Yesterday morning, we were saddened to learn that the legendary Leon Russell had passed away at the age of 74. Russell was a prolific songwriter and musician for decades, as well as a regular collaborator with the Tedeschi Trucks Band. One of their most well-known performances together came at last year’s Lockn’ Festival, when Russell and many special guests joined TTB for their tribute to Joe Cocker, the “Mad Dogs & Englishmen” set.
Russell was not only featured in the 2015 recreation of “Mad Dogs & Englishmen,” but he was also a performer and musical director in the original 1970 concert. Among the many songs played during that show, one of the stand-out tracks is the uplifting soul number, “Space Captain”. Tedeschi Trucks Band has been playing “Space Captain” for many years, but last night at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, IL, the song took on more significance. Played as the band’s opener, this was clearly a musical tribute to the late great Mr. Russell. And they nailed it!
Thanks to YouTube user Rick Maddox, we can watch this moving rendition of “Space Captain,” streaming below.
The band also shared this tribute to Russell before the show: