Leon Russell American musician, songwriter Date of Birth: 02.04.1942 Country: USA

Biography of Leon Russell

Leon Russell is an American musician, songwriter, and performer. He is known for his versatility in various musical styles, including rock, jazz, gospel, and country. Born in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1942, Russell displayed his musical talent from a young age. By the age of four, he began playing the piano and later performed in nightclubs in Tulsa after graduating from Will Rogers High School.

Russell gained local recognition with his band, 'The Starlighters,' which created a new sound known as 'the Tulsa Sound.' In the early 1960s, he moved to Los Angeles and quickly became a sought-after session musician. He collaborated with renowned artists such as Joe Cocker, with whom he co-wrote the famous song 'Delta Lady' for Cocker's 1969 album.

Throughout his career, Russell worked with Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett, George Harrison, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, The Byrds, Herb Alpert, Dave Mason, and many others. In 1970, he released his first self-titled album, which featured three classic songs, including the popular 'A Song for You,' later covered by Ray Charles, B.B. King, and Joe Cocker.

Russell's album 'Leon Russell And The Shelter People,' recorded in 1971 with his musical collective 'Shelter Records,' achieved great success. However, his most commercially successful album was 'Carney,' released in 1972. He continued to release albums such as 'Hank Wilsons Back' (1973), 'Stop All That Jazz' (1974), 'Will O' the Wisp' (1975), and the compilation 'Best of Leon Russell' in the same year.

In collaboration with his wife, African-American singer Mary McCreary, Russell released albums such as 'Wedding Album' and 'Make Love to the Music,' containing love songs. In the 1980s, after a successful partnership with Willie Nelson, Russell slowed down his musical output. He made a comeback with the album 'Leon Russell' at the end of the decade.

In the late 1990s, Russell experienced a resurgence with 'The Union,' an incredibly interesting project with Elton John, who is a devoted fan of Russell. Despite his own modesty, Russell released nearly 50 albums to date. Known for his distinctive appearance, characterized by long gray hair, a white beard, and mustache, he is often referred to as a "hippie Jesus." Russell remains an active musician, performing with his band consisting of Jackie Wessel on bass, Brandon Holde on drums, Chris Simmons on guitar, and Beau Charron as a multi-instrumentalist.