Russ Savakus

American jazz then pop bassist and violinist.
Born May 13, 1925 in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA.
Died June 25, 1984 in Bangor, Pennsylvania, USA.

Savakus went by the the names Russ Savakus, Russ Saunders and Russ (Saunders) Savakus. He began studying violin at the age of seven continuing uninterruptedly until his army induction. He attended the Manhattan School of Music, Columbia university and Juilliard Music School, from which he received a Bachelor of Music degree.
After learning clarinet in the army, Russ began studying bass in New York following his discharge in 1946, and turned professional, playing bass with the Henry Jerome Orchestra. He then played with Claude Thornhill into 1949 followed by Lennie Tristano for 18 months. Savakus served as bassist with Gene Williams, Neal Hefti and Jerry Wald for short periods of time before joining Elliot Lawrence for a year. He also had an extended time playing with Les Elgart’s swing band in the 1950’s followed by Chet Baker in the late 1950’s.
When pop music took over, Savakus was a very sought after session musician, playing mostly upright bass, but occasionally electric bass, appearing on numerous hits and non-hits of artists such as Don McClean, Van Morrison, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and numerous others.