On November 13, 2016, the Tulsa Sound grew a little quieter with the passing of Leon Russell. From session musician to sideman to solo star, Leon devoted his life to the music that he loved.
Leon Russell was born Claude Russell Bridges in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1942. By the age of 14, he was already playing piano in local clubs with his band, the Starlighters. At the time, Claude and his band were an unwitting participant in the creation of “The Tulsa Sound,” a spirited mix of rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll, country, and blues. In 1958, he moved to California, creating an inroad for Tulsa Sound artists in the L.A. music scene. He spent the next few years playing in L.A. clubs and working as a session musician.
“Hang on a minute,” you’re thinking. “How did a minor make it into all those clubs where alcohol was served?” Great question. Fortunately for young Claude, he was born in a “dry state” — no alcohol in Oklahoma meant no hassles for the talented minor. When he got to L.A., he had to find another way in. A friend loaned him a fake ID. The name on the ID? Leon. Claude changed his name to Leon Russell to keep things simple.
He quickly made a name for himself playing for the likes of Ricky Nelson and James Burton. Soon he was a first-call session musician and a member of Phil Spector’s legendary Wrecking Crew, a collection of L.A.’s most in-demand session musicians. By this time, Leon was playing keyboards, guitar, and even occasionally xylophone and bells. Leaning heavily on his southern roots, Leon played on every session he could, from million sellers to forgettable flash-in-the-pan pop tunes.
In 1969, Leon started his own record label, Shelter, with producer Denny Cordell. His already rocketing reputation lept forward when he worked as co-producer, arranger, and musician on Joe Cocker’s second record, Joe Cocker! This record contained Leon’s first commercial hit, “Delta Lady.” It would be the first of many.
Leon released his first album, Leon Russell, which featured “A Song for You.” This song would become one of his most well known, being covered by no fewer than 40 artists across every genre, including the Carpenters, Willie Nelson, and Amy Winehouse.
His second album, Leon Russell and the Shelter People, did even better, reaching #17 on the Billboard chart. His third album, Carney, would peak at #2 on the Billboard chart and contained the fun but ominous “Tight Rope.”
Over the course of his career, Leon would create 31 albums and record more than 430 songs. He heavily influenced artists across every genre, including Bruce Hornsby and Sir Elton John. In 1992, Bruce Hornsby, a long-time Leon Russell disciple, tried to reignite the legend’s career with the Russell-inspired album, Anything Can Happen. It was embraced by Russell fanatics, who call themselves “Leon Lifers.” In 2009, Sir Elton John invited Leon to make a duet album, The Union, along with Brian Wilson and Neil Young. The album was accompanied by a 10-date tour.
Always the performer, Leon Russell bought a bus in 2010 and continued to tour until health concerns got in the way.
“And when my life is over
Remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singing this song to you.”
“A Song for You” — Leon Russell