Brenda Russell

Brenda Russell (born April 8, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York) is an African American singer-songwriter and keyboardist. Known for her eclectic musical style, her recordings have encompassed several different

Brenda Russell (born April 8, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York) is an African American singer-songwriter and keyboardist. Known for her eclectic musical style, her recordings have encompassed several different genres, including pop, soul, jazz and adult contemporary. As well as composing her own material, Russell's songwriting talents are often in demand by many other artists who, over the years, have included Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Sting.

Born Brenda Gordon to musical parents (her father Gus was a one-time member of The Ink Spots), she spent her formative years in Canada after moving to Hamilton, Ontario, aged twelve. As a teenager she began performing in local bands and in her late teens joined the Toronto production of Hair, during which time she had begun to play the piano. In the early seventies she married musician Brian Russell and (as Brian & Brenda) they went on to release two albums on Elton John's Rocket label, World Called Love (1976) and Supersonic Lover (1977). The couple had divorced by the late 1970s, and Brenda, now living in Los Angeles, had set out on a solo career.