BIOGRAPHY
My name is Teddy Russel, and I was born in Nassau, Bahamas to Wilton Russell Sr. and the late
Bertha-Mae Forbes Bethel. Raised by my grandmother, the late Muriel Forbes, on Fourth Street at The Grove, I am the middle child among my siblings. My father had three children with my mother and four
additional children with his wife. My mother had two children with the late Eustis Saunders, affectionately called "Bat." These humble beginnings have shaped my journey and instilled in me a deep appreciation for life's opportunities.
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I have been fortunate enough to attend several educational institutions, including Ridgeland Primary School, the Government High School, the University of The Bahamas, and Shaw University in North
Carolina. After spending some time working in the hotel industry, I transitioned into the Royal Bahamas Police Force and served there for twenty-one years before resigning as a Sergeant. Throughout my tenure,
I gained valuable experience posted in various departments. As a member
of the police band, I arranged and composed music for the band to play. I also conducted band practice to ensure better performances
for listening audiences.
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​Additionally, I worked in the Central Detective Unit and was part of the "Flying Squad." Thanks to the excellent training I received from senior officers, I earned numerous certificates, awards, and medals,
including two medals from the Governor General, Mr. Cornelius A. Smith, of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, which included the Long Service and Good Conduct and the Meritorious Award.
My passion for music has led me to teach music practice and theory to hundreds of people in the community across Nassau and various Family Islands, including Andros, Eleuthera, Cat Island, and Grand Bahama. It brings me immense joy to see many of my former students now working as music tutors in our local school system and helping to keep the musical culture alive. By teaching these students without charging them a fee, I feel proud to have played a role in their success, as they are now effectively
teaching others and sharing their musical knowledge. This dedication to music education is a testament to the transformative power of music in our lives.
As a performing artist, I've showcased my talents in significant hotels and resorts such as Albany, Bahamar, and Atlantis, among other notable functions and events. I perform as a one-man band, and sometimes I collaborate with another musician or singer. I've also played with other bands such as Ambasah, Soulful Groovers, Visage, and Vice Versa.
In 1996, I adopted the Persis Rodgers Home for The Aged. I'd play my horn for them every weekend whenever I could, bringing joy to the hearts of these beautiful souls. Sometimes, I was accompanied by other musicians, Mrs. Bernadette Christie being one of them. There were many other essential events to my development, but mentioning them all would turn this into a novel instead of an autobiography.
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