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| caption = Russell {{circa}} 1970
| birth_name = Claude Russell Bridges
| alias = Hank Wilson, Russell Bridges, C. J. Russell, Lew Russell
| birth_date = {{birth date|mf=y|1942|04|02}}
| birth_place = [[Lawton, Oklahoma]], U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|mf=y|2016|11|13|1942|04|02}}
| death_place = [[Nashville, Tennessee]], U.S.
|
| spouse = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|[[Mary McCreary]]|20 June 1975|3 October 1980}}{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}
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| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| label = {{hlist|Viva|Olympic Records|Perspective Sound|Robbins|[[Capitol Records|Capitol]]|[[Shelter Records|Shelter]]|[[Paradise Records|Paradise]]|Leon Russell Records|[[Virgin Records]]|[[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Bros.]]}}
| associated_acts = {{hlist|[[J. J. Cale]]|[[Marc Benno]]|[[New Grass Revival]]|[[George Harrison]]|[[Bob Dylan]]|[[Eric Clapton]]|[[Willie Nelson]]|[[Neil Young]]|[[Elton John]]|[[Rita Coolidge]]|[[Joe Cocker]]|[[Edgar Winter]]|[[The Wrecking Crew (music)|The Wrecking Crew]]}}
| instrument = {{hlist|Keyboards|vocals|bass guitar|guitar|baritone horn}}
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}}
'''Leon Russell''' (born '''Claude Russell Bridges'''; April 2, 1942 – November 13, 2016) was an American musician and songwriter who was involved with numerous bestselling records during his 60-year career that spanned multiple genres, including [[rock and roll]],<ref name=Guardian/> [[Country music|country]], [[Gospel music|gospel]], [[Bluegrass music|bluegrass]], [[rhythm and blues]], [[southern rock]],<ref name=Chappell/> [[blues rock]],<ref name=CBS/> [[Folk music|folk]], [[surf music|surf]] and the [[Tulsa sound]]. His recordings earned six [[Music recording certification|gold record]]s and he received two [[Grammy Awards]] from seven nominations. In 1973 ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]
Russell collaborated with many notable artists and recorded
As a pianist, Russell played in his early years on albums by [[the Beach Boys]], [[Dick Dale]], and [[Jan and Dean]]. On his first album, ''[[Leon Russell (album)|Leon Russell]]'', in 1970, the musicians included [[Eric Clapton]], [[Ringo Starr]], and [[George Harrison]]. One of his early fans, [[Elton John]], said that Russell was a "mentor" and an "inspiration".<ref>{{cite web |title=In Honor of Leon Russell (1942–2016) |url=https://www.eltonjohn.com/stories/in-honor-of-leon-russell-1942-2016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 14, 2020 |website=EltonJohn.com |date=November 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127055511/https://www.eltonjohn.com/stories/in-honor-of-leon-russell-1942-2016 |archive-date=January 27, 2020}}</ref> They recorded their album ''[[The Union (Elton John and Leon Russell album)|The Union]]'' in 2010, earning them a Grammy nomination.
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===Physical condition helped create his signature musical style===
Russell always favored his left hand. He said "I was born with 'spastic paralysis', now called cerebral palsy". An injury at birth had damaged his second and third vertebrae, causing a slight paralysis in the right side of his body, most notably affecting three fingers on his right hand. This caused Russell to develop his signature left-hand-dominant piano playing style.<ref>{{cite
Russell had a limp his entire life, also caused by the cerebral palsy. Most thought the limp was due to a childhood bout of polio. He said "I felt like the world had cheated me big time" but added "If I hadn't had the problem, I probably wouldn't have gotten into music at all and would have been an ex-football player, selling insurance in Des Moines".<ref name="Space and Time"/>
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Russell said "...I got out to California, and they were more serious about their liquor laws. I about starved to death because it was so much harder to find work at my age".<ref name="LateNight"/> Settling in Los Angeles, he studied guitar with [[James Burton]].
Russell was primarily a session musician in his early career. During session work he played for and with artists as varied as [[Jan and Dean]], Ricky Nelson, [[Gary Lewis & the Playboys]], [[George Harrison]], [[Delaney Bramlett]], [[Freddy Cannon]], [[Ringo Starr]], [[Doris Day]], Elton John, [[Ray Charles]], [[Eric Clapton]], [[the Byrds]], [[Barbra Streisand]], [[the Beach Boys]], [[the Ventures]], [[Willie Nelson]], [[Badfinger]], the [[Herb Alpert|Tijuana Brass]], [[Frank Sinatra]], [[the Band]], [[Bob Dylan]], J. J. Cale, [[B.B. King]],<ref>Liner notes. B. B. King, ''Indianola Mississippi Seeds''. ABC Dunhill Records.</ref> [[Dave Mason]], [[Glen Campbell]], [[Lynn Anderson]], [[Joe Cocker]], [[the Rolling Stones]], and [[the Flying Burrito Brothers]].<ref name="The Great Rock Discography">{{cite book | author=Martin C. Strong | year=2000 | title=The Great Rock Discography | edition=5th | publisher=Mojo Books | location=Edinburgh | pages=838–839 | isbn=1-84195-017-3}}</ref>
As Russell developed his solo artist career, he crossed genres to include [[rock and roll]], [[blues]], [[Bluegrass music|bluegrass]] and [[gospel music]].
