Hannah Russell

Russell, Hannah Composer, Music Publisher, Artist Widow of songwriter Bob Russell ("He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother", "Brazil" and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" to name a few), and sister of the late songwriter Bud Green ("Sentimental Journey", "Once in Awhile") died October 17, 2002 in Los Angeles, after a short illness. She was 89 years old.
Hannah was born Hannah Green in Harlem, 1913. She studied piano and music at Julliard School of Music in New York City. She began her music business career at 15 years old as a song demonstrator in department stores singing and playing piano. While still a teenager she had a 15-minute radio show under the name Joan Green and worked for music publishers. In the late 1950's Hannah wrote music for children's films in London, England and by the 70's she became CEO of Harrison Music Publishing which is still an active company in Burbank, CA. In her 80's, she went back to her first love of painting and never missed her Saturday art class at the Los Angeles County Museum. She counted young and old among her many friends and admirers. Her latest endeavor was at 86 when she wrote and produced a fully orchestrated CD for children called "SpaceSongs", teaching children basic astronomy, which is sold in the Smithsonian Museum Gift Shops and The Rose Planetarium in New York. It's also in various schools and planetariums throughout the United States. Hannah Russell was a true humanitarian and altruism was a large part of her life. She was a strong spirit who was guided by her heart, talents and business sense. A plan to celebrate her 90th birthday on January 24, 2003 will now serve as a memorial honoring her life. Hannah is survived by two of her daughters, Molly Hyman of Toluca Lake, CA and Simohn Spearitt of Santa Fe, New Mexico; five grandchildren, Lisa Tabor, Leslie Chavanette, Luther Russell, Keohen Smith and Savannah Spirit and six great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.