Leon Russell dies in Nashville at 74 – IOTW Report

Leon Russell dies in Nashville at 74

Sunday, 13 November 2016, 12:30 MJA Uncategorized 42

The first song I ever “quasi” learned on the piano was Tightrope. -bfh

FOX: NASHVILLE, Tenn. –  Leon Russell, who sang, wrote and produced some of rock `n’ roll’s top records, has died. He was 74.

An email from Leon Russell Records to The Associated Press says Russell died in Nashville on Saturday night. The email cites Russell’s wife as the source of the information. Russell had heart bypass surgery in July and was recovering from that at the time of his death. He had been planning on resuming touring in January, the email said.

Besides his music, Russell was known for his striking appearance: wispy white hair halfway down his back and that covered much of his face.

leon-russell

He wrote Joe Cocker’s “Delta Lady” and in 1969 put together Cocker’s “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” tour, which spawned a documentary film and a hit double album.

As a musician, primarily a pianist, he played on The Beach Boys’ “California Girls” and Jan and Dean’s “Surf City.” He also played guitar and bass.

Russell produced and played on recording sessions for Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Ike and Tina Turner, the Rolling Stones and many others.

He recorded hit songs himself like “Tight Rope” and “Lady Blue” and participated in “The Concert for Bangla Desh.” John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison played on his first album, “Leon Russell.”

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h/t Reiuxcat

42 Comments on Leon Russell dies in Nashville at 74

  8. Loved his “Youngblood.” His version just now got me dancing again.

    Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

  9. My favorite Leon Russell album from the mid 70’s is Hank Wilson’s Back, his tribute to old time great country and western songs like Rolling In My Sweet Babies Arms, Uncle Pen, a Bill Monroe classic, Truck Driving Man etc. I believe he was also a Christian, good music and he gave me a greater appreciation of the old country and western songs that he covered as Hank Wilson.

  21. I picked up “Carney” as a sophomore in high school. I knew nothing of the skinny gray haired man on the cover, but I liked what I heard. Been listening to Leon ever since.

    Over the years I passed many opportunities to see him live and I’m kicking myself now. Had the pleasure of seeing Leon with Willie in Wheeling WV in the late 70s.

    Magic mirror, won’t you help me please… RIP Leon, you made more music than anyone but you will ever know.

  23. @flip. Leon played locally at a very small venue about 5 years ago but I didn’t hear about it until tix sold out. Usually they just have crappy little acts so I wasn’t paying attention. Opportunity lost. Damn.

  39. Saw him twice, first in early 70s and again about 5 years ago.

    Two albums I played until the stylus hit the turntable was with his first wife Mary.
    The Wedding Album and Make Love To The Music (circa 76 or so). They had a pic of son Teddy Jack on one cover and I think he’s a muscian also.
    Mary Russell was a powerful addition.

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