Richard Russell Songwriter Scholarship
We are excited to offer the Richard Russell Songwriter Scholarship, founded in 2026 by Richard’s wife Jileen Russell and his son Zac Russell.
This scholarship gives preference to applicants who:
- Demonstrate financial need
- Are a resident of Hawaiʻi Island or a neighboring island
To apply for the Richard Russell Songwriter Scholarship, fill out the regular scholarship application and, in your essay, state that you are applying for the Richard Russell Songwriter Scholarship and address the above criteria.
This scholarship gives preference to applicants who:
- Demonstrate financial need
- Are a resident of Hawaiʻi Island or a neighboring island
To apply for the Richard Russell Songwriter Scholarship, fill out the regular scholarship application and, in your essay, state that you are applying for the Richard Russell Songwriter Scholarship and address the above criteria.
Richard Russell pictured with his grandson at his home on Hawaiʻi Island.
About Richard Russell
Richard Ford Russell died peacefully at his home on Hawaiʻi Island on September 22nd, 2025, his wife Jileen and son Zac by his side.
Richard's artistic output throughout his life was prolific. He painted, capturing landscapes and the emotions they evoked. He was a musician and songwriter under the moniker “Ricardo,” forming bands including the Red Rhythm Band (which built a cult following in the South Puget Sound region), The Dogmanauts, Ricardo & Friends, The Red Water Trio, The Slippersons, and The Castaways.
Over the years, Richard produced twelve albums of mostly original music and created documentary films, including "Burner, Once a Blue Angel" and "Movement Nature Meant." His art was never separate from his life; it was how he processed and shared his experience of the world.
Richard's most lasting work may have been in philanthropy which he was passionately engaged in for the last 26 years of this life. He helped launch and lead two private foundations, overseeing wide-reaching grantmaking efforts in Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, across the United States, and globally.
Richard approached his various roles-businessman, musician, artist, philanthropist, husband, father, grandfather-not as separate identities but as expressions of a single philosophy: that life was meant to be lived fully, talents were meant to be shared, and that success was measured in collective flourishing. Throughout his professional success, Richard maintained what friends described as an uncommon gift for creating safe and welcoming spaces. He could make people feel seen and valued in music venues, community spaces and philanthropic spaces. Creativity flourished in his presence because judgment did not.
Richard Ford Russell died peacefully at his home on Hawaiʻi Island on September 22nd, 2025, his wife Jileen and son Zac by his side.
Richard's artistic output throughout his life was prolific. He painted, capturing landscapes and the emotions they evoked. He was a musician and songwriter under the moniker “Ricardo,” forming bands including the Red Rhythm Band (which built a cult following in the South Puget Sound region), The Dogmanauts, Ricardo & Friends, The Red Water Trio, The Slippersons, and The Castaways.
Over the years, Richard produced twelve albums of mostly original music and created documentary films, including "Burner, Once a Blue Angel" and "Movement Nature Meant." His art was never separate from his life; it was how he processed and shared his experience of the world.
Richard's most lasting work may have been in philanthropy which he was passionately engaged in for the last 26 years of this life. He helped launch and lead two private foundations, overseeing wide-reaching grantmaking efforts in Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, across the United States, and globally.
Richard approached his various roles-businessman, musician, artist, philanthropist, husband, father, grandfather-not as separate identities but as expressions of a single philosophy: that life was meant to be lived fully, talents were meant to be shared, and that success was measured in collective flourishing. Throughout his professional success, Richard maintained what friends described as an uncommon gift for creating safe and welcoming spaces. He could make people feel seen and valued in music venues, community spaces and philanthropic spaces. Creativity flourished in his presence because judgment did not.
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Richard’s Contributions to Hawai'i Songwriting Festival
Richard was instrumental in providing the Hawai'i Songwriting Festival (HSF) with guidance and support, dating back to 2015 when the organization relocated to Hawai’i Island under new leadership. In addition to becoming our first financial supporter on Hawai’i Island, Richard was a friend and mentor who drew upon his business and non-profit experience to advise our board and encourage our leaders, giving us the confidence we needed to carry HSF into its next chapter. Over the last eleven years, Richard and his family foundation Clementine Fund have been pillars of the HSF ‘ohana. We are honored to say that HSF is part of his legacy, infused with Richard’s welcoming spirit, passion for music, and genuine love and appreciation for the unique creativity that we share in community. We would not be the organization you see today without Richard and the ongoing support we receive from his ‘ohana and Clementine Fund. About the Scholarship This scholarship was established by Richard’s wife Jileen Russell and his son Zac Russell to continue Richard’s legacy of supporting and inspiring songwriters by helping to make it possible to attend the Hawai'i Songwriting Festival. Each year, the Richard Russell Songwriter Scholarship will be awarded to one scholarship applicant who exemplifies Richard’s values of creativity, generosity of spirit, passion for music, and commitment to giving back to the songwriting community. If you wish to make a contribution to the scholarship fund, please visit the donation page and indicate in the special instructions that the donation is for the Richard Russell Songwriter Scholarship. |
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“In human form, we're shining light Look around you here tonight Thanks for now and for the future May we keep each other bright” –THE ONE YOU ARE Richard Russell © 1996 |