That Chick’s Too Young To Fry – Catherine Russell

A tribute to legendary Chicago musicians: Stuart J. Rosenberg, Don Stille, and Morris Jennings

Catherine Russell breathes new life into That Chick’s Too Young To Fry, a classic tune made famous by Louis Jordan. The song also has a deep connection to her father, bandleader Luis Russell, tying past and present together in a heartfelt tribute.

A Lost Track from 2005

In January 2005, vocalist Catherine Russell recorded sessions in Skokie, Illinois for her debut album, Cat—released in April 2006. One track, her powerful cover of That Chick’s Too Young To Fry, was never released… until now. Looking for more on her early work? Read about Catherine’s debut album here.

Honoring Chicago’s Musical Greats

This rediscovered track features several late Chicago-area legends whose talents defined generations of jazz and blues.Mandolinist and co-producer Stuart J. Rosenberg, who passed in May 2024, brings a joyful swing to the rhythm. Accordionist Don Stille, who died in January 2025, adds color and energy. Drummer Morris “Mo” Jennings, who passed away in 2016, kicks off the tune with signature flair. Jennings was Chess Records’ go-to drummer and recorded with Ramsey Lewis, Muddy Waters, and many others. Explore more Chicago jazz history in our archive of influential musicians.

Photo credit: Stefan Falke

A Personal and Historic Connection

Catherine unknowingly chose a song that connects directly to her father’s musical journey. Louis Jordan’s first recording session in 1939 included At The Swing Cats Ball, written by Luis Russell. In 1946, Jordan’s version of That Chick’s Too Young To Fry reached #3 on the Billboard Race Records chart. Just a week later, Luis Russell matched that chart position with The Very Thought of You. Want to explore the roots of jazz in the 1940s? Check out our timeline of jazz history.

A Celebration of Legacy and Culture

Catherine Russell proudly celebrates both Black History and Women’s History throughout the year. The release of That Chick’s Too Young To Fry on February 28, 2025, lands right between Black History Month and Women’s History Month, making this tribute especially meaningful.\

Production Credits

Produced by: Stuart J. Rosenberg and Paul Kahn
Recorded & Mixed at: Long Dog Studios, Skokie, IL – January 2005
Engineer: Mike Konopka
Mixed by: Mike Konopka and Stuart Rosenberg
Mastered by: Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, New York, NY

Musician Credits

• Catherine Russell – vocals

• Stuart Rosenberg – mandolin

• Don Stille – accordion

• Morris Jennings – drums

• Frank Portolese – guitar

• Jim Cox – bass

Song Details and Support for Musicians

That Chick’s Too Young To Fry was written by Tommy Edwards and Jimmy Hilliard and originally recorded by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five.

Just like Catherine Russell’s previously released “lost” tracks—I Want To Talk About You (2023) and You Reap Just What You Sow (2020)—the proceeds from this 2025 release will go to the Jazz Foundation of America. This important organization provides financial and medical support to jazz and blues musicians in need.