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| Leon Russell | |
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Russell performing at a concert in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, April 2009
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Claude Russell Bridges |
| Also known as | Hank Wilson & Leon Russell |
| Born | (1942-04-02)April 2, 1942 Lawton, Oklahoma, United States |
| Died | November 13, 2016(2016-11-13) (aged 74) Nashville, Tennessee, United States |
| Genres | Country, rock, folk, rhythm and blues, folk rock, blues rock |
| Occupations | Musician, singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano, organ, guitar, bass guitar, mandolin |
| Years active | 1956–2016 |
| Labels | Capitol, Shelter Records, Paradise Records |
Leon Russell (born Claude Russell Bridges; April 2, 1942 – November 13, 2016) was an American musician and songwriter. He recorded as a session musician and sideman. He had a solo career. He had 31 albums to his credit and recorded about 430 songs.
He wrote the song "Delta Lady", recorded by Joe Cocker. He also organized Cocker's "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" tour in 1970. More than 100 artists have recorded his "A Song for You" (1970).
Russell produced and played in recording sessions for Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Ike & Tina Turner, the Rolling Stones, and others. He wrote and recorded the hits "Tight Rope" and "Lady Blue". In 2011 he was added into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and introduced by longtime friend Elton John.
Russell died in his sleep at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 13, 2016 from heart failure while recovering from heart surgery, at the age of 74.
Russell in early 1970s promo photo
Russell in 1970
Russell in 2009
Leon Russell taking time out to tell a story.
