Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 2, 2013
• Invested on: May 07, 2014

For his contributions to the preservation and popularization of Newfoundland’s traditional folk music, as a musician, archivist and teacher.

Kelly Russell has been instrumental in preserving Newfoundland’s traditional folklore and music. A musician himself, he sought out master fiddlers to learn from them and to record their unique music, which he then notated and published. His publication of over 500 fiddle tunes has ensured generations to come will have access to their musical heritage. Also a member of such landmark bands as Figgy Duff and The Wonderful Grand Band, he founded Pigeon Inlet Productions, the province’s first independent record label devoted to preserving and promoting the folk music of Newfoundland and Labrador.