Leon Russell

Leon Russell
Russellc.1970
Born	Claude Russell Bridges (1942-04-02)April 2, 1942 Lawton, Oklahoma,U.S.
Died	November 13, 2016(2016-11-13)(aged 74) Nashville, Tennessee,U.S.
Burial place	Memorial Park Cemetery inTulsa, Oklahoma,U.S.
Other names	Hank Wilson, Russell Bridges, C. J. Russell, Lew Russell
Occupation(s)	Musician, arranger, conductor, record producer, record executive, singer-songwriter
Years active	1956–2016
Spouses	Mary McCreary ​ (m.1975⁠–⁠1980)​ Jan Bridges (Janet Lee Constantine) ​ ​ (m.1983)​
Children	6
Musical career
Genres	Rock country gospel R&B
Instruments	Keyboards vocals bass guitar guitar baritone horn
Labels	Viva Olympic Records Perspective Sound Robbins Capitol Shelter Paradise Leon Russell Records Virgin Records Warner Bros.
Website	leonrussell

Leon Russell(bornClaude Russell Bridges;April 2, 1942 – November 13, 2016) was an American musician and songwriter who was involved with numerous bestselling records during his 60-year career that spanned multiple genres, includingrock and roll,country,gospel,bluegrass,rhythm and blues,southern rock,blues rock,folk,surfand theTulsa sound.His recordings earned sixgold recordsand he received twoGrammy Awardsfrom seven nominations. In 1973Billboardnamed Russell the "Top Concert Attraction in the World".In 2011, he was inducted into both theRock and Roll Hall of Fameand theSongwriters Hall of Fame.

Russell collaborated with many notable artists and recorded 33 albums and 430 songs.He wrote "Delta Lady", recorded byJoe Cocker,and organized and performed with Cocker'sMad Dogs & Englishmentour in 1970. His "A Song for You",which was named to theGrammy Hall of Famein 2018, has been recorded by more than 200 artists, and his song "This Masquerade"by more than 75.

As a pianist, Russell played in his early years on albums bythe Beach Boys,The Ventures,Dick Dale,andJan and Dean.On his first album,Leon Russell,in 1970, the musicians includedEric Clapton,Ringo Starr,andGeorge Harrison.One of his early fans,Elton John,said that Russell was a "mentor" and an "inspiration".They recorded their albumThe Unionin 2010, earning them a Grammy nomination.

Russell produced and played in recording sessions forBob Dylan,Frank Sinatra,Ike & Tina Turner,the Rolling Stones,and many other artists. He wrote and recorded the hits "Tight Rope"and"Lady Blue".He performed atThe Concert for Bangladeshin 1971, along with Harrison, Dylan, and Clapton; for this he earned a Grammy Award.

Early life and education

Russell was born on April 2, 1942, the second of John Griffith and Hester Evel (née Whaley) Bridges' two sons at Southwestern Hospital inLawton, Oklahoma.Russell's mother said he started talking later than most children. She said while he was "watching the birds, and something was going on with the birds", Russell's first words were "What's the matter little birdie, you cry?". Russell's mother said "she was shocked, because he never spoke".

Physical condition helped create his signature musical style

Russell always favored his left hand. He said "I was born with 'spastic paralysis', now called cerebral palsy". An injury at birth had damaged his second and third vertebrae, causing a slight paralysis in the right side of his body, most notably affecting three fingers on his right hand. This caused Russell to develop his signature left-hand-dominant piano playing style.He said "My chops have always been sort of weak... I have damaged nerve endings on the right side, so my piano style comes from designing stuff I can play with my right hand". Russell said the condition helped him become "very aware of the duality involved in our plane of existence here".

Russell had a limp his entire life, also caused by the cerebral palsy. Most thought the limp was due to a childhood bout of polio. He said "I felt like the world had cheated me big time" but added "If I hadn't had the problem, I probably wouldn't have gotten into music at all and would have been an ex-football player, selling insurance in Des Moines".

Childhood humiliation haunted him throughout life

An aunt discovered a four-year old Russell and a young female cousin innocently examining each other's bodies in a children's playhouse. The aunt proceeded to shame Russell before the entire family. Russell said "That incident affected me for my whole life. I tend to freeze up around any situation that involves people watching me."

Piano lessons at age four

Both of Russell's parents played the upright piano in their home. At the age of four Russell's mother heard him picking out the melody to "Trust and Obey", a hymn he had heard at church. She said "He just sat down one day and started playing by ear".Russell started taking piano lessons at age four at the Popejoy School of Music inAnadarko,a 38 mile trip to and from the family home. Sarah Dora Popejoy, Russell's first tutor had earned a “Distinguished” degree fromPhiladelphia’sCombs Broad Street Conservatory of Music.

Joined high school marching band while in fifth grade

While still taking piano lessons, Russell learned to play the alto saxophone and cornet in his elementary school band.He then learned to play the baritone horn. After impressing the Maysville High School band director, Russell was invited to join the high school marching band while in the fifth grade.

Claude Russell Bridges 1958 Will Rogers High School yearbook photo

High school

Russell attendedWill Rogers High SchoolinTulsa, Oklahoma.His classmates includedElvin Bishop,Anita BryantandDavid Gates.

Quit classical piano lessons at 14

Russell said he learned to fake a classical piano style, saying "I studied classical music for a long time, maybe ten years, and I realized, finally, I was never going to have the hands to play that stuff. It was too complicated. I invented ways to play in a classical style that was not the real deal".

First record at 15

His first record appearance was created while Russell was in high school in 1957. Then 15 years old, Russell played piano on "Jo-Baby", a song written by 16 year-old Gates. The record, originally attributed to "The Accents" was released by the Tulsa based Perspective Sound record label. The record was re-released a year later and distributed nationally byMarty Robbinson his Robbins record label under the band name "David Gates & The Accents".Russell would later collaborate with Gates after high school in the band The Fencemen.

Early exposure to Gospel and Rhythm & Blues music

Russell credited his deep awareness of the precursors of American soul music to a homemade AM crystal radio. "At that time I made a crystal radio set, and oddly enough, with a crystal radio you can only get one station [at a time]. So after I would get off my job at 1 or 2 in the morning, I’d get home and put on the crystal set with the headphones and just listen. The station it got was a blues and gospel station, so I heard a lot of that music. That was a simple twist of fate".

