RIP: Leon Russell

[LH75]

2016 sucks!

[LH75]

A couple of numbers from Leon…

[LH75]

A Song For You

[LH75]

from Reuters:

Leon Russell dead at 74

[WordMan]

My gosh. One of the great piano players. Member of LA’s famed Wrecking Crew and one of the few who made it as an artist themselves.

[Snowboarder_Bo]

Aw, shit. One of about 6 piano players I really liked. The man was a monster behind the keyboards, truly the master of space and time.

RIP Mr. Russell. Thank you for all you gave us.

This is my favorite part of the Reuters story that lomghair75 linked:

Russell’s period of stardom as a performer was relatively brief but Elton John, who had once been Russell’s opening act, engineered a comeback for him in 2010 when they collaborated on an album titled “The Union.”

Although he continued recording and touring, Russell was far from the spotlight in the 1990s and 2000s until he and John recorded “The Union” and went on a short joint tour. John said he was inspired to collaborate when he was moved to tears upon rehearing Russell’s song “Back to the Island.”

Russell, who had to have surgery because of leaking brain fluid a week before going into the studio, said it was the first time he had heard from John in 35 years.

“If Leon can get the accolades he deserves and be financially OK for the rest of his life, I will have done something decent with my music,” John told the New York Times.

Mr. John, you totally fucking rock.

[CatandMouse]

What sad news! And what a awful week this has been. First Leonard Cohen dies, then we elect an internet troll to be our Prez, and now Leon Russell dies.

I’m going back to bed. lol

[Exapno_Mapcase]

I’m linking to his Wikipedia page because he did so many different things - writing, playing, producing, touring - for so many different artists that nobody probably knows how huge his career was. The man was made of music.

[LH75]

He played here in a small venue in August of 2004.

[Amateur_Barbarian]

Goddammit. Somebody get Waits and Dylan into protective custody now. I said NOW!

[LH75]

Grab up Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson too!

[K364]

I would say that “This Masquerade” easily makes the top 10 of pop/rock compositions.

Here is the Carpenters version: link

[LH75]

Leon often wrote in a wistful, minor key that suited Karen Carpenter’s voice very well

A Song For You
Superstar

[koeeoaddi]

Jesus, this year!

[Maserschmidt]

Why not, it’s 2016. RIP.

[Mean_Mr.Mustard]

When I realized Leon was coming to a 400-seat venue in Ann Arbor soon, I immediately made plans with family members to attend the show. They were not familiar with him so I spoke for several minutes about Leon’s history and his talent. They were interested and eager to go.

This happened about 15 hours ago.

RIP Leon
mmm

[gaffa]

@Snowboarder_Bo

Aw, shit. One of about 6 piano players I really liked. The man was a monster behind the keyboards, truly the master of space and time.

RIP Mr. Russell. Thank you for all you gave us.

This is my favorite part of the Reuters story that lomghair75 linked:Mr. John, you totally fucking rock.

The *Union *album with Elton enabled Leon to buy a fully decked out customized Prevost bus, so he could tour in style and comfort.

[squeegee]

Saw him last year in Santa Cruz, at a venue with maybe 200 people in it. Great, great show. His band was fantastic, absolutely sizzled. Very surprised he’s gone so soon after. You’ll be missed, Leon.

[dropzone]

Was that a long run for a guy with CP? That was the reason for the cane, right?

[Gatopescado]

I really enjoyed Wedding Album with Mary. Great stuff!