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===Hired by Snuff Garrett===
[[Snuff Garrett]] and Russell formed a production company, Snuff Garrett Productions in 1964. Russell was a production assistant, arranger and creative developer for the company.<ref name="Space and Time"/> Russell played on numerous number-one singles, including "[[This Diamond Ring]]" by Gary Lewis & the Playboys.<ref>''Billboard'', March 4, 1967, and December 15, 1973, p. 37.</ref> Russell also acted as Garrett's arranger and conductor of the [[Midnight String Quartet]]'s debut album ''Rhapsodies For Young Lovers''. The album was planned as a solo Leon Russell lp, but was instead marketed as a "Midnight String Quartet" production.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/rhapsodies-for-young-lovers-mw0000497944/credits | title=Rhapsodies for Young Lovers – Midnight String Quartet | Credits | website=[[AllMusic]] | date=October 16, 2007 | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref>
===Viva Records===
Two years later, Garrett and Russell started Viva Records. Russell was the record label's initial [[Artists and repertoire|A&R]] representative as well as producer for many of the label's recordings, including The Shindogs' 1966 "Who Do You Think You Are / Yes, I’m Going Home" (Viva V-601). Viva Records also had a number of music publishing divisions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://thechurchstudio.com/leon-j-j-and-the-super-dupers/ | title=Leon, J.J., and the Super Dupers
|date= April 11, 2022| website=thechurchstudio.com }}</ref> In 1969, it was reported Russell had been the vice-president of Viva.<ref>{{cite web |last=Daniels|first=Frank|url=https://www.friktech.com/labels/ShelterAlbums.pdf | title= Leon Russell’s first album Shelter Records Pressing History 1970 to 1989
|date= 2019| website=friktech.com }}</ref>
Russell was an arranger and songwriter as well as a piano and guitar player in "The Shindogs", the house band on the ABC-TV dance show series [[Shindig!]] Fellow musicians [[Glen Campbell]] and [[Billy Preston]] were among the Shindogs' alumni.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mastropolo|first=Frank|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/shindig-debut/ | title= How Shindig! Ushered in 'Flat-Out, Ass-Kickin' Rock 'n' Roll' TV
|date= January 8, 2016| website=ultimateclassicrock.com }}</ref>
===Released first solo record===
Russell released his first solo record, the single, "Everybody's Talking 'Bout the Young", for [[Dot Records]] in 1965.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://rockhall.com/inductees/leon-russell/bio/#sthash.N5M9ExyT.dpuf | title=Leon Russell Biography | The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum | website=Rockhall.com | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref> Produced by Russell and
===Skyhill Studios===
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===Shelter Records===
Russell and music producer [[Denny Cordell]] established [[Shelter Records]] in 1969. The company operated from 1969 to 1981, with offices in Los Angeles and Tulsa.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shelter Records|url=https://www.leonrussell.com/shelter-records |access-date=June 9, 2024 |work=LeonRussell.com |publisher=Leon Russell Estate}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.discogs.com/label/44717-Shelter-Records | title=Shelter Records: CDs and Vinyl | website=Discogs.com | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref> Shelter Records released "Duppy Conqueror", reggae artist [[Bob Marley]]'s first American single.
In 1972, [[DC Comics]] sued the record label for copyright infringement. The Shelter Records logo included an upside down version of the well-known [[Superman]] logo. Shelter Records obscured the logo with an overstamped black rectangle in response to the lawsuit and later settlement. Later versions of the logo replaced the Superman artwork with a scrawled letter "S" inside an outline of an egg.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ruth |first=Nancy |date=December 30, 2022 |title=History of Shelter Records|url=https://thechurchstudio.com/history-of-shelter-records/ |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=TheChurchStudio.com |publisher=The Church Studio}}</ref>
===Delaney & Bonnie===
Russell performed as a member of [[Delaney & Bonnie|Delaney & Bonnie and Friends]] in 1969 and 1970, playing guitar and keyboards on their albums and as part of the touring band. Through this group, he met [[George Harrison]] and others with whom he would work over the next couple of years.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.furious.com/perfect/delaneyandbonnie.html | title=Delaney and Bonnie: A History of Their Music | website=Furious.com | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref>
===''Joe Cocker!'' LP===
Russell wrote "Delta Lady" which Joe Cocker included on his 1969 album, ''[[Joe Cocker!]]''<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> The album, co-produced and arranged by Russell, reached number 11 on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/joe-cocker-r4236/charts-awards | title=Joe Cocker! – Joe Cocker | website=AllMusic | access-date=April 24, 2012}}</ref>▼
Russell was the co-producer, arranger, a songwriter and performer on Joe Cocker’s 1969 LP ''Joe Cocker!''
▲Russell wrote the song "Delta Lady"
===1970s===
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In March 1970 Russell was hired by Joe Cocker to help quickly mount a concert band and rehearse a 48 date tour. Cocker said he had been told by US immigration authorities he had to perform "right away" or lose his visa and be deported from the US. [[Rita Coolidge]] claimed the real reason was due to threats that Cocker would be physically harmed if he didn't comply with an order to tour.
Russell had only a week to locate, audition, hire and rehearse a 10-piece band and the "Space Choir" which would consist of 10 backup singers. Russell said Cocker, reportedly using copious illicit drugs at the time "was pretty wrecked when we started out". Asking Cocker "Does it sound good to you?" during an audition, Cocker said "It never sounds right to me".
