LEON RUSSELL

Our guest this week on Art of the Song is Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Leon Russell. Leon began his career playing in clubs in his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. After moving to Los Angeles, he became a sought-after session player, playing on numerous hits of the 1960s. As a sideman, he performed with scores of notable artists including George Harrison, Eric Clapton, the Beach Boys, Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. He also worked as a producer and arranger, and eventually became a solo recording artist in his own right. Leon Russell hits include, Delta Lady, This Masquerade, Tight Rope and A Song for You. Defying categorization, Leon is comfortable in many genres, including rock, blues, gospel and country. In early 2014, he released a retrospective of his career entitled Life Journey, executive produced by his longtime friend Elton John. We had the honor of speaking with Leon on his tour bus in Roswell, New Mexico.


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