Decided against college

Russell was offered a chance to tour withJerry Lee Lewisafter graduating from high school. Explaining his decision to not attend college, Russell said, "When I had a chance to go on the road with Jerry Lee Lewis, I’d just spent three days, twelve hours a day, taking entrance examinations toTulsa Universityand I just thought, well, it’s a waste of time, ’cause I have to study so many things I’m not interested in.ROTCI had to take, and right away I knew that I didn’t want to do that. I figured this was my chance to eat in a lot of restaurants and travel around, play some rock and roll music, which I decided was easier and better ".

Career

Assumed "Leon Russell" name

Performing while underage in clubs and bars, Russell assumed the name "Leon Russell" from a fake ID card he used to enter clubs even though he was a high school student. At the time, Oklahoma was a "dry" state, so teenagers were able to perform in clubs that ordinarily would have only been open to those over 21 years of age.

Played professionally at 14 in Tulsa nightclubs

At 14, Russell was already in demand as a piano player in Tulsa. Russell explained the Tulsa music scene was an outgrowth of relaxed Oklahoma liquor laws. "Oklahoma was a dry state back when we started... since there wasn’t supposed to be any liquor, there weren’t any liquor laws, so there was a lot of clubs where people would go and drink for 24 hours a day. The police didn’t pay any attention. It was a wide-open town. When people don’t get caught up in that political morality, it creates a hotbed of musical experience".

Although still in high school, Russell performed at area supper clubs, bars and nightclubs with his group "The Starlighters" (Russell,J.J. Cale,Leo Feathers, Johnny Williams, and Chuck Blackwell). Blackwell said Russell was "...especially good at playingErroll Garner-style jazz during dinner, but then, after everybody got through eating, he'd break intoJerry Lee Lewis".Russell also backed groups in Tulsa includingRonnie HawkinsandThe Hawks,often until early morning, after having worked through the night.

Russell said "I worked six or seven nights a week till I left Tulsa at 17. I'd work 6 to 11 (pm) at a beer joint, then 1 to 5 (am) at an after-hours club. It was a hard schedule to do when going to school. I slept in English a lot".

Russell and his band were instrumental in helping define and popularize the style of music known as the "Tulsa Sound".

Moved to Los Angeles

Russell said "...I got out to California, and they were more serious about their liquor laws. I about starved to death because it was so much harder to find work at my age".Settling in Los Angeles, he studied guitar withJames Burton.

Russell was primarily a session musician in his early career. During session work he played for and with artists as varied asJan and Dean,Ricky Nelson,Gary Lewis & the Playboys,George Harrison,Delaney Bramlett,Freddy Cannon,Ringo Starr,Doris Day,Elton John,Ray Charles,Eric Clapton,the Byrds,Barbra Streisand,the Beach Boys,the Ventures,Willie Nelson,Badfinger,theTijuana Brass,Frank Sinatra,the Band,Bob Dylan,J. J. Cale,B.B. King,Dave Mason,Glen Campbell,Lynn Anderson,Joe Cocker,the Rolling Stones,andthe Flying Burrito Brothers.

As Russell developed his solo artist career, he crossed genres to includerock and roll,blues,bluegrassandgospel music.

Studio session musician

In Los Angeles, Russell played as a first-call studio musician on many of the popular songs of the 1960s, including some by the Byrds,Gary Lewis & the Playboys,Bobby Pickett,andHerb Alpert.He also played piano on manyPhil Spectorproductions, including recordings bythe Ronettes,the Crystals,andDarlene Loveand in the 1963A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spectoralbum. He can be seen in the 1964 concert filmT.A.M.I. Showplaying piano withthe Wrecking Crew(an informal name for the top Los Angeles session musicians of the 1960s), sporting short, dark, slicked-back hair, in contrast to his later look.In 1964 he also appeared on various TV shows, performing songs byChuck Berryand others.

Herb Alpert said of Russell, "Leon was on several sessions that I produced with the Tijuana Brass. He was always dressed in a suit and tie, with short hair and no beard! This was soon after he arrived in Los Angeles from Oklahoma. We would go through the same routine each time I started rehearsing the music. He would sit at the piano and he would always say, 'I don’t know what to play'. And I would say, 'Just wait and see if you feel something, and if you don’t it’s okay. I just like your energy at the sessions'. Well, he would always chime in with something special and affect the groove in a very Leon Russell way that was always unique. Leon was a wonderful musician and had a major effect on all of my recordings. His touch can be heard on many Tijuana Brass records, including" Whipped Cream "and" A Taste of Honey ". To top it off, Leon was a true gentleman with a special talent and he was a person that I had a great feeling for".

Composer

In the mid-1960s, he wrote or co-wrote songs, including two hits for Gary Lewis and the Playboys: "Everybody Loves a Clown"(which reached theBillboardTop 40 on October 9, 1965, remaining on the chart for eight weeks and reaching number 4) and "She's Just My Style"(which entered theBillboardTop 40 on December 18, 1965, and rose to number 3).

He played xylophone and bells on the 1966 single "The Joker Went Wild",sung byBrian Hylandand written byBobby Russell(no relation to Leon).He also contributed to recording sessions withDorsey Burnetteand with Glen Campbell, whose 1967 albumGentle on My Mindcredited him as "Russell Bridges" on piano.He co-produced and arranged hits byTom Northcott,including "Sunny Goodge Street" in 1967, written byDonovan.

Hired by Snuff Garrett

Snuff Garrettand Russell formed a production company, Snuff Garrett Productions in 1964. Russell was a production assistant, arranger and creative developer for the company.Russell played on numerous number-one singles, including "This Diamond Ring"by Gary Lewis & the Playboys.Russell also acted as Garrett's arranger and conductor of theMidnight String Quartet's debut albumRhapsodies For Young Lovers.The album was planned as a solo Leon Russell lp, but was instead marketed as a "Midnight String Quartet" production.

Viva Records

Two years later, Garrett and Russell started Viva Records. Russell was the record label's initialA&Rrepresentative as well as producer for many of the label's recordings, including The Shindogs' 1966 "Who Do You Think You Are / Yes, I’m Going Home" (Viva V-601). Viva Records also had a number of music publishing divisions.In 1969, it was reported Russell had been the vice-president of Viva.