"I didn’t know how to take that. So I said, 'Shit, I’ll just do whatever I want'".<ref>{{cite web |last=Browne |first=David |date=September 17, 2021 |title=Joe Cocker’s ‘Mad Dogs & Englishmen’: Inside the Triumph and Trauma of a Legendary Tour|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/joe-cocker-mad-dogs-englishmen-tour-documentary-1220976/ |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=RollingStone.com |publisher=Penske Media Corporation}}</ref> Russell hired many of the musicians from Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett's band. He both conducted and performed in the tour, playing either piano or lead guitar.<ref>[http://www.lindawolf.net/Joe] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723182520/http://www.lindawolf.net/Joe|date=July 23, 2011}}</ref> Singer and former [[The Ikettes|Ikette]] [[Claudia Lennear]], who performed during the tour, said Russell had the unique musical talent of being able to fuse together "white gospel and Black gospel".<ref>{{cite web |last=Gleiberman |first=Owen |date=October 24, 2021 |title='Learning to Live Together: The Return of Mad Dogs & Englishmen' Review: A Luscious Rock Nostalgia Trip|url=https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/learning-to-live-together-the-returns-of-mad-dogs-englishmen-review-joe-cocker-leon-russell-1235096093/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |work=Variety.com |publisher=Penske Media Corporation}}</ref> After watching the ''Mad Dogs & Englishmen'' concert film, [[Elton John]] said of Russell "There are some people who are born to be leaders of musicians and he is. It was Leon I was watching. He had the feel for that music. Joe was an amazing singer. But you could tell it was Leon's band".<ref>{{cite web |last=Fricke |first=David |date=September 17, 2021 |title=Leon Russell: The Master of Space & Time Returns|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/leon-russell-the-master-of-space-time-returns-107143/2/ |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=RollingStone.com |publisher=Penske Media Corporation}}</ref>
Russell purchased the top hat and "Holy Trinity" basketball jersey shirt he wore on the tour at a used clothing store near his Skyhill Studios in Los Angeles. He explained "I’m an actor - I was just trying to make a show".<ref>{{cite web |last=Fricke |first=David |title=Leon Russell|url=https://rockhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Leo_Russell_2011.pdf |access-date=June 9, 2024 |work=Rockhall.com |publisher=Rock & Roll Hall of Fame}}</ref>
[[File:Leon Russell 1970.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1|Leon Russell pictured in 1970, the year he became a solo recording artist]]
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Russell's "Delta Lady" was first released in 1969 on ''The Mad Dogs & Englishmen'' lp, performed by Joe Cocker. Cocker's version changes Russell's original lyric from "I’m over here in England" to "when I’m home again in England" as Cocker was British. [[Bobbie Gentry]] performed the song under the title "Delta Man" on her 1970 album ''[[Fancy (Bobbie Gentry album)|Fancy]]''.
===1970s recordings and concerts===
In November 1970, Russell performed at the Fillmore East, with Elton John on the same bill. Those performances have been bootlegged.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thefatangelsings.com/2016/11/20/leon-russell-live-at-the-fillmore-east-24th-november-1970/|title=LEON RUSSELL – "Live At The Fillmore East" 20th November 1970|date=November 20, 2016|website=Thefatangelsings.com}}</ref> Russell and John appeared on ''The [[David Frost]] Show'' with Fillmore owner [[Bill Graham (promoter)|Bill Graham]] on December 3, 1970.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/shows/the-david-frost-show/december-3-1970-1274663/|title=The David Frost Show: December 3, 1970|website=TV.com|url-status=dead|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-date=July 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727050336/http://www.tv.com/shows/the-david-frost-show/december-3-1970-1274663/}}</ref><ref>[https://m.imdb.com/title/tt1620330/ The David Frost Show - Episode #3.49], ''[[IMDb.com]]''. Retrieved 2021-08-13</ref> Russell's album ''Prince of Peace: Radio Broadcast 1970'' is a [[soundboard recording]] of a concert at Fillmore East in late 1970.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/prince-of-peace-radio-broadcast-1970-mw0002850801 | title=Prince of Peace: Radio Broadcast 1970 | website=AllMusic | date=August 14, 2015 | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref>
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Also in 1972, he released his [[Carney (Leon Russell album)|''Carney'']] album, which was his third solo studio album. The album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. The album featured "[[Tight Rope (song)|Tight Rope]]" and "[[This Masquerade]]" (songs released on a 45 as the A side and B side respectively), and became his second gold album.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2Z9qN8R9Bg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/d2Z9qN8R9Bg |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live| title=Tight Rope / Leon Russell | date=March 2, 2008 | publisher=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
''[[Looking Back (Leon Russell album)|Looking Back]]'' was released by Russell on
Russell purchased multiple properties in the early 1970s in his home state of Oklahoma, including the historic [[The Church Studio]] in 1972 located on the corner of 3rd Street and Trenton in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The church was also home to Shelter Records. Numerous musicians recorded at The Church, including [[Willie Nelson]], [[Eric Clapton]], [[Bonnie Raitt]], [[Dwight Twilley]], [[Dr. John]], [[JJ Cale]], [[the Gap Band]], [[Freddie King]], [[Phoebe Snow]] and [[Peter Tosh]]. [[Tom Petty]], with his early band [[Mudcrutch]], signed his first record deal with Shelter Records there.<ref>Julie Wenger Watson, [http://nodepression.com/article/leon-russell-has-home-sweet-oklahoma-his-mind "Leon Russell Has Home Sweet Oklahoma on his Mind"], ''[[No Depression (magazine)|No Depression]]'', July 28, 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/nr/listings/20170915.htm|title=Weekly List – National Register of Historic Places Official Website—Part of the National Park Service|website=Nps.gov}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tulsapeople.com/Tulsa-People/September-2013/A-sanctuary-of-sound/|title=A sanctuary of sound |website=TulsaPeople.com|date=August 20, 2013 }}</ref><ref>Paul Zollo, [https://americansongwriter.com/2005/11/the-purity-and-passion-of-tom-petty/5/ "Tom Petty: Purity and Passion"], ''[[American Songwriter]]'', November 1, 2005.</ref>▼
