Archives for Wagner - Page 3
Bill Russell and Noel Rockmore
Bill Russell was one of Rockmore's favorite subjects from the early 60s until Bill's death in 1992. He was also a friend, mentor, musical companion and fellow documenter of the French Quarter. Bill Russell was always game for an adventure and this time it is with his friend Noel Rockmore to The Melrose Plantation. Rockmore, who was not always up for an adventure outside the French Quarter, would do several sketches at Melrose Plantation. He puts…
Quirky coincidences
Interesting but meaningless (or not???) coincidences discovered in the records on both sides of my family. Do you know of any interesting stories or coincidences? Please email me so I can add them here. The Vespers (on my mother's side) came to America on a ship called the Diana. The Wagners (also on my mother's side) came on a ship called the Eliza Thornton. Elizabeth Vesper married John Wagner, whose great great granddaughter's name was…
Bill Russell
Born Russell William Wagner in 1905, William (Bill) Russell was a violinist; an avant-garde composer deeply interested in percussion; accompanist to a touring puppet troupe; a meticulous musical-instrument repairman; a jazz-record producer; an archivist; a writer; and, above all, a New Orleans jazz collector of extraordinary breadth. More than anything else, he simply loved classic New Orleans-style jazz, which he called the “best music I’d ever heard.” He sought out obscure, old-time jazz players and…
Noel Rockmore Interviewed by Bill Russell about his art
Following is an interview between “R - Bill Russell” and “N - Noel Rockmore”, from 1973 R - Bill Russell) One thing here Larry wanted you to discuss pop art. You’ve probably covered that as much as you want to, the contrast with your own work and all. N - Noel Rockmore) I think it’s a complete bore and to be forced to take it seriously as an art movement because of the accreditation given…
Dear Nephew Frank
A letter from William "Old Bill" Wagner to Frank Funkenbusch regarding his journey to America. "Old Bill" William Wagner Frank Funkenbusch Canton, Mo, Feb 22, 1927 Dear Nephew Frank, I think letters Father got from friends in American influenced him somewhat and he also thought he could better himself and family by coming to America as I have frequently heard him express himself so to Mother and others. Father owned a fair sized house…
Home Movies – Staryn, Will and Chris
These home movies were taken by Will Wagner of his son Staryn and wife Christina. I edited some of these into the Staryn movie. Here is all the raw footage used in that plus a lot more. 2-21 Seneca Indian Reservation 1968 2-22 Baby Staryn (1970) (has Seneca Indian title card in beginning) 2-24 Chris and friends at Houston, PA and area. Summer 1969 Chris - At Houston PA back yard getting into car with…
Ancestral History of Frank Funkenbusch
I was born on my father's small farm about five miles north of Canton, Missouri January 27, 1880. My father's name was William Funkenbusch. This name I wore until 1925, when for social ease and for the benefit of my two young sons I had abbreviated to 'Busch'. This was done in District Court before Judge Theodore Lentz in Missoula, Montana May 25, 1925. More recently I contacted Montana State University for a translation of…
Pittsburgh 1928 film
1928 is about when my grandparents Earnest Thornton and Helen Strawser connected in Pittsburgh. Earnest is listed in the 1930 census living on North Side. My Eckert, Giegerich, Weiler and Wagner ancestors were also here at that time.
Bill Russell Timeline
This was compiled by Ben Wagner. DOWNLOAD "Bill Russell Time Line" compiled by Ben Wagner PDF
Annotated Bibliography – Bill Russell
This was compiled by Ben Wagner. DOWNLOAD "Bill Russell annotated bibliography" PDF






