Russell Smith

Russell Smith (b. Kentucky, 1890 – d. Indianapolis, 1969) – Bandleader, pianist, and composer. Born in Kentucky and raised in Indianapolis, Russell Smith was a pioneering bandleader in Indy and also an accomplished composer of ragtime. In fact, the Seidel family in Indianapolis published his “Princess Rag” (1907), “Microbe Rag,” and “That Demon Rag” (1911). Also in 1911, he formed one of Indy’s first significant all black orchestras, which played for three years at the Severin Hotel. Notable members of his band were Noble Sissle (see under “Songwriters”), Reginald DuValle (see above), and professional baseball player Elmer “Babe” Herron, who played banjo in Smith’s band and centerfield for the Indianapolis ABCs. Leaving Indy behind, Smith joined the famous black band of James Reese Europe while the group was in Palm Beach. He then joined the staff of W. C. Handy in New York. While in the Big Apple, he performed at the Lafayette Theatre, a Harlem vaudeville venue. Later, he traveled with the troupes of Shuffle Along and the Chocolate Dandies, collaborative musicals by Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle. In 1935, he moved back to Indianapolis and at times worked as a janitor. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, he played in a combo at Sandy’s at 22nd and Meridian.