▲''[[Looking Back (Leon Russell album)|Looking Back]]'' was released by Russell on Olympia Records in 1973, shortly after the success of his single "Tight Rope". It contains instrumental tracks recorded in the mid-1960s, featuring Russell playing the harpsichord.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Leon-Russell-Looking-Back/release/4255583|title=Leon Russell – Looking Back|website=Discogs|year=1973 }}</ref>
==="Hank Wilson" persona===▼
In 1973 Russell created the fictional musical personality "Hank Wilson", and recorded the album ''[[Hank Wilson's Back Vol. I]]'' at producer [[Owen Bradley]]'s [[Bradley's Barn]] studio in Nashville. He said "'Hank Wilson' came about on a road trip. I was bringing a car back from L.A., and I stopped at a truck stop that had about 500 country tapes for sale. I bought a bunch and listened to them on the way home (to Tulsa). I don't really listen to records very much, except for research. I liked some of that stuff, though, and thought it would be fun to do a record like that".<ref name="LateNight"/>▼
The album reached #28 on the Billboard chart in 1973. The first track, "[[Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms]]", was a minor hit.<ref name="rockhall1"/><ref>{{cite web | author=Thom Jurek | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/hank-wilsons-back!-mw0000207368 | title=Hank Wilson's Back! – Leon Russell | Songs, Reviews, Credits | website=AllMusic | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/Leon-Russell-Hank-Wilsons-Back-Vol-I/master/447060 | title=Leon Russell – Hank Wilson's Back Vol. I| website=[[Discogs]]| year=1973}}</ref> In 2010, a BBC review called Russell's album "one of the most joyful sidebars of his career... a deeply entertaining album that, like all great country, turns melancholy and gloom into melody and dancing".<ref>{{cite web |last=Quantick |first=David |date=May 1, 1998 |title=Leon Russell Hank Wilson's Back Review|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/5x8r/ |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=bbc.co.uk |publisher=BBC}}</ref>▼
▲===The Gap Band===
Russell helped the [[Gap Band]], a trio of Tulsa brothers,<ref name=":0">{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-gap-band-mn0000073383/biography | title=The Gap Band {{!}} Biography & History {{!}} AllMusic | website=AllMusic | access-date=September 14, 2016}}</ref> kick off their chart success in 1974. The group went on to produce several funk-disco hits.<ref name=":0" /> The Gap Band backed Russell on his album ''[[Stop All That Jazz]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/stop-all-that-jazz-mw0000207825 | title=Stop All That Jazz – Leon Russell | Songs, Reviews, Credits | website=AllMusic | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref>▼
In 1975 Russell released ''[[Live in Japan (Leon Russell album)|Live In Japan]]'' on Shelter Records. The album was recorded live at [[Budokan Hall]], in Tokyo, on November 8, 1973
Russell made it into the 1975 [[Top 40]] with "Lady Blue", from his album ''[[Will O' the Wisp (album)|Will o' the Wisp]]''. It was his fourth gold album.<ref name="rockhall1">{{cite web | url=https://rockhall.com/inductees/leon-russell/bio/#sthash.3kBNPQY8.dpuf | title=Leon Russell Biography | The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum | website=Rockhall.com | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref>
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Russell's song "This Masquerade", the B-side of his 1972 hit single "Tight Rope", was later recorded by numerous artists, including Reddy and the Carpenters. [[George Benson]]'s version of the song reached number 10 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and won [[Grammy Award for Record of the Year|Record of the Year]] at the [[1977 Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/search/track/This+Masquerade/order:year-asc | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718105051/http://www.allmusic.com/search/track/This%2BMasquerade/order%3Ayear-asc | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 18, 2011 | title=Music Search, Recommendations, Videos and Reviews | website=AllMusic | access-date=April 1, 2014}}</ref> As the songwriter, Russell was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Song of the Year|Song of the Year]] in 1977 but lost to Bruce Johnston, who wrote "[[I Write the Songs]]".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.awardsandshows.com/features/grammy-awards-1977-225.html | title=Grammy Awards 1977 | website=Awardsandshows.com | access-date=November 14, 2016 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207110610/http://www.awardsandshows.com/features/grammy-awards-1977-225.html | archive-date=December 7, 2016 | df=mdy-all}}</ref> Russell's version of "This Masquerade" was used for the soundtrack for the psychological thriller film ''[[Bug (2007 film)|Bug]]'', which was directed by [[William Friedkin]]. The [[Bug (2007 soundtrack)|''Bug'' soundtrack]] was released on May 22, 2007. The song was also used in the movie ''[[The Pursuit of Happyness]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0470705/soundtrack|title=Bug (2006) - IMDb|via=www.imdb.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454921/soundtrack|title=The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) - IMDb|via=www.imdb.com}}</ref>