The Shindogs

Russell was an arranger and songwriter as well as a piano and guitar player in "The Shindogs", the house band on the ABC-TV dance show seriesShindig!Fellow musiciansGlen CampbellandBilly Prestonwere among the Shindogs' alumni.

Released first solo record

Russell released his first solo record, the single, "Everybody's Talking 'Bout the Young", forDot Recordsin 1965.Produced by Russell and Snuff Garrett, the folk-rock, anti-Vietnam war protest song was co-written by Russell, T. Lesslie (Snuff Garrett) and J. J. Cale.

Skyhill Studios

In 1965 Russell built his first recording studio, "Skyhill Studios" inside his 2,900 sq. ft., 4 bedroom home at 7709 Skyhill Drive in theHollywood Hills.Russell had seen and worked in similar home recording studios owned byLes Paul,Ernie Kovacsand others. He hired fellow Tulsan J.J. Cale as his in-home studio manager. Cale said "the neighbors thought the Hell’s Angels lived at Skyhill because of all the cars, motorcycles, and loud music at all hours of the day and night".Russell and his friends referred to the studio as "the home for unwed musicians".

Russell's recording studio home featured sound proofing, double walls and extensive wiring. Different rooms throughout the house were used to record various instruments, with a bathroom dedicated for use as an echo-chamber. The first recording session in the studio was an August 1965Glen Campbellsession. Russell’s Skyhill Studios was often used by up-and-coming artists to record demos to attract recording companies' attention.

The Asylum Choir

In 1968 Russell formedThe Asylum Choir,a two-man group with Marc Benno. Benno, a Texan, sang and played guitar and bass. Russell sang and played guitar, piano, and drums. The duo had met in LA. Their twenty-six minute long LPLook Inside the Asylum Choirwas released on Smash Records.

Shelter Records

Russell and music producerDenny CordellestablishedShelter Recordsin 1969. The company operated from 1969 to 1981, with offices in Los Angeles and Tulsa.Shelter Records released "Duppy Conqueror", reggae artistBob Marley's first American single.

In 1972,DC Comicssued the record label for copyright infringement. The Shelter Records logo included an upside down version of the well-knownSupermanlogo. Shelter Records obscured the logo with an overstamped black rectangle in response to the lawsuit and later settlement. Later versions of the logo replaced the Superman artwork with a scrawled letter "S" inside an outline of an egg.

Delaney & Bonnie

Russell performed as a member ofDelaney & Bonnie and Friendsin 1969 and 1970, playing guitar and keyboards on their albums and as part of the touring band. Through this group, he metGeorge Harrisonand others with whom he would work over the next couple of years.

Joe Cocker!LP

Russell was the co-producer, arranger, a songwriter and performer on Joe Cocker’s 1969 LPJoe Cocker! Russell wrote the song "Delta Lady" on the album.The album reached number 11 on theBillboard200.

Mad Dogs & Englishmentour and album

In March 1970 Russell was hired by Joe Cocker to help quickly mount a concert band and rehearse a 48 date tour. Cocker said he had been told by US immigration authorities he had to perform "right away" or lose his visa and be deported from the US.Rita Coolidgeclaimed the real reason was due to threats that Cocker would be physically harmed if he didn't comply with an order to tour.

Russell had only a week to locate, audition, hire and rehearse a 10-piece band and the "Space Choir" which would consist of 10 backup singers. Russell said Cocker, reportedly using copious illicit drugs at the time "was pretty wrecked when we started out". Asking Cocker "Does it sound good to you?" during an audition, Cocker said "It never sounds right to me". "I didn’t know how to take that. So I said, 'Shit, I’ll just do whatever I want'".Russell hired many of the musicians from Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett's band. He both conducted and performed in the tour, playing either piano or lead guitar.Singer and formerIketteClaudia Lennear,who performed during the tour, said Russell had the unique musical talent of being able to fuse together "white gospel and Black gospel".

After watching theMad Dogs & Englishmenconcert film,Elton Johnsaid of Russell "There are some people who are born to be leaders of musicians and he is. It was Leon I was watching. He had the feel for that music. Joe was an amazing singer. But you could tell it was Leon's band".

Russell purchased the top hat and "Holy Trinity" basketball jersey shirt he wore on the tour at a used clothing store near his Skyhill Studios in Los Angeles. He explained "I’m an actor - I was just trying to make a show".

Leon Russell pictured in 1970, the year he became a solo recording artist

Leon Russell(solo album)

Russell released his 1970 solo album,Leon Russellon hisShelter Recordslabel during the Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour. The album, recorded atSunset Sound Recordersin Los Angeles featured a number of guest vocalists and musicians, includingMarc Benno,Bonnie Bramlett,Eric Clapton,Merry Clayton,Joe Cocker, Greg Dempsey,Bob Dylan,George Harrison,Mick Jagger,Keith Richards,Chris Stainton,andRingo Starr.The album included two Russell compositions that have become best-selling standards, "A Song for You"and" Delta Lady ".

"A Song For You"

Russell explained how he wrote "A Song For You", saying "I was in my studio in Hollywood and actually I was trying to write a standard. I was trying to write a blues song that Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles both could sing... I wrote it in 10 minutes. It was for a specific occasion. And I went in there and wrote it very quickly... that happens sometimes. Sometimes they're very quick. It's almost as if one is not writing them, you know? Like they're coming from another place".

"A Song for You" has become one of Russell's best-known songs, with versions released by more than 40 different artists, includingElkie Brooks,The Carpenters,Ray Charles,Billy Eckstine,Donny Hathaway,Peggy Lee,Carmen McRae,Willie Nelson,Freda Payne,Helen Reddy,andThe Temptations.Both the Carpenters and The Temptations named an album after the song.Ray Charles' version earned him the 1994Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance."A Song For You" was inducted into Grammy Hall Of Fame in 2018.

"Delta Lady"

Russell's "Delta Lady" was first released in 1969 onThe Mad Dogs & Englishmenlp, performed by Joe Cocker. Cocker's version changes Russell's original lyric from "I’m over here in England" to "when I’m home again in England" as Cocker was British.Bobbie Gentryperformed the song under the title "Delta Man" on her 1970 albumFancy.

