In a week that couldn’t fathom any more bad news, it has been reported that Leon Russell passed away last night in his sleep. The American musician and songwriter was a “master of space and time” who is best known for his work in the 1970s as a studio pianist and songwriter.
His first commercial success as a songwriter came when Joe Cocker recorded “Delta Lady” for his 1969 self-titled album. Joe Cocker was co-produced and arranged by Russell and reached #11 on the Billboard 200. He went on to organize and perform in the 1970 Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. During that time, he released his solo album Leon Russell which included “A Song For You” which became one of his best-known songs, with over 40 versions performed and recorded by artists like Ray Charles, Peggy Lee, Helen Reddy, Willie Nelson, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, Donny Hathaway, The Carpenters, and The Temptations.
Russell has been touring heavily in 2016, recently sharing a stage with Tedeschi Trucks Band in Chicago. The esteemed pianist joined for two numbers, The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Darlin’ Be Home Soon” and Titus Turner’s “Sticks & Stones.” Watch them here.
In honor of Leon Russell, let’s listen to a few versions of “A Song For You”…
Leon Russell and a few good friends such as Don Nix and Furry Lewis:
Elton John & Leon Russell on CBS Morning 2010
Leon Russell with John Mayer from The 2011 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductions
Enjoy This: JJ Cale & Leon Russell at the Paradise Studios in 1979:
Rest in Peace, Leon!