[2] Her mother, Carline Ray,[3] held degrees from both Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music and performed with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm following World War II.

"[5] She was also enamored with country music—including the early George Jones, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, and Merle Haggard—as she liked "anything that swings.

"[6] When Bowie's touring career was suspended in 2004, Russell's business partner and later husband Paul Kahn suggested that she record a solo album.

[6] Russell soon experienced a "mid-career surge" in which she transitioned from an "in-demand, first-call backup singer to rock and pop stars" to become "the foremost vocal interpreter of vintage jazz and R&B songs.

"[6] Seven albums followed, about one every two years, supported by an extensive touring schedule in Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States.

'"[2] The New York Times stated that her performances project "a strength, good humor and intelligence that engulf the room in a mood of bonhomie.

"[5] Her rendition of Irving Berlin's tune "Harlem on My Mind" was highly praised by the Jazz Times which declared that, "if there's a post-millennial answer to Dinah Washington, surely it's Catherine Russell: same remarkable vocal dexterity-blues shouter meets jazz stylist; same espresso-strength power; same immaculate clarity; same ability to shift seamlessly from sassy to torchy.

"[7] Russell's cover of the 1920s song "Crazy Blues" was used in "The Emerald City" episode of the HBO drama Boardwalk Empire.

[12] In 2022, Catherine Russell released Send For Me, her eighth album as a leader, receiving rave reviews in national media outlets; The Wall Street Journal, Relix, No Depression, Pop Matters, JazzTimes, and others, while also performing a Tiny Desk (Home) Concert for NPR Music.