Musician and songwriter Leon Russell has died in his sleep at the age of 74, according to a post on his official Facebook page.
Born in Lawton, Oklahoma on April 2, 1942, Russell first achieved widespread recognition as a member of Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, and then through his collaborations with Joe Cocker. He co-produced Cockers hit self-titled 1969 album, and wrote two of its songs. Russell then assembled and joined the band for Cockers famed Mad Dogs and Englishman tour, which spawned the Russell co-write Superstar.
During that trek, Russells own self-titled solo album was released, containing his signature track, A Song for You. In the following years he had his biggest chart successes with 1972s Tight Rope and 1975s Lady Blue. He also worked as a producer, songwriter, studio collaborator and touring partner for artists such as the Rolling Stones, Freddie King and Bob Dylan.
After years of relative obscurity, Russell was brought back into the spotlight by longtime fan Elton John, with whom he teamed up for the 2010 album The Union. After touring together with John in support of that album, and releasing a documentary chronicling their collaboration, Russell released his final solo album, Life Journey, in 2014.
In July of this year, Russell suffered a heart attack, but was expected to make a full recovery. The cause of his death is as yet unknown.
RIP Leon
#1: rlk To: Stoner (#0)
rlk posted on 2016-11-13 11:07:16 Reply Private Reply
#2: Stoner To: rlk (#1)
That may be true. But don't think so much about it. I am sure that I am younger than you are. I noticed that every time I went to a HS Class Reunion, we were getting fewer & fewer. That is life.
Concentrate your thoughts & time with family & friends. Speaking of friends, how are your little furry friends?
I just fed all 7 of mine. They are dancing around wanting "treats", which in a short while they will get. My son came home for the weekend. My children & my fur babies give me so much joy
Stoner posted on 2016-11-13 13:52:58 Reply Private Reply
#3: Hondo68 To: Stoner (#0)
Hondo68 posted on 2016-11-13 13:55:06 Reply Private Reply
#4: Stoner To: hondo68 (#3)
Stoner posted on 2016-11-13 15:49:43 Reply Private Reply
#5: sneakypete To: Stoner (#0)
I really hated to hear this. I chose to post this song of his because it seems like everyone under 30 thinks somebody named Donny Hathaway wrote and recorded it.
sneakypete posted on 2016-11-13 23:05:22 Reply Private Reply
#6: sneakypete To: hondo68 (#3)
sneakypete posted on 2016-11-13 23:06:27 Reply Private Reply