1970s recordings and concerts

In 1970, Russell played piano onDave Mason's albumAlone Together,notably on the song "Sad and Deep as You".The song"The Letter"performed by Joe Cocker with Leon Russell & the Shelter People peaked at #7 on the Hot 100 on May 30, 1970; this was Russell's first hit song.

In November 1970, Russell performed at the Fillmore East, with Elton John on the same bill. Those performances have been bootlegged.Russell and John appeared onTheDavid FrostShowwith Fillmore ownerBill Grahamon December 3, 1970.Russell's albumPrince of Peace: Radio Broadcast 1970is asoundboard recordingof a concert at Fillmore East in late 1970.

Leon Russell and Friendsrecorded the "Homewood Sessions", broadcast as an "unscripted and unrehearsed" one-hour TV special onKCET(Los Angeles) that aired in December 1970 and was later re-broadcast several times on thePublic Broadcasting Service.

Also in December 1970,Rolling Stonemagazine carried an interview with Russell. It opened with a characterization of his sound as "those driving, lurchy, churchy rock and roll songs".

Russell produced some tracks for Bob Dylan in March 1971 when Dylan was experimenting with his new sound. The sessions produced the single "Watching the River Flow"and"When I Paint My Masterpiece",both of which prominently featured Russell's gospel-flavored piano.

At the invitation of George Harrison, Russell played piano onBadfinger's third album,Straight Upin the summer of 1971. Leon performed piano, vocals, bass and backing vocals at the two shows of thewar-refugees' benefit(Concert for Bangladesh) on August 1, 1971.He was featured performing a medley of the songs "Jumpin' Jack Flash"and"Young Blood"and singing a verse on Harrison's"Beware of Darkness".Bob Dylan surprised Russell by asking him to play bass for some of Dylan's portion of the concert; Russell and Harrison sang harmonies on the chorus of"Just Like a Woman".The Concert for Bangladeshbenefit album released in late 1971 was a major critical and commercial success. The release topped album charts in several countries, and went on to win theGrammy Award for Album of the Yearin March 1973. The Concert also became anApple concert benefit filmdirected bySaul Swimmerand released in spring, 1972.

In 1971, Shelter Records releasedLeon Russell and the Shelter PeopleandAsylum Choir II(co-produced by Marc Benno) and recorded at Russell's Skyhill Studios.Leon Russell and the Shelter Peoplewent on to be Russell's first US gold album. In the same year, Russell played on recording sessions with B. B. King, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan.

Russell in 1970

Russell helped the blues guitaristFreddie Kingrevive his career by collaborating on three of King's albums for Shelter Records during the early 1970s. During those same years, Russell profited from what was then called the "country and western" market by recording and performing under the moniker "Hank Wilson",and was a regular performer atGilley's Club,a honkytonk inPasadena, Texas,made famous by the filmUrban Cowboy.

Russell recorded the song "Get a Line on You" atOlympic Studiosin October 1969, with contributions from Mick Jagger (lead vocal), Ringo Starr (drums), and probably alsoBill Wyman(bass) andMick Taylor(guitar). It was shelved until 1993, when it was issued as a bonus track on the 24K gold re-release by DCC Compact Classics (DCC Compact Classics GZS 1049). The Rolling Stones included the song, under the title "Shine a Light"on their 1972 albumExile on Main St..

In 1972, Russell did a concert tour with his Shelter People entourage. One performance was recorded in California at theLong Beach Arenaon August 28, 1972,and was released as a three-record set in 1973 asLeon Live.It became his third U.S. gold album. In November 1972,Billboardcited Russell as a top concert draw and reported the 1972 tour gross at almost $3 million.

Also in 1972, he released hisCarneyalbum, which was his third solo studio album. The album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. The album featured "Tight Rope"and"This Masquerade"(songs released on a 45 as the A side and B side respectively), and became his second gold album.

Looking Backwas released by Russell on Olympic Records in 1973, shortly after the success of his single "Tight Rope". It contains instrumental tracks recorded in the mid-1960s, featuring Russell playing the harpsichord.

In 1975 Russell releasedLive In Japanon Shelter Records. The album was recorded live atBudokan Hall,in Tokyo, on November 8, 1973.

Russell made it into the 1975Top 40with "Lady Blue", from his albumWill o' the Wisp.It was his fourth gold album.

Helen Reddy recorded Russell's song "Bluebird" as a single and on her 1975 albumNo Way to Treat a Lady.The song debuted on theBillboardHot 100in the July 5 issue of the magazine and eventually peaked at number 35.That same issue also marked its debut on the magazine'sEasy Listeningchart, where it spent eight weeks and peaked at number 5;on theRPMsingles chart it reached number 51.Reddy said, "I love Leon Russell's writing and I love this song. It was an integral part of my repertoire for nearly 30 years, and I never tired of singing it."

Russell's song "This Masquerade", the B-side of his 1972 hit single "Tight Rope", was later recorded by numerous artists, including Reddy and the Carpenters.George Benson's version of the song reached number 10 on theBillboardHot 100and wonRecord of the Yearat the1977 Grammy Awards.As the songwriter, Russell was nominated forSong of the Yearin 1977 but lost to Bruce Johnston, who wrote "I Write the Songs".Russell's version of "This Masquerade" was used for the soundtrack for the psychological thriller filmBug,which was directed byWilliam Friedkin.TheBugsoundtrackwas released on May 22, 2007. The song was also used in the movieThe Pursuit of Happyness.

In 1976, Russell and Barbra Streisand wrote the song "Lost Inside of You" for the film sound track ofA Star Is Born.During a songwriting session at her house, Streisand began playing an original composition on her piano, and Russell was inspired to hum a countermelody which surprised and impressed Streisand. The interplay between the two songwriters was fictionalized for a scene in the film showing Streisand andKris Kristoffersonwriting the song together.TheA Star Is Bornsoundtrack received aGrammy Nominationsfor Best Album of Original Score written for a Motion Picture or Television Special.

In 1976, Russell released theWedding Album,a studio album with his then wife, Mary Russell,otherwise known asMary McCreary.It was the first release by Paradise Records, and it was distributed by Rhino/Warner Bros. Records.Leon and Mary were the album producers, except for the final track "Daylight", which was produced by its writer,Bobby Womack.

