Leon Russell Dies at Age 74

Source: Ultimate Classic Rock.com
Published: Nov 13, 2016
Author: Matthew Wilkening
Post Date: 2016-11-13 10:42:26 by Stoner
Views: 3673

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 Cocker’s hit self-titled 1969 album, and wrote two of its songs. Russell then assembled and joined the band for Cocker’s famed Mad Dogs and Englishman tour, which spawned the Russell co-write “Superstar.”

During that trek, Russell’s 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 1972’s “Tight Rope” and 1975’s “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

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#1: rlk    To: Stoner (#0)

So many of these people who are croaking are younger than I am. My only hope lies in Doris Kapplehof who hit 92 years old in April.

rlk posted on 2016-11-13 11:07:16   Reply   Private Reply


#2: Stoner    To: rlk (#1)

" So many of these people who are croaking are younger than I am. My only hope lies in Doris Kapplehof who hit 92 years old in April. "

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)

Thanks for posting. Joe Cocker was a wild guy. Very unique stage mannerisms. I knew a guy that saw him live a few times, and loved his act. Said he always put on a great show.

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)

Seems like EVERYBODY on that Maddogs and Englishmen tour were on fire,doesn't it?

sneakypete posted on 2016-11-13 23:06:27   Reply   Private Reply