Originally from the D.C. area, at an early age Russ and the Hooper family moved to Baltimore. Russ learned to play the guitar, but by age 15 he bought a refurbished resonator dobro at Ted’s Music. Thus began a storied life of Bluegrass music, studying the styles of ‘Speedy’ Krise, Buck Graves, and others. He became so proficient that he was asked to join Flatt & Scruggs’ Stoney Mountain Boys in the ‘50s (to replace one of his idols Buck Graves), and The Country Gentlemen in the ‘60s. Both of whom he declined in favor of the financial security of keeping his day job.
from Hooper’s ‘Falshim Run’ CD liner notes
Through the years Russ, a Dobro Hall of Famer, was a member of some of the finest bluegrass groups in the area. Bob Baker & the Pike County Boys, Marvin Howell & the Franklin County Boys, Walt Hensley & the Dukes of Bluegrass, Delmer Delaney’s Shady Valley Boys, and Windy Mountain Boys. He also toured with Jimmy Martin, Carroll County Ramblers…
In the 1970s-80s he contributed his skills to hundreds of recording sessions.
Photo by Kimberly Jensen
In 1993 he joined a new group called Keystone (based in south central PA.), later named Bluestone (see bio). The group continued through 2025+.
Always a sideman / session musician, Russ released a CD under his own name in 2004.
2004 (CD) RHM 4001 Falshim Run
