Luis Carl Russell (August 5, 1902 – December 11, 1963) was a pioneering jazz pianist, orchestra leader, composer, and arranger, born on Careening Cay near Bocas del Toro, Panama. His father was a music teacher, which influenced Russell's early musical education as he learned to play guitar, piano, and violin. By 1917, he was already playing professionally, accompanying silent films and later performing at a casino in Colón, Panama.

In 1919, after winning a lottery, Russell moved to the United States with his family, settling in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he worked as a pianist. He later moved to Chicago in 1925, playing with notable musicians like Doc Cook and King Oliver. Eventually, he relocated to New York City and formed his own band, which became one of the leading jazz groups in the city by 1929. His band included prominent musicians such as trumpeter Red Allen, trombonist J. C. Higginbotham, and alto saxophonist Albert Nicholas. In 1935, Louis Armstrong took over Russell's band, which then served as Armstrong's backup band for eight years, with Russell as the musical director.

Between 1926 and 1934, Russell recorded 38 sides, primarily under his own name, and collaborated on recordings with Red Allen and Louis Armstrong. After a brief hiatus from recording, he resumed in 1934 and continued to lead a band until 1948, performing at venues like the Savoy and Apollo and making a few recordings, including a 1946 version of "The Very Thought of You."

In 1948, Russell retired from the music industry, opening a notions shop and occasionally teaching music. He visited Panama in 1959 to give a piano recital of classical music. Luis Russell passed away in New York City at the age of 61. His daughter, Catherine Russell, is a jazz singer.