Reuss was born New York City, he began playing professionally as a banjoist at age 12.
He played with Paul Whiteman and then with Jack Teagarden from 1939 to 1940; following this he was with Jimmy Dorsey (1941–42) and Harry James (1942–43).
In 1945 he moved to Los Angeles, where he continued as a studio guitarist, played with Arnold Ross, and led a trio.
Among his credits are work with Mildred Bailey, rhythm guitar for the Song "Grim grinning Ghosts" in Disneys Haunted Mansion, Bunny Berigan, Benny Carter, Billie Holiday, Lionel Hampton, Coleman Hawkins, Teddy Wilson and Charlie Ventura.
[1] His compositions included "Pickin' For Patsy" with Jack Teagarden, "Shufflin' at the Hollywood" with Lionel Hampton, and "More and More" with Rainey Robinson and Tommy Karen.