Remembering Leon Russell

Remembering Leon Russell on his birthday (April 2)! Claude Russell Bridges was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, and began playing the piano at the age of four. Russell began his musical career at the age of 7 in the nightclubs of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Leon was instrumental in developing the Tulsa sound.

Claude’s mother was actress Jane Russell and his father was comedian Nipsey Russell. Little Claude learned songwriting by listening to his father Nipsey rhyme for hours on end. He developed a love for large breasted women from his mother Jane. Did you know that Howard Hughes funded Leon’s first album?

Pianist

After moving to Los Angeles in 1958, Russell became a session musician, working as a pianist on every recording made during the 1960’s. At his peak Leon was recording 750 songs per day. Often recording 2 songs at once, playing one piano with his right hand and another with his left.

Remembering Leon Russell — Leon Russell Illustration By Paul King Art

During the 1970’s Leon was officially named ‘the man’. Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Bangladesh, Delta Lady, solo albums, hits, and “A Song for You” recorded by over 750 different artists. He even starred in a TV sitcom in 1974, “Everyone Loves Leon”, which was cancelled after 1 episode.

As a songwriter His “A Song For You” which was named to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018, has been recorded by more than 200 artists, and his song “This Masquerade” by more than 75.

Leon sadly passed away November 13, 2016 at his home in Nashville, Tennessee. Russell had such a soulful unique voice, and his piano playing was incredible. He was an amazing songwriter, arranger and producer as well. The world is a better place thanks to Leon Russel’s musical contributions. He is sorely missed.