Russell was born in Sioux City, Iowa. He moved to New York City, attending jazz workshops and studying with drummer Roy Haynes. Russell spent eight years playing and recording in Colorado and rock guitar legend Tommy Bolin's band and guitarist Robben Ford.

Russell spent 20 plus years in Los Angeles, Ca, touring with Jose Feliciano and Billy Preston, as well as doing many studio dates, working on the "Laverne & Shirley" Show, "Merv Griffen Show," & "Northern Exposure TV Show," the independent film "Stanleys Gig." He played with many Los Angeles jazz artists, including Jimmy Smith, Freddie Hubbard, Tom Scott, Eric Reed, and Ravi Coltrane. He has released 2 CDs as an artist, Tommy Bolin Tribute and Russell B Trio, Dreamstreet, a third soon to be released. Russell has spent the last five years playing as the house drummer in the Anthology House Band in San Diego.