On May 15, 1976, Leon and Mary performed "Satisfy You" and "Daylight"withJohn Belushiimpersonating Joe Cocker onSaturday Night Live.

Make Love to the Musicis the second album by Leon & Mary Russell released in 1977 on Paradise Records.

In 1978, Russell released hisAmericanaalbum on the Warner Bros. label.

After touring with Willie Nelson, Russell and Nelson in 1979 had a #1 hit onBillboardscountry musicchart with their duet of "Heartbreak Hotel".This single was nominated forBest Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Groupat the1979 Grammy Awards(presented on February 27, 1980), with the award going to theCharlie Daniels Bandfor "The Devil Went Down to Georgia".They also released their duet country pop-rock studio album,One for the Road,that year. It was Russell's fifth gold album.The album was nominated for 1979's Album of the Year awarded by theCountry Music Association,which went toKenny RogersforThe Gambler.The track "I Saw the Light"was nominated forBest Inspirational Performanceat the 1979 Grammy Awards,which instead went toB. J. Thomasfor his albumYou Gave Me Love (When Nobody Gave Me A Prayer).

Russell releasedLife And Love,an album on Paradise Records, in 1979.Life and Lovehas country, rock blues songs that harked back to Leon's work in the early 1970s.

Built "The Church Studio" in Oklahoma

Russell purchased multiple properties in the early 1970s in his home state of Oklahoma, including the historicThe Church Studioin 1972 located on the corner of 3rd Street and Trenton in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The church was also home to Shelter Records. Numerous musicians recorded at The Church, includingWillie Nelson,Eric Clapton,Bonnie Raitt,Dwight Twilley,Dr. John,JJ Cale,the Gap Band,Freddie King,Phoebe SnowandPeter Tosh.Tom Petty,with his early bandMudcrutch,signed his first record deal with Shelter Records there.

A Poem Is A Naked Person

In 1972 after viewing Les Blank’s film,The Blues Accordin’ to Lightnin’ Hopkins,Russell and Cordell hired Blank to film a documentary of the activities at the Shelter Records studio in Russell's compound at the Grand Lake Of The Cherokees in Oklahoma. Blank shot film footage for two years. Russell didn't care for the finished film and during the breakup of Shelter Records, traded his forgiveness of some of Cordell's loans in exchange for full ownership of the film. Russell would not allow the finished film to be shown, saying "This film will never be seen in public".

40 years later, a Disney movie changed Russell's mind. He explained "After Les Blank died, his son, Harrod, came to see me, offering to recut the film and also digitize it to enhance the quality. Plus, I had recently seen a Disney movie,Saving Mister Banks.After watching that, I realized sometimes we just say no to be just saying no, and I realized I was being selfish about it ". Harrod Blank re-mastered and released the film, editing out 14 minutes of the original film. Russell said to Harrod Blank" I don’t know how you did it but this is so much better than what I remembered ".

"Hank Wilson" persona

In 1973 Russell created the fictional musical personality "Hank Wilson", and recorded the albumHank Wilson's Back Vol. Iat producerOwen Bradley'sBradley's Barnstudio in Nashville. He said "'Hank Wilson' came about on a road trip. I was bringing a car back from L.A., and I stopped at a truck stop that had about 500 country tapes for sale. I bought a bunch and listened to them on the way home (to Tulsa). I don't really listen to records very much, except for research. I liked some of that stuff, though, and thought it would be fun to do a record like that".

The album reached #28 on the Billboard chart in 1973. The first track, "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms",was a minor hit.In 2010, a BBC review called Russell's album "one of the most joyful sidebars of his career... a deeply entertaining album that, like all great country, turns melancholy and gloom into melody and dancing".

The Gap Band

Russell helped theGap Band,a trio of Tulsa brothers,kick off their chart success in 1974. The group went on to produce several funk-disco hits.The Gap Band backed Russell on his albumStop All That Jazz.

Helped develop Linn drum machines

As a teenager, Roger Linn played guitar in Russell's band. In 1977 Linn created the first programmable drum machine that used actual drum beat samples.Russell suggested that Linn also add longer-length loops as well as sampled hand claps, explaining a recording session that included clapping quickly becomes a burden for performers during multiple takes. Russell used Linn's drum machine for all of the percussion on hisLife And Lovealbum.

In 1984 Linn created the pressure sensitive Linn9000 drum machine and credited Russell with the inspiration to add "sloppy" or shuffle timing. Linn explained "It was Leon who taught me about swing timing, which he called 'shuffle'. He explained that one of the big factors in a drummer’s feel was the degree of shuffle timing in his playing... I added the code to delay — by a variable amount... This allowed me to dial in the exact groove I wanted."

Paradise Records

Russell departed Shelter Records in 1976 to start his own record label,Paradise Records.

Paradise Studios

Russell built and owned Paradise Studios inBurbank, California;therecording studiohad two audiosound stagesand onetelevision production stage.The studios complex also had a mobile audio recording bus andremote television production busthat supported the stages or could travel. Paradise Records was also headquartered at the studio. The studio aired a weeklylive televisionmusic showNew Wave Theatreshown onUSA network.The studio was used to make music videos fromJames TaylorandRandy Meisner,also long format video for Willie Nelson,J.J.Cale,Bonnie Raittand Leon Russell.

ABC Network "We Belong Together" campaign

Russell andAretha Franklinwere the singers on theABC Television Network1985-1986 Fall promotional campaign. The three and a half minute song "We Belong Together" was written by Brock Walsh. The commercial first aired on July 6, 1986.

1980s recordings and concerts

Russell spent 1980 and 1981 touring with theNew Grass Revival,releasing two more albums with Paradise Records before the label folded.

On May 1, 1982, Russell played atJoe Ely's Third Annual Tornado Jam inLubbock, Texasto a crowd of 25,000. The Jam includedJoan Jettandthe Crickets.

On May 15, 1980, Russell joined withNew Grass Revivalto record a live album at Perkins Palace inPasadena, California,released in 1981 asThe Live Album (Leon Russell and New Grass Revival).

