Russell Garcia (composer)

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Russell Garcia (born April 12, 1916) is an American motion picture composer who was born in Oakland, California. Self-taught, his break came when he substituted for an ill colleague on a radio show. Subsequently, he went on to become composer/arranger at NBC Studios (for such shows as Rawhide and Laredo), MGM and Universal Studios. He collaborated with Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald on many of their albums (doing arrangements and conducting their orchestras as needed.)

Garcia and his wife Gina Mauriello Garcia, a published author in her own right, have been members of the Bahá'í Faith since 1955.^[1]. In 1966, at the height of his career they sold their home and possessions, bought a boat, and on June 1st set sail. Neither Russell nor Gina knew anything about sailing and Gina didn't know how to swim and the early arrival of hurricane Alma forced them to return after only two days at sea. It was December before the boat was finally repaired and they set forth once again. This time they reached Nassau without any further complications and spent several years as "travel-teachers" for the Bahá'ís as they went around the world to places like the Galapagos Islands, Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica, Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands. When they reached Fiji in 1969, some musicians from Auckland, New Zealand invited Russell to do some live concerts, radio and television shows and to lecture at the various universities around the country on behalf of the New Zealand Broadcasting Commission and Music Trades Association. Russell, finished with his lectures and concerts and on advice of friends, drove up to the Bay of Islands in the north of North Island, where he and Gina fell in love with the location. As of 2008 they are residents of Tangitu Bay in the Te Puna Inlet.

Memorial Day weekend, 2003, Russell Garcia and Buddy Childers had an event Contemporary Concepts Presented - A 4 Day Jazz Festival Celebrating The West Coast Big Band Sound in Concert in Los Angeles, California. Speakers/Panelists included Russell Garcia, Buddy Childers, Pete Rugolo, and Allyn Ferguson.^[2]

On May 27, 2005 the L.A. Jazz Institute honored Garcia for his over 60 years of contributions to jazz. The evening was hosted by Tierney Sutton and guest speakers included Bill Holman (musician), Duane Tatro and Bud Shank.^[3]