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Jack Russell, who was married to Heather Ann Russell and the founder and lead vocalist of the band Great White, died on August 16, 2024, at the age of 63. The singer died in the presence of his wife and son, Mathew Hucko. The singer's death was announced via a post on the official Great White Instagram page on August 16, 2024:
"With tremendous sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jack Patrick Russell - father, husband, cousin, uncle and friend. Jack passed peacefully in the presence of his wife Heather Ann Russell, son Mathew Hucko, cousin Naomi Breshears Barbor and dear friends Billy and Cheryl Pawelcik. Details of a public memorial will be announced at a later date."
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The statement continued:
"Jack is loved and remembered for his sense of humor, exceptional zest for life, and unshakeable contribution to rock and roll where his legacy will thrive. His family asks for privacy at this time. At the request of Jack and his family, please refer to K.L. Doty at [email protected] as a further point of contact on his behalf."
Jack Russell was diagnosed with dementia and MSA before his death
Just months before his death, Jack Russell announced his retirement from touring after receiving a diagnosis of dementia and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). It is a rare nerve disease that causes damage to the nerve cells on the brain.
The singer announced on July 17, 2024, via another Instagram page:
"To my fans and friends, It is heaviest of hearts that I must announce my retirement from the road. After a recent diagnoses of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), I am unable to perform at the level I desire and the level you deserve."
The singer continued:
"Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love and support. Thank you for letting me live my dreams. You have made my life a wonder. Love, Jack."
An overview of Jack Russell's life and career
Jack Russell was born on December 5, 1960, in Montebello, California, and began his music career in high school, performing with several bands in high school. Soon after high school, he met Mark Kendall and began the band known as Great White, alongside Gary Holland and bassist Lorne Black.
The band initially worked with Alan Niven, releasing their debut EP Out of the Night, in 1983. The EP was a breakthrough success, selling thousands of copies in months and allowing the band to pursue local radio stations like KMET to play the band's songs.
Supporting bands such as Dokken as well as Whitesnake and David Lee Roth’s solo band, among others. The EP was followed by the band's self-titled debut album, Great White, in 1984. The album was a commercial failure and led to the band's first major label, EMI America.
The band achieved their first major studio album with their third studio album, Once Bitten, which was released on June 17, 1987. The album peaked at number 23 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
This was followed by their most successful record a few years later with their fifth studio album, Hooked, in 1991. Aside from the work with Great White tour, Jack Russell also released two solo studio albums, Shelter Me, in 1996 and For You in 2002.
