In 1968, Russell along with songwriting partner Quincy Jones was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Original Song category ("The Eyes of Love" for the film Banning). The following year, he and Jones were again nominated in the same category (the title song for the Sidney Poitier film For Love of Ivy).
He had his last hit song in 1969–70 with "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother", co-written with Bobby Scott and recorded by The Hollies. The song was introduced to the group by Russell's son-in-law Jefferey Spearitt, who was living in London at the time with his wife Simohn.
^Sheldon., Sidney (2005). The Other Side of Me. New York: Warner Books. p. 62–63, 65, 68, 104. ISBN0-446-57895-9. "Early one morning, I received a phone call. 'Sidney?' 'Yes.' 'Hi, pal. This is Bob Russell.' Not only was I not his pal, but I had never heard of Bob Russell. Probably a salesman. 'I'm sorry,' I said, 'but I haven't time to—' 'You should've done some songs with Max Rich.' I was startled for a moment. Who could have known? But then I realized who it was. 'Sidney Rosenthal!' 'Bob Russell,' he corrected. 'I'm coming out to Hollywood to see you.' 'Great!' One week later, Bob Russell arrived and moved into the last available room in Gracie's boardinghouse."
^Tyler, Don (2007). [ Hit Songs, 1900-1955: American Popular Music of the Pre-Rock Era]. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company. p. 467. ISBN978-0-7864-2946-2.
^Bessman, Jim (January 8, 2005). "Words & Music(TM): Russell's Songs Still 'Get Around' At ASCAP Fete". Billboard. p. 40. ProQuest963289463. For ASCAP president/chairman and foundation president Marilyn Bergman, her presentation to the daughters of late master lyricist Bob Russell (Don't Get Around Much Anymore, which paired Russell's words with Duke Ellington's 'Never Know Lament,' and 'Ballerina,' written with Carl Sigman) was profoundly personal. 'I never would have become a songwriter if it weren't for Bob Russell,' she said, citing him as her "mentor and teacher and dear, dear friend.'