Russell Goode
"The Great Pianist"
Growing Up
Russell Goode was born on March 19, 1926, in Chattanooga, to the union of Garnie Goode and Alberta Goode Height. Russell completed studies at Eastdale Elementary and Orchard Knob Junior High Schools before enrolling at Howard High School where he graduated in the class of 1944. Music became a part of Russell’s life during his formative years. He started playing the piano when he was three years old. By age ten he was studying under the tutelage of Mrs. Lillian Cadek Dame of the Cadek Conservatory. Arrangements were also made for Russell to receive organ lessons from Ms. Alma Spence. At his first lesson, however, he simply sat down at the organ and started to play. “He already knows how,” Ms. Spence exclaimed. “There is nothing to do but just let him do it.”
-2_edited.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Education
After completing high school, Russell enrolled at Fisk University in Nashville. At Fisk, he was assigned to advanced organ and piano classes. He received the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music in 1949. Ten years later, he earned the Master of Arts Degree in Music Education from Columbia University in New York City, New York. Russell’s first job after finishing Fisk was at Mound Bayou High School in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. After completing one school term, he was drafted by the United States Army, but at his request, he was released to serve in the United States Air Force. While on his tour of duty Russell frequently played the piano for special events at the Officers’ Club. He was also the main organist for the chapel at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. His skills were such that the commanding officer selected him to serve as the organist at the nearby Fort Monroe Army Base.
-4_edited.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Work in the Schools
In 1955, when his four-year enlistment in the U.S. Air Force was finished, Russell returned to Chattanooga. He was employed by the Chattanooga Public Schools and assigned as a music teacher at Howard Elementary School. At the end of one school term, he was transferred to Howard Junior High School where he served for eighteen years. His next assignment during the integration of schools was at East Lake Junior High School. He then served the remainder of his work tenure as an itinerant teacher with assignments to the following schools: Joseph E. Smith Elementary, Charles A. Bell Elementary, James A. Henry Elementary, Orchard Knob Elementary, Clara Carpenter Elementary, Henry L. Barger Elementary, G. Russell Brown Elementary, and Clifton Hills Elementary.
CLIENTS
With the Greats
He achieved worldwide recognition and praise for his excellence in music as a special pianist and organist for the late and great Mahalia Jackson, the world’s greatest gospel singer. During the ten years that he accompanied her in the United States and abroad, he had many exceptional experiences and wonderful opportunities. He also served as accompanist for the late Coretta Scott King, widow of the slain civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Russell traveled with Mrs. King in the United States and abroad. He also served as accompanist for Leontyne Price, Stephanie Mills, Joyce Bryant, and Nancy Wilson.
-6_edited.jpg)