Russell departed Shelter Records in 1976 to start his own record label, [[Paradise Records]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.discogs.com/label/107875-Paradise-Records-8?sort=year&sort_order=asc | title=Paradise Records (8) – CDs and Vinyl | website=Discogs.com | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref>▼
In 1976, Russell and Barbra Streisand wrote the song "Lost Inside of You" for the film sound track of ''[[A Star Is Born (1976 soundtrack)|A Star Is Born]]''. During a songwriting session at her house, Streisand began playing an original composition on her piano, and Russell was inspired to hum a countermelody which surprised and impressed Streisand. The interplay between the two songwriters was fictionalized for a scene in the film showing Streisand and [[Kris Kristofferson]] writing the song together.<ref>{{cite book |last=Streisand |first=Barbra |author-link=Barbra Streisand |title=My Name Is Barbra |page=459 |publisher=Penguin |isbn=9780525429524}}</ref> The ''A Star Is Born'' soundtrack received a [[20th Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy Nominations]] for Best Album of Original Score written for a Motion Picture or Television Special.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075265/awards|title=A Star Is Born - IMDb|via=www.imdb.com}}</ref>
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In 1976, Russell released the ''[[Wedding Album (Leon and Mary Russell album)|Wedding Album]]'', a studio album with his then wife, Mary Russell,<ref name="allmusic.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/wedding-album-mw0000488704 | title=Leon Russell / Leon & Mary Russell – ''Wedding Album'' | website=AllMusic | access-date=August 12, 2018}}</ref> otherwise known as [[Little Sister (band)|Mary McCreary]]. It was the first release by Paradise Records, and it was distributed by Rhino/[[Warner Bros. Records]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/wedding-album-mw0000488704/releases|title=Wedding Album - Leon Russell, Leon & Mary Russell | Releases | AllMusic|via=www.allmusic.com}}</ref> Leon and Mary were the album producers, except for the final track "Daylight", which was produced by its writer, [[Bobby Womack]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/wedding-album-mw0000488704/credits|title=Wedding Album - Leon Russell, Leon & Mary Russell | Credits | AllMusic|via=www.allmusic.com}}</ref>
On May 15, 1976, Leon and Mary performed "Satisfy You" and "[[Daylight (Bobby Womack song)|Daylight]]" with [[John Belushi]]
''[[Make Love to the Music]]'' is the second album by Leon & Mary Russell released in 1977 on Paradise Records.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/make-love-to-the-music-mw0000489942|title=Make Love to the Music - Leon Russell, Leon & Mary Russell | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic|via=www.allmusic.com}}</ref>
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After touring with Willie Nelson, Russell and Nelson in 1979 had a #1 hit on ''Billboard''s [[country music]] chart with their duet of "[[Heartbreak Hotel]]". This single was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal|Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group]] at the [[22nd Annual Grammy Awards|1979 Grammy Awards]]<ref name="Grammy history">{{cite web | url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/leon-russell | title=Artist Leon Russell: Grammy Award History | publisher=[[The Recording Academy]] | access-date=August 12, 2018}}</ref> (presented on February 27, 1980), with the award going to the [[Charlie Daniels|Charlie Daniels Band]] for "[[The Devil Went Down to Georgia]]". They also released their duet country pop-rock studio album, ''[[One for the Road (Willie Nelson and Leon Russell album)|One for the Road]]'', that year. It was Russell's fifth gold album.<ref name="allmusic1">{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/song/watching-the-river-flow-mt0032662306 | title=Watching the River Flow – Bob Dylan | Song Info | website=AllMusic | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref> The album was nominated for 1979's Album of the Year awarded by the [[Country Music Association]], which went to [[Kenny Rogers]] for ''[[The Gambler (album)|The Gambler]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cmaworld.com/cma-awards/past-winners/ | title=Past CMA Awards Winners and Nominees: Searchable CMA Awards Database – Leon Russell | publisher=[[Country Music Association]] | access-date=August 12, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709135030/http://www.cmaworld.com/cma-awards/past-winners/ | archive-date=July 9, 2017 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The track "[[I Saw the Light (Hank Williams song)|I Saw the Light]]" was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Inspirational Performance|Best Inspirational Performance]] at the 1979 Grammy Awards,<ref name="Grammy history"/> which instead went to [[B. J. Thomas]] for his album ''[[You Gave Me Love (When Nobody Gave Me a Prayer)|You Gave Me Love (When Nobody Gave Me A Prayer)]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/22nd-annual-grammy-awards | title=WINNERS: 22nd Annual GRAMMY Awards (1979) | date=November 28, 2017 | publisher=[[The Recording Academy]] | access-date=August 12, 2018}}</ref>
Russell built and owned Paradise Studios in [[Burbank, California]]; the [[recording studio]] had two audio [[sound stage]]s and one [[Television studio|television production stage]]. The studios complex also had a mobile audio recording bus and [[Outside broadcasting|remote television production bus]] that supported the stages or could travel. Paradise Records was also headquartered at the studio. The studio aired a weekly [[live television]] music show ''[[New Wave Theatre]]'' shown on [[USA network]]. The studio was used to make music videos from [[James Taylor]] and [[Randy Meisner]], also long format video for Willie Nelson, [[J.J.Cale]], [[Bonnie Raitt]] and Leon Russell.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/label/604814-Paradise-Studios-Hollywood|title=Paradise Studios, Hollywood|website=Discogs}}</ref>▼
