IN MEMORIAM
‘Jerry’ Russell, 74; Played
Organ For The Tones, Others
ONEONTA – Gerald “Jerry” T. Russell Sr., 74, a well-known organist locally and accompanist for The Chymes, recording with them in New York City when they became better known as The Tones, passed away on June 25, 2016, in Oneonta.
Born on Dec. 4, 1941, to Vaughan and Bertha Russell, Jerry was a lifelong resident of Oneonta, spending his entire life on Harrison Avenue.
LISTEN TO THE TONES
'THREE LITTLE LOVES'
At age 8, Jerry started playing the piano and organ and took lessons at the New York City Radio Music Hall. He was an accomplished organist at the age of 15, playing for numerous events such as the Lions Club Sportsmen’s Show, Otsego County Republican dinners, substituting as organist at the First United Methodist Church and the Morris Manor Chapel, as well as organist for commencements at the Oneonta High School and Miss Oneonta Pageants.
Most importantly, Jerry was the accompanist for The Tones, which became a well-known singing group, making records in New York City, and being the lead entertainment at many events in the area.