In 1982, Russell played piano and percussion on New Grass Revival'sCommonwealthalbum.

Following up on his country theme, he made a second Hank Wilson album,Hank Wilson, Vol. IIreleased in 1984, Hank Wilson being Russell's self-styled country music alter-ego since the early 1970s. It was released on Leon Russell Records.

Russell released a country blues album, recorded in Hendersonville, Tennessee, at his Paradise Studios, calledSolid State.It was released by Paradise Music in 1984.

In 1985, Russell went on tour in the USHe also released the compilation albumBest Of Leon Russell: A Song For You.

In 1988 and 1989Edgar Winterand Russell went on a concert tour of the US and Canada. Edgar Winter is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and record producer. In 2002 the DVDEdgar Winter – Live on Stage, Featuring Leon Russellwas released.

1990s

Russell releasedDelta Ladyon Del Rack Records in 1991. Many of the songs are remixes of early recordings.

Russell released a new albumAnything Can Happenrecorded at Paradise Studios, released onVirgin Recordsin 1991. PianistBruce Hornsbyproduced this comeback album. During the late 1980s and early 1990s Hornsby worked extensively as a producer and sideman with Russell.

In 1993, Paradise Records released theLeon Russell 24k Gold Discalbum. It was a remix of recordings done at Olympic Sound in London in 1969.

Russell startedLeon Russell Records,anindependent record label,in 1995.

Russell released hisHymns of ChristmasLeon Russell: Piano and Orchestra, album with 10 instrumental hymns by Russell on Leon Russell Records in 1995.

Capitol/EMI Records in 1996 released the albumGimme Shelter! The Best of Leon Russell,a two-CD album set with 40-tracks covering 1969–1992.

Capitol/Right Stuff Records released in 1997 the albumRetrospective,an album with Russell's 18 all-time best-selling songs.

Russell released a new albumLegend in My Time: Hank Wilson Vol. III.Returning to his county artist name onArk 21 Records,released in 1998.

Russell releasedFace in the Crowdin 1999, a blues album on Sagestone Entertainment Records.

Blues: Same Old SongCD was released on Paradise Records in 1999.

2000s

Russell in 2009

In 2000, Russell and Q Records releasedLive at Gilley's,a performance from September 17, 1981, atGilley's Club.Also in 2000, Leon Russell Records released the rock albumCrazy Loveon CD.

In 2001, Russell teamed up with multi-instrumentalist Matt Harris to make the latter's albumSlightly Elliptical Orbit.They wrote 10 songs for the 12 track album, and Russell sang on theThis Traintrack. The album was released in 2002 on Leon Russell Records.

Signature Songswas released in 2001 on Leon Russell Records. It comprises Russell playing his top songs from his career. It was re-released in 2007 by MRI Associated Labels.

Russell returned as Hank Wilson, but this time with a twist of bluegrass, inRhythm & Bluegrass: Hank Wilson, Vol. 4,released in 2001 on Leon Russell Records. The songs are with New Grass Revival from the 1980s.

Russell and the others who played on the "Foggy Mountain Breakdown"track each wonGrammy AwardsforBest Country Instrumental Performanceat the2001 Grammy Awards,which were presented on February 27, 2002.

Moonlight & Love Songs,an album Russell made with theNashville Symphony,was released on Leon Russell Records in 2002.

In 2002, Russell released a 95-minute DVD titled "A Song for You", that features 25 Russell classic songs from the Shelter People to 2001. There is biographical commentary throughout the DVD. The video is of both concerts and studio sessions.The DVD albumLive And Pickling Fastwas issued in the same year. This was a new album of the live Perkins Palace event on May 15, 1980: it had all the original songs fromThe Live Album (with New Grass Revival),plus all the other songs from the event and bonus tracks.

In 2006, Russell did a 12 city concert tour of the US. On April 23, he received theLiving Legend awardatBare Bones International Film Festivaland in October he was inducted into theOklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

Also in 2006, Russell released the Okie rock albumAngel in Disguiseon his Leon Russell Records label.

Bad Countryreleased on Leon Russell Records in 2007, with 12 original songs by Russell.

Russell played atDiversafest,Tulsa's music conference and festival, in 2007.

Almost Pianowas released in 2007 by Leon Russell Records. It is asynthesizerpiano collection of ten instrumentals from Russell.

In Your Dreamswas released on CD by Leon Russell Records in 2008,as wasA Mighty Flood,a gospel album with original songs by him.Billboard magazinedescribed the latter as "a recent treat" and "buoyant".

2010s

On January 31, 2010, Russell joined theZac Brown Bandto play the songChicken Friedat the Grammy Awards. Zac Brown Band won theBest New Artistaward.

After years of reduced prominence, Russell's career was rejuvenated when Elton John sought him for a new project.In November 2009, Russell worked with John andBernie TaupinonThe Union,a double album record credited equally to Russell and John. Recorded in February 2010 and produced byT Bone Burnett,the CD was released on October 19, 2010.

I wanted to give Elton something. But what do you give a guy who has six fully stocked houses? So I thought the only thing I could give him is a song. "In the Hands of Angels," retelling of the story of the album [The Union], thanks Mr. John ( "the guv'ner" in the lyrics), who knew all the places I needed to go and made me feel the love down deep inside.

Leon Russell

The Unionwas Russell's sixth gold album.The recordings were interrupted in January 2010 when Russell was hospitalized and underwent surgery for a brain fluid leak, as well as treatment for heart failure and pneumonia.

A couple of months later, Russell announced plans for a solo LP, although no specifics were given, and in October 2010 Russell and John embarked onThe Union Tour.John and Russell also appeared on theLate Show with David Letterman.

Russell and John were nominated for their track “If It Wasn't for Bad", from theirThe Unionalbum, forBest Pop Collaboration with Vocalsat the2010 Grammy Awards,which were presented on February 13, 2011.

In 2011, the documentary filmThe UnionbyCameron Crowewas released. It explored the creative process of John and Russell in the making of the 2010 albumThe Union.

On April 2, 2011, Russell and John performed together as the musical guests onSaturday Night Live.Rolling Stoneplaced the album in third place on its list of the 30 Best Albums of 2010.

In 2012, Russell andVince Gillsang the songA Way to Surviveon theLiving for a Song:A Tribute to Hank Cochranstudio album byJamey Johnson.