Russell released ''[[Life and Love (Leon Russell album)|Life And Love]]'', an album on Paradise Records, in 1979. ''Life and Love'' has country, rock blues songs that harked back to Leon's work in the early 1970s.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/life-and-love-mw0000750356 | title=Life and Love – Leon Russell | Songs, Reviews, Credits | website=AllMusic | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref>
===Built "The Church Studio" in Oklahoma===
▲Russell purchased multiple properties in the early 1970s in his home state of Oklahoma, including the historic [[The Church Studio]] in 1972 located on the corner of 3rd Street and Trenton in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The church was also home to Shelter Records. Numerous musicians recorded at The Church, including [[Willie Nelson]], [[Eric Clapton]], [[Bonnie Raitt]], [[Dwight Twilley]], [[Dr. John]], [[JJ Cale]], [[the Gap Band]], [[Freddie King]], [[Phoebe Snow]] and [[Peter Tosh]]. [[Tom Petty]], with his early band [[Mudcrutch]], signed his first record deal with Shelter Records there.<ref>Julie Wenger Watson, [http://nodepression.com/article/leon-russell-has-home-sweet-oklahoma-his-mind "Leon Russell Has Home Sweet Oklahoma on his Mind"], ''[[No Depression (magazine)|No Depression]]'', July 28, 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/nr/listings/20170915.htm|title=Weekly List – National Register of Historic Places Official Website—Part of the National Park Service|website=Nps.gov}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tulsapeople.com/Tulsa-People/September-2013/A-sanctuary-of-sound/|title=A sanctuary of sound |website=TulsaPeople.com|date=August 20, 2013 }}</ref><ref>Paul Zollo, [https://americansongwriter.com/2005/11/the-purity-and-passion-of-tom-petty/5/ "Tom Petty: Purity and Passion"], ''[[American Songwriter]]'', November 1, 2005.</ref>
===''A Poem Is A Naked Person''===
In 1972 after viewing Les Blank’s film, ''The Blues Accordin’ to Lightnin’ Hopkins'', Russell and Cordell hired Blank to film a documentary of the activities at the Shelter Records studio in Russell's compound at the Grand Lake Of The Cherokees in Oklahoma. Blank shot film footage for two years. Russell didn't care for the finished film and during the breakup of Shelter Records, traded his forgiveness of some of Cordell's loans in exchange for full ownership of the film. Russell would not allow the finished film to be shown, saying "This film will never be seen in public".
40 years later, a Disney movie changed Russell's mind. He explained "After Les Blank died, his son, Harrod, came to see me, offering to recut the film and also digitize it to enhance the quality. Plus, I had recently seen a Disney movie, ''Saving Mister Banks''. After watching that, I realized sometimes we just say no to be just saying no, and I realized I was being selfish about it". Harrod Blank re-mastered and released the film, editing out 14 minutes of the original film. Russell said to Harrod Blank "I don’t know how you did it but this is so much better than what I remembered".<ref>{{cite web|last=Tramel|first=Jimmie|url=https://tulsaworld.com/lifestyles/before-leon-russell-events-10-things-to-know-about-tulsas-mayor-of-rock-and-roll/|title=Before Leon Russell events, 10 things to know about Tulsa's mayor of rock and roll|website=tulsaworld.com|date= April 1, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.undertheradarmag.com/interviews/a_talk_with_harrod_blank_director_of_his_father_les_blanks_masterpiece_a_po/|title=A talk with Harrod Blank about his father Les Blank’s masterpiece, A Poem Is A Naked Person|website=undertheradarmag.com|date= June 11, 2024 }}</ref>
▲==="Hank Wilson" persona===
▲In 1973 Russell created the fictional musical personality "Hank Wilson", and recorded the album ''[[Hank Wilson's Back Vol. I]]'' at producer [[Owen Bradley]]'s [[Bradley's Barn]] studio in Nashville. He said "'Hank Wilson' came about on a road trip. I was bringing a car back from L.A., and I stopped at a truck stop that had about 500 country tapes for sale. I bought a bunch and listened to them on the way home (to Tulsa). I don't really listen to records very much, except for research. I liked some of that stuff, though, and thought it would be fun to do a record like that".<ref name="LateNight"/>
▲The album reached #28 on the Billboard chart in 1973. The first track, "[[Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms]]", was a minor hit.<ref name="rockhall1"/><ref>{{cite web | author=Thom Jurek | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/hank-wilsons-back!-mw0000207368 | title=Hank Wilson's Back! – Leon Russell | Songs, Reviews, Credits | website=AllMusic | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/Leon-Russell-Hank-Wilsons-Back-Vol-I/master/447060 | title=Leon Russell – Hank Wilson's Back Vol. I| website=[[Discogs]]| year=1973}}</ref> In 2010, a BBC review called Russell's album "one of the most joyful sidebars of his career... a deeply entertaining album that, like all great country, turns melancholy and gloom into melody and dancing".<ref>{{cite web |last=Quantick |first=David |date=May 1, 1998 |title=Leon Russell Hank Wilson's Back Review|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/5x8r/ |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=bbc.co.uk |publisher=BBC}}</ref>
===The Gap Band===
▲Russell helped the [[Gap Band]], a trio of Tulsa brothers,<ref name=":0">{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-gap-band-mn0000073383/biography | title=The Gap Band {{!}} Biography & History {{!}} AllMusic | website=AllMusic | access-date=September 14, 2016}}</ref> kick off their chart success in 1974. The group went on to produce several funk-disco hits.<ref name=":0" /> The Gap Band backed Russell on his album ''[[Stop All That Jazz]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/stop-all-that-jazz-mw0000207825 | title=Stop All That Jazz – Leon Russell | Songs, Reviews, Credits | website=AllMusic | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref>
===Helped develop Linn drum machines===
