BY SIMONE MORGAN-LINDO—
IN the late 1960’s when Robert Russell made the decision to channel his energy into the entertainment sector, getting a national award was the last thing on his mind. However, some four decades later, the co-founder of Reggae Sumfest is slated to be vested with an Order of Distinction — Commander Class for his contribution to Jamaica’s entertainment industry.
The ceremony is scheduled for King’s House in St Andrew on Heroes’ Day, October 16.
“I was in London when I got the official call. I am very honored to be receiving such an award. When I started out years ago, one never really thinks about getting honors in those days. We just wanted to know that Jamaica was the beneficiary of all my business endeavors,” he told Jamaica Observer.
Russell is a former chairman of Summerfest Promotions — promoters of the annual, one-week summer festival Reggae Sumfest. Started in 1993, it has attracted top international acts like Usher, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, R Kelly and Destiny’s Child, as well as the finest reggae/dancehall artistes to its stage. Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Lady Saw and Capleton have made appearances.
Last year Russell sold Reggae Sumfest to American businessman Joe Bogdanovich of Downsound Records, but he still remains on the executive body as deputy chairman.
Russell is operator of Pier One, one of Montego Bay’s most pulsating open-air, seafood restaurant, bar and entertainment center since 1986. Prior to that he ran a hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann, called Little Madness.
“We got over 350 applications and we selected 52 entertainers from the list. So we would have a live act for each week for a year,” he continued.
He also dabbled in film. He is credited as assistant director of Perry Henzell’s cult classic The Harder They Come (1972), which stars Jimmy Cliff.
He had some words of advice to individuals aspiring for a career in the entertainment business.
“It is about setting a goal and keeping your eyes set on it. Strive towards your target and when you achieve that goal, move on the the next chapter,” he added.
In addition to Russell, the other arts and entertainment awardees are: Bunny Wailer (Order of Merit); Professor Keith Morrison (Order of Distinction — Commander Class); Copeland Forbes (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); Rosina Moder (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); Carlos Malcolm (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); Lloyd Stanbury (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); Ferdinand “Bobby Little Bra” Gaynair (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); Josey Wales (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); and Carl Bradshaw (Order of Distinction — Officer rank).
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