Russell City Blues 4.0.mov 

My grandma grew up in Russell City. She’s always told me the most incredible stories about how her family lived and how even though they were living in poverty they were always happy. Her father is Ernesto Nava as well and Sam is her brother. Amazing stuff!

If anyone has any stories to share about my grandfather and grandmother, Librado and Ana Torres. I believe they lived on parcel No. 6 on Roosevelt. He built the house with his own hands like many others. He was well-regarded as a carpenter and used to help folks with repair. They had 10 children, of which 3 are still alive. I have heard a story where he went to do some work at an older lady's house and he had trouble finding the entrance because the walls of the house were constructed out of old doors.

I miss watching my dad Billy Dunn perform in front of large crowds he has a voice out this world, I remember as a child listening and watching when allowed lol Curtis Lawson,Bobby Webb, and many others write music and practice in our house what fantastic memories,,,I so appreciate this documentary Ronnie Stewart!!!!!!!!!! This is awesome!!!!!!!!

This history and its impact must be preserved and elevated. As a citizen of Hayward and a Member of the NAACP, I am lending my efforts to the city Of Hayward, which will establish measurable outcomes related to Reparations. Dr. Edward J Valeau, a resident of Hayward since 1969

We went here around 67 to 68 just for all those blues. Being a hippy I was interested in how our rock began. We also went to a Gospel Church on Sundays sitting in the back to take in all in, so different than my church in Hayward! I loved those times. Mt. Eden was my highschool.

More great history!

That’s my city baby ! Russell city .. HWD .... rich history...

It's an interesting place that needs more attention. 20 years back there was an article written by a woman who grew up there on the community college website- it is gone now. It was a great story and we need to keep it on the web!

pastandpresentmedia I fondly remember Russell City. My father was stationed at Alameda NAS and we lived in Hayward, 825 Barker Avenue behind Saint Joaquim Church on Hesperian Blvd. This was about 1960 to 1962. I was in kindergarden, 1st & 2nd grade. My father had a Navy friend who lived there and I remember visiting. It was basically a tarpaper shack from what I remember. I think the dump was nearby and I was amazed at the cool junk that laid everywhere...toys and shit...some burning. Did Toby Levingston and the East Bay Dragons ever visit the Country Club? Last time I drove by the old house in Hayward was about 1996 and everything looked exactly the same. New freeways kind of screwed up my bearing though.

In the late 60s I used to hang out in Russell City, didn't know the history of that town. By 1969 , all the buildings were down except for the school. They turned that school into a reform school and my friend Bob Sobbe went there. They built a can company and a Mack truck factory there. I remember dove hunting and duck hunting in Russell City. By the 1970s, it was Industrial Park. OSH :-(

My Dad Billy Dunn. Blues Master! Love you Daddy!

@Sihner1 Yes, we're trying to preserve that history with the Russell City Blues documentary project, and I agree there should be a monument of some sort. If you're interested in keeping up on the project leave me your regular email address, and thanks for checking us out! Bob Goss Director of The Russell City Blues

documentary of course yet any writers out there to get a screenplay going? I see this on the big screen. never knew of the history until i went to the Russell City Blues Festival last weekend. Amazing people and stories. Peace

I didn't know Ernesto Nava, but would have like to have met him. Earlier this year I finished reading the book "Villa and Zapata", and then noticed in the news the obituary of Ernesto Nava, and that he lived his last years in Castro Valley, where I live. I never knew about Russell City until I just saw the name on Google Earth. It's quite sad to see a town with such history to be totally wiped out without a trace. There should be a monument or something there.

@Sihner1 Hi Sihner, yes that is right about Ernesto. We're thankful we got the interview. Did you know him?

(2020) I work for the Tri-City Voice newspaper. I produce their new podcast. May I use audio from your trailer in the Tri-City Voice Podcast? I would like to bring attention to your documentary and to Russell City. Thank you for your time.

Hayward Russell City Blues Festival Start Time Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 11:00am End Time: Sunday July 11, 2010 at 7:00pm Hayward City Hall PlazaStreet: 777 B : Hayward, CA.

Very cool History! Thank you for posting! Who is the artist on the last blues song played in this video? It sounds like such a killer tune I would love to cover!

Hayward!