As a teenager, Roger Linn played guitar in Russell's band. In 1977 Linn created the first programmable drum machine that used actual drum beat samples.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ogden |first=Shantell|url=https://shantellogden.com/blogs/songwriter-s-journal--2/posts/4166367/from-prince-to-john-mayer-meet-creator-roger-linn|title=From Prince to John Mayer: Meet Creator Roger Linn|via=www.shantellogden.com}}</ref> Russell suggested that Linn also add longer-length loops as well as sampled hand claps, explaining a recording session that included clapping quickly becomes a burden for performers during multiple takes. Russell used Linn's drum machine for all of the percussion on his ''Life And Love'' album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/leon-russell|title=Leon Russell|via=www.namm.org}}</ref>
In 1984 Linn created the pressure sensitive Linn9000 drum machine and credited Russell with the inspiration to add "sloppy" or shuffle timing. Linn explained "It was Leon who taught me about swing timing, which he called 'shuffle'. He explained that one of the big factors in a drummer’s feel was the degree of shuffle timing in his playing... I added the code to delay — by a variable amount... This allowed me to dial in the exact groove I wanted."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carlozo |first=Lou|url=https://reverb.com/it/news/roger-linn-on-drum-samples-prince-and-unlocking-virtuosity-in-electronic-music|title=Roger Linn on Drum Samples, Prince, and Unlocking Virtuosity in Electronic Music|via=www.reverb.com}}</ref>
===Paradise Records===
▲Russell departed Shelter Records in 1976 to start his own record label, [[Paradise Records]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.discogs.com/label/107875-Paradise-Records-8?sort=year&sort_order=asc | title=Paradise Records (8) – CDs and Vinyl | website=Discogs.com | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref>
===Paradise Studios===
▲Russell built and owned Paradise Studios in [[Burbank, California]]; the [[recording studio]] had two audio [[sound stage]]s and one [[Television studio|television production stage]]. The studios complex also had a mobile audio recording bus and [[Outside broadcasting|remote television production bus]] that supported the stages or could travel. Paradise Records was also headquartered at the studio. The studio aired a weekly [[live television]] music show ''[[New Wave Theatre]]'' shown on [[USA network]]. The studio was used to make music videos from [[James Taylor]] and [[Randy Meisner]], also long format video for Willie Nelson, [[J.J.Cale]], [[Bonnie Raitt]] and Leon Russell.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/label/604814-Paradise-Studios-Hollywood|title=Paradise Studios, Hollywood|website=Discogs}}</ref>
===1980s===
===ABC Network "We Belong Together" campaign===
Russell spent 1980 and 1981 touring with the [[New Grass Revival]], releasing two more albums with Paradise Records before the label folded.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/>▼
Russell and [[Aretha Franklin]] were the singers on the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC Television Network]] 1985-1986 Fall promotional campaign. The three and a half minute song "We Belong Together" was written by Brock Walsh. The commercial first aired on July 6, 1986.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvobscurities.com/2008/11/abcs-we-belong-together-image-spot/|title=ABC’s We Belong Together Image Spot|first=Robert|last=Jay|website=TVObscurities.com|date=November 24, 2008 }}</ref>
===1980s recordings and concerts===
▲Russell spent 1980 and 1981
On May 1, 1982, Russell played at [[Joe Ely]]'s Third Annual Tornado Jam in [[Lubbock, Texas]] to a crowd of 25,000. The Jam included [[Joan Jett]] and [[the Crickets]].<ref>[Billboard May 1, 1982, page 30</ref>
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===2000s===
[[File:Leon Russell in 2009.jpg|thumb|Russell in 2009]]
In 2000, Russell and Q Records released ''[[Live at Gilley's]]'', a performance from September 17, 1981, at [[Gilley's Club]].<ref name="auto3">{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-gilleys-mw0000061141 | title=Live at Gilley's – Leon Russell | Songs, Reviews, Credits | website=AllMusic | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref> Also in 2000, Leon Russell Records released the rock album ''Crazy Love'' on CD.<ref name="Leon Russell Latest Albums">{{cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/leon-russell/discography/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312024927/http://www.mtv.com/artists/leon-russell/discography/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 12, 2015 | title=Leon Russell Latest Albums | website=MTV.com | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref>
In 2001, Russell teamed up with multi-instrumentalist Matt Harris to make the latter's album ''Slightly Elliptical Orbit''. They wrote 10 songs for the 12 track album, and Russell sang on the ''This Train'' track. The album was released in 2002 on Leon Russell Records.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/slightly-elliptical-orbit-mw0000216502|title=Slightly Elliptical Orbit - Matt Harris | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic|via=www.allmusic.com}}</ref>
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In 2002, Russell released a 95-minute DVD titled "A Song for You", that features 25 Russell classic songs from the Shelter People to 2001. There is biographical commentary throughout the DVD. The video is of both concerts and studio sessions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-song-for-you-dvd-mw0001258152/releases|title=A Song for You [DVD] - Leon Russell | Releases | AllMusic|via=www.allmusic.com}}</ref> The DVD album ''[[Live And Pickling Fast]]'' was issued in the same year. This was a new album of the live Perkins Palace event on May 15, 1980: it had all the original songs from ''The Live Album (with New Grass Revival)'', plus all the other songs from the event and bonus tracks.<ref name="ReferenceE">{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Leon-Russell-And-The-New-Grass-Revival-Live-And-Pickling-Fast/release/9390038|title=Leon Russell And the New Grass Revival - Live And Pickling Fast|website=Discogs|year=2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Leon-Russell-And-The-New-Grass-Revival-Live-And-Pickling-Fast/release/11073312|title=Leon Russell And the New Grass Revival* - Live And Pickling Fast|website=Discogs|year=2002 }}</ref>
