steve Miller will return to Jazz at Lincoln Center on October 9 and 10 for his 10th annual performance. The rock legend, who brought the world hits like “Fly Like an Eagle” and “Jet Airliner,” has rich roots in the blues and will explore the genre with a slew of special guests, including saxophonist Craig Handy.
The following week, Afro-Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés will celebrate his 85th birthday at the Rose Bowl on October 16 and 17. The legendary pianist, whose storied career includes collaborations with Paquito D’Rivera and an extensive solo career, will be joined by some of jazz’s most prolific voices, including drummer Marcus Gilmore and Terrence Blanchard on trumpet.
Jazz at Lincoln Center has several exciting discount programs, including $10 Hot Seat tickets that go on sale the day before performances, and Student Memberships that offer a similar deal. Find out more info and see all upcoming programs at jazz.org.
