03/04/2019
Um Gigante da Música!
Remembering singer, songwriter, pianist, and musician Leon Russell who was born Claude Russell Bridges on this date April 2, 1942 in Lawton, OK.
Russell began his musical career at the age of 14 in the nightclubs of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He and his group, the Starlighters, which included J.J.Cale, Leo Feathers, Chuck Blackwell, and Johnny Williams, were instrumental in creating the style of music known as the "Tulsa Sound".
After settling in Los Angeles in 1958, he studied guitar with James Burton. In Los Angeles, Russell played as a first-call studio musician on many of the most popular songs of the 1960s, including some by The Byrds, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Bobby Pickett, and Herb Alpert.
He also played piano on many Phil Spector productions, including recordings by The Ronettes, The Crystals, and Darlene Love and in the 1963 "A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector"album.
He was hired as S***f Garrett's assistant and creative developer, playing on numerous number-one singles, including "This Diamond Ring" by Gary Lewis & the Playboys. In the mid-1960s, he wrote or co-wrote songs, including two hits for Gary Lewis and the Playboys: "Everybody Loves a Clown" and "She's Just My Style"
He was also a featured performer on "Shindig!"and part of the house band The Shindogs.
Russell and Denny Cordell established Shelter Records in 1969. The company operated from 1969 to 1981, with offices in Los Angeles and Tulsa. Shelter used Sound City Studios for recording in its early days.
Russell performed as a member of Delaney & Bonnie and Friends in 1969 and 1970. Russell's first commercial success as a songwriter came when Joe Cocker recorded the song "Delta Lady" for his 1969 album, "Joe Cocker!" Russell went on to organize and perform in (playing either piano or lead guitar) the 1970 "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" tour, "Superstar", co-written by Russell, was sung by The Carpenters and other performers.
At the invitation of former Delaney & Bonnie and George Harrison, Russell played piano on Badfinger's third album, Straight Up in the summer of 1971. The piano part complemented Pete Ham's and George Harrison's dual slide guitars on Badfinger's "Day After Day". The "Straight Up" sessions were interrupted when many of the musicians left for New York City to participate in "The Concert For Bangladesh", at which Russell performed a medley of the songs "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Young Blood" and sang a verse on Harrison's "Beware of Darkness".
Russell's song "This Masquerade", the B-side of his 1972 hit single "Tight Rope", was later recorded by numerous artists, including Helen Reddy and The Carpenters. George Benson's version of the song reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won Record of the Year at the 1977 Grammy Awards.
In the 1980s and 90s, Russell worked on many projects for himself and other artists. After years of reduced prominence, Russell's career was rejuvenated when Elton John sought him for a new project. In November 2009, Russell worked with John and Bernie Taupin on "The Union," a double album record credited equally to Russell and John. Recorded in February 2010 and produced by T Bone Burnett, the CD was released on October 19, 2010
He recorded 33 albums and at least 430 songs. His recordings earned six gold records. He received two Grammy awards from seven nominations. In 2011, he was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Russell passed away November 13, 2016 at the age of 74.