Phyllis Russell is a native Washingtonian who exhibited an early interest in music. At the age of ten, she began cello lessons with the D.C. Youth Orchestra Summer Workshop program. She studied oboe for two years, percussion for one year, and classical piano at the Sewell Music Conservatory in Washington, D.C. for seven years. It wasn’t until age nineteen that she began to develop her vocal talents.

Phyllis began her vocal journey at Michigan Park Christian Church as a member of the Michigan Park Young Adult Outreach choir. She enhanced her musical and vocal talents by working with a number of artists from studio recording to live performances, many genres; from classical to jazz. She studied voice under the direction of William Speaks and the late Isaiah (Zeke) Lurry. For seven years, she wrote, co-wrote, arranged music, and played keyboard bass in the progressive jazz duo “Yvonne & Phyllis” (later known as “Taxi”). In 1992 she joined the variety band “Spice” as their female lead-vocalist. She has opened for Roy Ayers, and Bobbi Humphrey.

In 1984, she worked with recording artist, Dexter Wansel, and lyricist, Cynthia Biggs in the group “Sasss”. Additional performances include the Bachelor’s Mill, New Theater of Washington, National Security Agency (MD), Smithsonian, Anacostia Museum, Oval Park (NJ), Apollo Theater (NY), SweetWaters (NY), D.C. Summer in the Parks, Noonday Concert Series (DC), Cherry Blossom Festival (DC), Spirit of Washington (DC), Al Williams & Friends, a host of County Clubs and private parties, and the Russell Senate Building in Washington D.C for Congressman Donald Payne.

Phyllis is a seasoned and dedicated vocalist who subs with a variety of agency Wedding Bands in the Washington, DC metropolitan area such as; “The Biscaynes”, “Grooveline”, “Al Williams & Friends”, “Mixed Company” and Funk/R&B/Reggae band “W.F.F.R”. She currently subs with the “Momentum Band” in Atlanta, GA providing entertainment for weddings, corporate parties, and resorts.

She is an Instructional Designer/ IT Trainer/Network/Technical Analyst by trade, with a B.S. in Computer Systems Management. Her hobbies include reading, singing, piano, swimming, biking, and dancing.

Phyllis currently resides in Lilburn, GA.