Russell played inWillie Nelson's Fourth of July PicnicinFort Worth, Texas,in 2013. He had first played at the picnic in 1976.

On June 23, 2013, Russell performed on theCMT Crossroadsbroadcast with Willie Nelson,Sheryl Crow,Jamey Johnson,Norah Jones,Ashley Monroeand Neil Young.

Russell taking time out to tell a story in 2016

In 2014, the albumLife Journeywas released on Universal Records. Working withTommy LiPuma,this album included two new songs by Russell: "Big Lips" and "Down in Dixieland".

On March 16, 2015, a restored version of a previously unreleased 1974 documentary about Russell,A Poem Is A Naked Personby filmmakerLes Blank,was screened at theSouth by SouthwestFilm Festival.The film features concert footage of Russell in New Orleans and Anaheim and of the recording sessions for the albumHank Wilson's Back.

In 2015, Russell played at Virginia'sLockn' Festivaland theWildflower! Arts and Music FestivalinRichardson, Texas.

On May 30, 2015, Russell,Bonnie RaittandIvan Nevillegave a performance at The Canyon Club inAgoura Hills, California,to raise cash forMarty Grebbwho was battling cancer. Grebb had played on some of their albums.

On September 11, 2015, he joinedRita Coolidge,Claudia Lennear,Chris Stainton,and other members of the 1970Mad Dogs & Englishmen Tourfor a tribute concert to Joe Cocker organized by theTedeschi Trucks Band.Original tour photographerLinda Wolfdocumented the reunion and performance.

Russell had a nationwide concert tour in 2016and was planning to tour into 2017.

The albumOn a Distant Shore,recorded in 2016, was posthumously released in September 2017. The album has 12 songs written by Russell. Two of his daughters, Coco Bridges and Sugaree Noel Bridges, perform backing vocals on it.

Failing health, death and burial

In 2010 Russell had surgery for a brain fluid leak and was treated for heart failure. In July 2016, he suffered a heart attack and underwent heart bypass surgery.

Russell died in his sleep at his Mt. Juliet home on November 13, 2016, at the age of 74.

Russell's funeral was on November 18 at Victory Baptist Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, and a public memorial was held at TheOral Roberts UniversityMabee Centeron November 20 inTulsa, Oklahoma.His body is interred at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Musical influence

I first saw Leon Russell in 1971 or 1972. Then, as now, Leon made everything happen when he took the stage. For heaven's sake, his rock and roll credits could fill up a big inscribed monolith, if they still made such things.

Elvis Costello

Russell's music style encompassed rock,country,gospel,bluegrass,rhythm and blues,southern rock,blues rock,rock and roll,folk,surf,swamp rockandTulsa sound.

Elton John, who had once been Russell's opening act, acknowledged him as his "biggest influence as a piano player, a singer and a songwriter."On hearing of Russell's death, he said: "My darling Leon Russell passed away last night. He was a mentor, inspiration and so kind to me. I loved him and always will."John once recalled:

When Mr. Russell's "Greatest Hits" album came on one day during the trip, I started to cry, it moved me so much. His music takes me back to the most wonderful time in my life, and it makes me so angry that he's been forgotten.

PixiesvocalistBlack Franciscredits Russell with influencing his vocal style: "I realise there's a certain kind of vocalising I do that takes its cue from Leon Russell. He sang in aSouthernaccent but it was very blown-out and exaggerated, very free and loose. "

One of Russell's titles and signature nicknames is "Master of Space and Time".

The depth and scope of Russell's contribution to the music of the twentieth century is illustrated by the following:

408 albums on which he received a credit

251 total artistic credits
37 types of artistic credit

• Piano – 77 credits
• Arranger – 23
• Keyboards – 20
• Guitar – 17
• Organ – 14
• Electric piano – 11
• Guest – 11
• Vocals – 11
• Bass – 10
• Miscellaneous – 58 (includes percussion, trumpet, moog, clavinet and 23 more types)

282 total writing credits
Five types of writing credit

• Songwriter – 161 credits
• Writer – 87
• Composer – 20
• Music – 8
• Lyrics – 6

45 production credits

Personal life

Russell had six children: a daughter from a relationship with Carla McHenry; a son and daughter from his first marriage to Mary McCreary; and three daughters from his later marriage to Janet Lee Constantine.

Grammy Awards

TheGrammy Awardsare awarded annually by theNational Academy of Recording Arts and Sciencesto recognize outstanding achievements in music, and are widely regarded as the most prestigious awards in the music industry worldwide.

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2011	"If It Wasn't For Bad"withElton John (singer)	Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals	Nominated
2002	"Foggy Mountain Breakdown"	Best Country Instrumental Performance	Won
1980	"I Saw The Light"withWillie Nelson	Grammy Award for Best Inspirational Performance	Nominated
1980	"Heartbreak Hotel"withWillie Nelson	Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance By A Duo Or Group	Nominated
1978	"A Star Is Born"	Grammy Award for Best Album of Original Score For A Motion Picture Or A Television Special	Nominated
1978	"A Star Is Born"	Grammy Award for Best Original Score Written For A Motion Picture Or A Television Special	Nominated
1977	"This Masquerade"	Grammy Award for Song of the Year	Nominated
1973	"The Concert For Bangladesh"	Grammy Award for Album of the Year	Won

Country Music Association Awards

TheCountry Music Association Awards,also known as theCMA AwardsorCMAs,are presented tocountry musicartists and broadcasters to recognize outstanding achievement in the country music industry.

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
1979	"One for the Road"withWillie Nelson	Album of the Year	Nominated

BAFTA Awards

The British Academy Film Awards, more commonly known as the BAFTA Awards, honor the best British and international contributions to film.

