Gussie Russell

Who is Gussie Russell?

Austin Russell was a stone cutter and a well known Irish traditional flute and whistle player out of Doolin, County Clare, Ireland. He was one of the three Russell brother to earn fame as musician, together with his brothers Micho and Packie.

Gussie learned to play music on a very young age, learning most of his skills from his neighbour Patrick Flanagan, a concertina player. He and Micho got their first concert flutes from their uncle John Moloney in 1932, when he returned from the United States.

Gussie and his brothers first got attention outside Doolin due to the work of the Irish Folklore Commission. In the late 1930s Seamus O' Duillearga was active in County Clare and recorded stories and music, including music of the Russell brothers. Later recordings by others also brought them a wider public.