Leon Russell

Leon Russell (born Claude Russell Bridges; April 2, 1942 – November 13, 2016) was an American musician and songwriter. He recorded as a session musician and sideman. He had a solo career. He had 31 albums to his credit and recorded about 430 songs.

He wrote the song "Delta Lady", recorded by Joe Cocker. He also organized Cocker's "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" tour in 1970. More than 100 artists have recorded his "A Song for You" (1970).

Russell produced and played in recording sessions for Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Ike & Tina Turner, the Rolling Stones, and others. He wrote and recorded the hits "Tight Rope" and "Lady Blue". In 2011 he was added into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and introduced by longtime friend Elton John.

Russell died in his sleep at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 13, 2016 from heart failure while recovering from heart surgery, at the age of 74.

References

Category:1942 births
Category:2016 deaths
Category:Deaths from surgical complications
Category:Deaths from heart failure
Category:Singer-songwriters from Tennessee
Category:American country singers
Category:American country guitarists
Category:American rock guitarists
Category:American rock singers
Category:American folk singers
Category:American blues musicians
Category:American pianists
Category:People from Lawton, Oklahoma
Category:Musicians from Oklahoma
Category:Singers from Oklahoma
Category:Singers from Nashville, Tennessee
Category:Musicians from Tennessee