Russell James Gibb, June 15, 1931 — April 30, 2019

Russell’s Obituary Russell “Russ” James Gibb, Age 87, beloved teacher, mentor, Detroit music scene icon, Fordson High School Alumnus and Dearborn native died on April 30, 2019. Russ was the son of James Hutton Gibb and Jessie Gibb (Boath). Russ served in the Civil Air Patrol and later in the U.S. Navy Reserves.

Russ – better known as “Uncle Russ” – was a disc jockey for WKNR-FM, and helped ignite Detroit’s live rock scene as owner of the Grande Ballroom in Detroit. Gibb also did voiceover work for radio and TV commercials, hosted his own TV show Russ Gibb at Random, and worked in the Gerald Ford White House as the National Director of Youth and Education. Always starting or supporting new businesses, Russ had involvement in media companies, manufacturing, art and music ventures.

He operated concert promotion companies such as Gemini Productions, Russ Gibb Enterprises and Big Sur Enterprises. Russ was also an early investor in Creem Magazine. Russ was featured in the 2012 documentary, “Louder than Love: The Grande Ballroom Story”, and he was involved with the Paladium, Eastown and Graystone Ballrooms.

Russ also helped promote the 1970 Goose Lake Music Festival. Russ taught media production at Dearborn High School for nearly 40 years, creating a state-of-the-art video studio called WDHS in 1981 – the first high school video production facility in the U.S. – for his students, many of whom went on to have successful careers in the media. Russ’s longtime companion was also a Dearbornite, Alberta Muirhead.

Russ loved dogs and had a series of black Labradors all called “Blackout”. His friends remember him for his love of teaching and helping students become successful. Russ was a generous donor to many causes including Oakwood Hospital, Dearborn Animal Shelter, Dearborn High, HFCC and numerous student scholarships.

Online condolences may be made at howepeterson.com. A memorial for Russ will be held at the Dearborn Performing Arts Center on Friday, May 17, 2019 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Russ to the “Dearborn Cable Communications Fund” c/o Paul Lubienski, Attorney and Trustee for the Russell James Gibb Living Trust, 23511 Ford Rd, Dearborn, MI 48128.

If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.