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
1978	"A Star Is Born"	Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music	Nominated

Accolades

• 1973: Top Concert Attraction in the World –Billboard
• 1979: Muskogee (Oklahoma) Living Legend
• 2006: Lifetime Achievement Award – Bare Bones International Film Festival
• 2006: Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame
• 2011: Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame
• 2011:Rock and Roll Hall of Fame– first recipient of the Award for Musical Excellence
• 2011: Songwriters Hall of Fame
• 2018: "A Song For You" – inducted into Grammy Hall Of Fame
• 2022: Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Discography

Studio and live albums

Year	Album	Peak chart positions								Certifications (sales thresholds)
		US	US Country	AUS	CAN	CAN Country	NOR	NZ	UK
1968	Look Inside the Asylum Choir(withMarc Benno)	201	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1970	Leon Russell	60	—	9	—	—	—	—	—
1971	Leon Russell and the Shelter People	17	—	5	14	—	—	—	29	RIAA:Gold
	Asylum Choir II(with Marc Benno) recorded 1967–1969	70	—	54	—	—	—	—	—
1972	Carney	2	—	6	4	—	—	—	—	RIAA: Gold
1973	Looking Back	—	—	—	–	—	—	—	—
	Leon Live	9	—	16	9	—	18	—	—	RIAA: Gold
	Hank Wilson's Back Vol. I	28	15	60	85	—	—	—	—
1974	Stop All That Jazz	34	—	58	43	—	—	—	—
1975	Live in Japan	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	Will O' the Wisp	30	—	96	72	—	—	—	—	RIAA: Gold
1976	Wedding Album(with Mary Russell)	34	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1977	Make Love to the Music(with Mary Russell)	142	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1978	Americana	115	—	95	—	—	—	—	—
1979	One for the Road(withWillie Nelson)	25	3	85	28	1	—	11	—	RIAA: Gold MC:Gold
	Life and Love	204	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1981	The Live Album(withNew Grass Revival)	187	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1984	Hank Wilson, Vol. IIrecorded 1979–1980	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	Solid State	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1992	Anything Can Happen	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1995	Hymns of Christmas	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1998	Legend in My Time: Hank Wilson Vol. III	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1999	Face in the Crowd	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	Blues: Same Old Song	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2000	Live at Gilley's(recorded 1981)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2001	Guitar Blues(reissue)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	Rhythm & Bluegrass: Hank Wilson, Vol. 4(withNew Grass Revival)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2002	Moonlight & Love Songs(with theNashville Symphony)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2006	Angel in Disguise	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2007	Bad Country	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	Almost Piano	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2008	In Your Dreams	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	A Mighty Flood	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2010	The Union(withElton John)	3	—	28	7	—	5	24	12	BPI:Silver MC: Gold
2014	Life Journey	164	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2015	Prince of Peace: Radio Broadcast 1970	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	Riding the Northeast Trail: The New Jersey Broadcast 1979(withWillie Nelson)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2016	The Homewood Sessions: Vine Street TV Broadcast 1970	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	Live and Pickling Fast(withNew Grass Revival) recorded 1980	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2017	On a Distant Shore	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Compilation albums

Year	Album	Peak chart positions	Certifications (sales thresholds)
		US
1976	Best of Leon	40	RIAA: Gold
1985	Best of Leon Russell: A Song for You	—
1991	Delta Lady	—
1992	Collection	—
1996	Gimme Shelter! The Best of Leon Russell	—
1997	Retrospective	—
2000	Crazy Love	—
2001	Best of Leon Russell	—
	Signature Songs	—
2002	A Song for You(DVD)	—
2005	Mystery Train (Live but Digitally Reworked)	—
2009	Best of Hank Wilson	—
2011	The Best of Leon Russell	—
2013	Snapshot	—
2013	The Montreux Session	—
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Singles

Year	Single	Chart positions						Album
		US	US Country	CAN	CAN Country	CAN AC	AUS
1970	"A Song for You"	—	—	—	—	—	—	Leon Russell
	"Roll Away the Stone"	109	—	—	—	—	24
1971	"The Ballad of Mad Dogs and Englishmen"	—	—	—	—	—	—	Leon Russell and the Shelter People (from the filmMad Dogs & Englishmen)
	"A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall"	105	—	—	—	—	11	Leon Russell and the Shelter People
1972	"Tryin' to Stay 'Live"	—	—	—	—	—	—	Asylum Choir II
	"Tight Rope"	11	—	5	—	—	24	Carney
1973	"Queen of the Roller Derby"(this track is fromLeon Live)	89	—	—	—	—	—
	"Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms"(as Hank Wilson)	78	57	—	30	—	74	Hank Wilson's Back, Vol. 1
	"I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry"(as Hank Wilson)	78	—	—	—	—	—
1974	"A Six Pack to Go"(as Hank Wilson)	—	68	—	76	—	—
	"If I Were a Carpenter"	73	—	87	—	—	97	Stop All That Jazz
1975	"Lady Blue"	14	—	44	—	18	—	Will O' the Wisp
1976	"Back to the Island"	53	—	—	—	33	—
	"Rainbow in Your Eyes"	52	—	—	—	—	—	Wedding Album
1978	"Elvis and Marilyn"	—	—	—	—	—	—	Americana
1979	"Heartbreak Hotel"(with Willie Nelson)	—	1	—	1	—	—	One for the Road
1984	"Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues"	—	63	—	—	—	—	Solid State
	"Wabash Cannonball"(as Hank Wilson, with Willie Nelson)	—	91	—	—	—	—	Hank Wilson, Vol. II
1992	"Anything Can Happen"	—	—	—	—	—	—	Anything Can Happen
	"No Man's Land"	—	—	—	—	—	—
2000	"Crazy Love"	—	—	—	—	—	—	Crazy Love
2010	"If It Wasn't for Bad"(with Elton John)	—	—	—	—	—	—	The Union
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Music videos

Year	Video	Director
1992	"Anything Can Happen"	Sherman Halsey
	"No Man's Land"

See also

• Ambrose Campbelltoured and recorded with Russell
• Don Nixproducer/artist at Shelter Records
• Jesse Ed Davisfriend who was introduced by Russell to recording session work
• Kathi McDonaldRussell's main background vocalist
• Patrick Hendersonsongwriter/artist with Russell
• Indianola Mississippi Seeds,B.B. Kingmade Russell's "Hummingbird" a hit
• Muscle Shoals Rhythm Sectionsession musicians who helped make some of Russell's songs 'hit singles'

External links

• Official website
• Leon Russelldiscography atDiscogs
• Leon RussellatIMDb
• Leon RussellonFind A Grave
• Leon Russell InterviewatNAMM Oral History Collection(2012)