J. Russel Robinson

About

Ragtime and dixieland jazz musician and jazz, blues, and pop composer known for Sapho Rag, Eccentric, and other hits.

Before Fame

He became a member of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band after the unfortunate death of pianist Henry Ragas during the 1919 Spanish Flu Pandemic.

Trivia

He composed the score for Mermaid Tavern in 1957 with librettist and lyricist Leo McElroy. The musical became popular among regional theatres.

Family Life

He and his brother John, a drummer, toured the Southern United States and New Orleans during the 1910s.

Associated With

His song Margie was covered by artists as diverse as Louis Armstrong, Jim Reeves, and Al Jolson.