Leon Russell
Leon Russell: A Journey Through Music and Controversies
In the tapestry of American music, Leon Russell stands as an enigmatic figure, a virtuoso pianist and songwriter whose life was a symphony of artistic triumphs and personal struggles.
Early Years and Influences:
Born Claude Russell Bridges in 1942, Leon Russell grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, immersed in the vibrant sounds of rock 'n' roll and rhythm and blues. At an early age, he honed his musical skills, mastering the piano and developing a distinctive style that blended elements of gospel, country, and blues.
Musical Breakthrough and Recognition:
Russell's career took flight in the 1960s when he relocated to Los Angeles and became a sought-after session musician. He played on countless recordings, including Phil Spector's "River Deep - Mountain High" and The Byrds' "Turn! Turn! Turn!" In 1968, he released his debut album, "Leon Russell," which showcased his eclectic musical vision and earned critical acclaim.
The Shelter Records Years:
In the early 1970s, Russell founded Shelter Records, a record label that became a haven for artists such as Joe Cocker, J.J. Cale, and Tom Petty. He released several successful albums under the label, including "Carney" (1972), "Leon Russell and the Shelter People" (1975), and "Will O' the Wisp" (1975).
"Delta Lady" and Commercial Success:
Russell's most enduring hit, "Delta Lady," was written for his first wife, Mary McCreary. The song, released in 1970, became a global anthem and propelled Russell to mainstream success. He continued to release a string of commercially successful albums throughout the decade, including "Look Inside the Asylum Choir" (1971) and "Leon Live" (1973).
Challenges and Controversies:
Despite his musical prowess, Russell faced numerous challenges throughout his career. He struggled with drug abuse, which led to health problems and legal issues. In 1976, he was arrested for possession of marijuana and spent several months in jail.
Later Career and Legacy:
In the 1980s and 1990s, Russell's career took a quieter turn. He released several albums that failed to match his earlier commercial success but continued to be critically praised for his songwriting and musicianship. In 2011, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Members of the Leon Russell Band:
Throughout his career, Leon Russell collaborated with numerous musicians, including:
* Leon Russell (keyboards, vocals)
* Chuck Blackwell (drums)
* Chris Ethridge (bass)
* Don Preston (keyboards)
* Tom Petty (guitar, vocals)
Discography:
* Leon Russell (1968)
* Carney (1972)
* Leon Russell and the Shelter People (1975)
* Will O' the Wisp (1975)
* Look Inside the Asylum Choir (1971)
* Leon Live (1973)
* Americana (1998)
* Almost Home (2001)
In the tapestry of American music, Leon Russell stands as an enigmatic figure, a virtuoso pianist and songwriter whose life was a symphony of artistic triumphs and personal struggles.
Early Years and Influences:
Born Claude Russell Bridges in 1942, Leon Russell grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, immersed in the vibrant sounds of rock 'n' roll and rhythm and blues. At an early age, he honed his musical skills, mastering the piano and developing a distinctive style that blended elements of gospel, country, and blues.
Musical Breakthrough and Recognition:
Russell's career took flight in the 1960s when he relocated to Los Angeles and became a sought-after session musician. He played on countless recordings, including Phil Spector's "River Deep - Mountain High" and The Byrds' "Turn! Turn! Turn!" In 1968, he released his debut album, "Leon Russell," which showcased his eclectic musical vision and earned critical acclaim.
The Shelter Records Years:
In the early 1970s, Russell founded Shelter Records, a record label that became a haven for artists such as Joe Cocker, J.J. Cale, and Tom Petty. He released several successful albums under the label, including "Carney" (1972), "Leon Russell and the Shelter People" (1975), and "Will O' the Wisp" (1975).
"Delta Lady" and Commercial Success:
Russell's most enduring hit, "Delta Lady," was written for his first wife, Mary McCreary. The song, released in 1970, became a global anthem and propelled Russell to mainstream success. He continued to release a string of commercially successful albums throughout the decade, including "Look Inside the Asylum Choir" (1971) and "Leon Live" (1973).
Challenges and Controversies:
Despite his musical prowess, Russell faced numerous challenges throughout his career. He struggled with drug abuse, which led to health problems and legal issues. In 1976, he was arrested for possession of marijuana and spent several months in jail.
Later Career and Legacy:
In the 1980s and 1990s, Russell's career took a quieter turn. He released several albums that failed to match his earlier commercial success but continued to be critically praised for his songwriting and musicianship. In 2011, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Members of the Leon Russell Band:
Throughout his career, Leon Russell collaborated with numerous musicians, including:
* Leon Russell (keyboards, vocals)
* Chuck Blackwell (drums)
* Chris Ethridge (bass)
* Don Preston (keyboards)
* Tom Petty (guitar, vocals)
Discography:
* Leon Russell (1968)
* Carney (1972)
* Leon Russell and the Shelter People (1975)
* Will O' the Wisp (1975)
* Look Inside the Asylum Choir (1971)
* Leon Live (1973)
* Americana (1998)
* Almost Home (2001)
