Leon Russell dies at 74

[San Antone]

Announced today, Leon Russell, who emerged in the '70s as one of rock'n'roll's most dynamic performers and songwriters after playing anonymously on dozens of pop hits as a much-in-demand studio pianist in the 1960s, died on Sunday at the age of 74, according to his website.

Sad news.

[San Antone]

Four great LPs



While that last is Joe Cocker's album, Leon Russell was his music director and band leader, and the style was all Russell.

Some of his great collaborative efforts are also worth mentioning:

[San Antone]

Nice obit in Rolling Stone

https://www.youtube.com/v/tn-br0h4rZk

https://www.youtube.com/v/37dw2r45Xzg

Sadly his last ten years were plagued with health problems.   At one point he had to undergo a 5 hour brain surgery, shortly before recording with Elton John.  On a personal level, Leon Russell was hugely important for me as a musician.  I first became aware of him through Marc Benno, a guitar player form Dallas.  I had been living in Dallas and knew of Leon Russell through Benno and also Willis Alan Ramsey.  Leon produced Alan's first record.  The music Leon and Marc did on the Asylum Choir sides was mind blowing for me.  So I collected every record he put out and then the Joe Cocker stuff. 

The Ballad of Mad Dogs and Englishmen is a favorite of mine, and one I have listened to several times today after hearing of Leon's passing.

https://www.youtube.com/v/g6dFeBZ7Nlg

Lastly, his versions of Dyaln are some of the best covers.

https://www.youtube.com/v/pTsyAUraJK4

Tonight the king of space and time has been released and is flying high.

God bless.