Sonny Russo

American jazz trombonist. Born March 20, 1929 in New York. Died March 23, 2013 in Portland, Oregon (aged 84). Russo's father and grandfather were both horn players and he was playing with his father’s band from the time he was 15. He was a graduate from the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned his Master’s Degree. Russo was principally a sideman and soloist in big bands. He played with Pearl Bailey and became a fixture in Quincy Jones’ orchestra. He also played with Grover Washington, Jr., Van McCoy, Eddie Kendricks, Frank Sinatra and many, many more. He played with the orchestras of Artie Shaw, Dorsey Brothers, Sam Donohue, Neal Hefti, Stan Kenton and Sauter-Finegan.