Leon Russell

Born Claude Russell Bridges in Lawton, Oklahoma on April 2, 1942, Leon Russell moved to Los Angeles in the early 1960s, quickly establishing himself as one of the premier session keyboardists in the legendary studio collective "The Wrecking Crew." His distinctive, gospel-drenched, rolling barrelhouse piano style propelled landmark recordings by The Beach Boys, Phil Spector, The Byrds, and Frank Sinatra. In 1970, Russell released his self-titled debut solo album, containing his magnum opus: the heartbreaking ballad "A Song for You." Recorded by more than two hundred artists—including Donny Hathaway, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Whitney Houston, and Amy Winehouse—the song is universally recognized as one of the greatest songwriting masterworks of the twentieth century. That same year, Russell organized, arranged, and served as bandleader for Joe Cocker's legendary forty-person touring revue *Mad Dogs & Englishmen*, performing with his trademark flowing silver mane, top hat, and bluesy Southern drawl. In 1971, he played a central role in George Harrison's historic *Concert for Bangladesh* at Madison Square Garden. He composed massive hits including "Tight Rope" and "This Masquerade" (which won the Grammy for Record of the Year for George Benson). In 2010, his longtime admirer Elton John collaborated with Russell on the acclaimed duo album *The Union*, sparking a celebrated career renaissance. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011, Leon Russell passed away on November 13, 2016 in Nashville at age 74, leaving an eternal imprint on American roots music.