Brenda Russell

Brenda Russell is an American singer-songwriter, producer, and keyboardist who has achieved acclaim across R&B, pop, soul, and jazz, earning a Grammy for her work on ‘The Color Purple’ musical. After contributing to the single ‘Where Does All The Time Go’ with The Tiaras in 1968, Brenda Russell went on to establish herself as a prolific singer-songwriter, producer, and keyboardist. She further developed her musical prowess performing in the Toronto production of ‘Hair’ and as a pianist. In the mid-1970s, Russell collaborated with musician Brian Russell, contributing to Rufus’s ‘Please Pardon Me’ (1974) and providing backing vocals for Neil Sedaka’s ‘Laughter in the Rain’ (1974) and Elton John’s 1975 Wembley Stadium concert.

A defining moment arrived in 2005 with the Broadway premiere of ‘The Color Purple’ musical. Russell co-wrote the acclaimed score alongside Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, which garnered a Tony Award nomination for Best Score and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Musical Show Album in 2006. Her profound impact was solidified with a Grammy Award in the Best Musical Theater Album category for ‘The Color Purple’ in 2016. Demonstrating her lasting influence, Russell’s iconic hit ‘Piano in the Dark’ was featured in Flo Rida’s 2012 dance club hit ‘I Cry.’