In 2006, Russell did a 12 city concert tour of the US. On April 23, he received the ''Living Legend award'' at [[Bare Bones International Film Festival]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/news/042906.html|title=Leon Russell Records Newsletter|website=www.leonrussellrecords.com}}</ref> and in October he was inducted into the [[Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rocklegendscruise.com/artists/leon-russell/|title=Rock Legends Cruise, Leon Russell|access-date=July 6, 2019|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706211550/https://rocklegendscruise.com/artists/leon-russell/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Also in 2006, Russell released the Okie rock album ''[[Angel in Disguise (Leon Russell album)|Angel in Disguise]]'' on his Leon Russell Records label.<ref name="Thom Jurek">{{cite web|author=Thom Jurek |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/angel-in-disguise-mw0000779301 |title=Angel in Disguise – Leon Russell | Songs, Reviews, Credits |website=AllMusic |date=August 7, 2007 |access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref>
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===2010s===
On January 31, 2010, Russell joined the [[Zac Brown Band]] to play the song ''[[Chicken Fried]]'' at the Grammy Awards. Zac Brown Band won the [[Best New Artist]] award.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1630903/leon-russell-shines-with-zac-brown-band-at-the-grammys/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105020241/http://www.mtv.com/news/1630903/leon-russell-shines-with-zac-brown-band-at-the-grammys/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 5, 2015|title=Leon Russell Shines With Zac Brown Band At The Grammys|author=MTV News Staff|website=MTV News}}</ref>
After years of reduced prominence, Russell's career was rejuvenated when Elton John sought him for a new project.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thespec.com/whatson/article/778650--leon-russell-enjoys-kickstart-from-elton-john | title=Leon Russell enjoys kickstart from Elton John | website=Thespec.com | date=August 11, 2012 | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref> In November 2009, Russell worked with John and [[Bernie Taupin]] on ''[[The Union (Elton John and Leon Russell album)|The Union]]'', a double album record credited equally to Russell and John. Recorded in February 2010 and produced by [[T Bone Burnett]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.berniejtaupin.com/articles.bt?n_id=459564 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317230819/http://www.berniejtaupin.com/articles.bt?n_id=459564 | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 17, 2016 | title=Bernie Taupin :: Articles | website=Berniejtaupin.com | access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref> the CD was released on October 19, 2010.
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The album ''[[On a Distant Shore]]'', recorded in 2016, was posthumously released in September 2017. The album has 12 songs written by Russell. Two of his daughters, Coco Bridges and Sugaree Noel Bridges, perform backing vocals on it.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/review-leon-russells-on-a-distant-shore-is-a-powerful-goodbye-w504766 | title=Review: Leon Russell, "On A Distant Shore" Is a Powerful Posthumous Goodbye | author=David Browne | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=September 21, 2017 | access-date=April 2, 2018}}</ref>
==Failing health, death and burial==
In 2010 Russell had surgery for a brain fluid leak and was treated for heart failure. In July 2016, he suffered a heart attack and underwent heart bypass surgery.
Russell died in his sleep at his Mt. Juliet home on November 13, 2016, at the age of 74.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-leonrussell-idUSKBN1380JM | title=Leon Russell, musician known for dynamic performances, dies at 74 |publisher=Reuters | date=November 13, 2016 | access-date=August 13, 2018}}</ref>
==Musical influence==
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[[Pixies (band)|Pixies]] vocalist [[Black Francis]] credits Russell with influencing his vocal style: "I realise there's a certain kind of vocalising I do that takes its cue from Leon Russell. He sang in a [[Southern United States|Southern]] accent but it was very blown-out and exaggerated, very free and loose."<ref>{{cite news |last=Fox |first=Killian |title=Black Francis: soundtrack of my life |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jun/29/black-francis-soundtrack-of-my-life-pixies |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=June 28, 2014 |access-date=August 13, 2018}}</ref>
One of Russell's titles and signature nicknames is
The depth and scope of Russell's contribution to the music of the twentieth century is illustrated by the following:
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251 total artistic credits<br>
37 types of artistic credit
* Piano
* Arranger
* Keyboards
* Guitar
* Organ
* Electric
* Guest
* Vocals – 11
* Bass
* Miscellaneous – 58 (
282 total writing credits<br>
* Songwriter – 161 credits
* Writer – 87
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==Accolades==
* 1973: Top Concert Attraction in the World
* 1979: Muskogee (Oklahoma) Living Legend
* 2006: Lifetime Achievement Award
* 2006: Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame
* 2011: Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame
* 2011: [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]
* 2011: Songwriters Hall of Fame
* 2018: "A Song For You"
* 2022: Oklahoma Hall of Fame
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