Henry Russell (1812-1890) was an extremely popular baritone, composer and pianist, born in Sheerness, Kent, who made a success on both sides of the Atlantic with his songs about Negro American life. In one advertisement in The Musical World, 27 September 1844 for an appearance by him at London's Hanover Rooms he was described as 'the American Vocal Illustrator'. This poster for a concert at London's Marylebone Theatre includes a note by the owner of the Marylebone Theatre Mr. John Loveridge that this is Henry Russell's farewell concert before he leaves for America. It also notes that Henry Russell will accompany himself for some of his songs on Kirkman & Sons' 'newly invented Fonda Piano', which Russell had also used in his 1844 concert at the Hanover Rooms.

The songs sung by Russell that evening included E.L. Blanchard's The People's Wants, or A Cry from the Courts; Time is a Blessing; The Song of the Shirt; Where There's a Will There's a Way; The Maniac; The Boatman on the Ohio; When is a Man less than a Woman; The Pauper's Funeral; The Patriot's Welcome; The Ship on Fire; The World is on the Move; The Gambler's Wife; The Negro Wood Pilers; There's a Good Time Coming.