June 15, 1953 -June 30, 2007
Russell Taylor, 54, died suddenly from an aortic dissection, ending a life filled with promise for a man filled with talent.
Taylor was born in Lafayette, Indiana, on June 15, 1953 to Vivian Clark and Talmus Russell Taylor of Anderson. He grew up both a musician and an athlete. He began playing golf at Kilbuck Golf Club in Anderson, and the dye for a career as a professional golfer was cast. He declined a college scholarship to play football at Purdue in order to pursue his musical and golf dreams.
Russell became a golf professional, receiving his USGA membership in 1987 and worked at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Club in Monterey, California, as an assistant pro. He began his work with children out there, working with the Jordan tour. He returned to Indianapolis to be closer to family, first at River Glen Country Club and later at Wolf Run Golf Club as assistant pro. Currently, Russell was Head Pro at Douglass Golf Club in Indianapolis.
Much of his focus was on teaching and coaching young golfers. He was the National Director of the Lee Elder Junior Golf Tour in 1996. In 1998, he became an adjunct faculty member at IUPUI to teach golf to college students. Russell was also an author who focused on blacks who broke color barriers and was a friend and a mentor for adolescents and he was a contributor writer for “From The Tee Box” for the African American Golfer’s Digest. In 2000, the city of Indianapolis wanted to start their own junior program and Russell directed the program. Over the past seven years, more than 500 inner city and at-risk youth have participated in his program.
Russell has also been the Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School boys golf coach since 2000, taking that team to the semi-states in 2006. Turning to girl’s teams, he reignited the girls’ golf program at Arsenal Technical High School girls in Indianapolis in 2004. He truly loved coaching. For his tireless efforts and unwavering devotion to the youth of Indianapolis, he received the FOX 59 “Unsung Heroes Award” in 2002. During the Formula 1 weekend in June, he, along with the SouledOut Band, opened for the Lonnie Lester charity concerts held at the Hilbert Circle theater. A video from the Lester concerts is scheduled appear on PBS this fall.
During his musical career he recorded over 150 commercials, including work for Budweiser, McDonald’s, Toyota, Mickey’s Malt Liquor and ATA, and starred in TV commercials and corporate training videos. His recording projects include working with The Coasters, The Shirrells, Turley Richards, Peddlar with the release of the album “Street Corner Stuff”, Fingers, Fresh, LA Jazz, Chicago Drums Unlimited, Chaser, and Duke Tomato on such major record labels as United Artists, Chi-Sound Records, Atlantic, and Alligator Records. He also opened for artists including Ramsey Lewis, The Four Tops, The Rippington’s, and Lee Ritenour.
As a vocal professional and drummer he collaborated and recorded with a wide range of bands and artists that include the Walking Catfish, Dave Bennett, and renowned jazz pianist Carl Hinds. During his career, Russell played in Europe and at Chicago Fest at Soldier Field and venues throughout central Indiana.
In 1995, he became the musical director for a new contemporary service, AliveTime, at First Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church. Providing lead vocals and drums for this unique service, he returned almost every Sunday morning from gigs and golf obligations to become an integral part of the congregation.
He was married to his high school sweetheart, Joni Ireland and they had a son, Russell Michael. Russell was so very proud of his son, who has become an accomplished and in his own words “monster” drummer. Michael lives in LA with his lovely wife Stephanie.
Russell is survived by his son, Russell Michael, Los Angeles, CA; his fiancé, Karen Brock of Indianapolis; brothers Roger (Elnora) Clark of Anderson and John (Vora) Young El of Muncie; a sister, Delorese (Herman) Jennings of Anderson, and his mother, Vivion Clark, Anderson. Other immediate family include an aunt, Constance Oglesby of Sellersburg; 3 nieces and 2 nephews, 8 great nieces and nephews,; an extended family too numerous to mention including cousins all over the country; and a large and devastated church family. He was preceded in death by his father, his grandparents, and his sister, Fannie.
The memorial service was held at Russell’s church, First Meridian Heights Presbyterian, Indianapolis, IL on Saturday, July 21st and a gathering of musicians, a special event for sharing musical talent and stories, at the Jazz Kitchen on July 22.
