leon russell
Leon founded Shelter Records with partner Denny Cordell and released Leon’s first solo album, “Leon Russell” in May, 1970. [1]
Leon Russell (born Claude Russell Bridges on April 2, 1942 in Lawton, Oklahoma) is a singer, songwriter, pianist, and guitarist. [2]
The ultimate rock & roll session man, Leon Russell’s long and storied career includes collaborations with a virtual who’s who of music icons spanning from Jerry Lee Lewis to Phil Spector to the Rolling Stones. [3]
Leon Russell is a music legend and perhaps the most accomplished and versatile musician in the history of rock ‘n roll. [1]
Born Claude Russell Bridges on April 2, 1942, in Lawton, OK, he began studying classical piano at age three, a decade later adopting the trumpet and forming his first band. [4]
Russell released an eponymous solo album shortly after the Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour, Leon Russell, which included the original version of the popular “A Song for You “, which has become one of the most widely covered songs of all time, with versions released by artists as varied as Donny Hathaway, Christina Aguilera and Tulsa natives Joe and Ellen. [5]
In June of 1975, Russell married singer Mary McCreary; the following year the couple collaborated on The Wedding Album, issued through his newly formed Paradise Records label. [4]
After graduating from high school, Leon’s band, The Starlighters, went on the road with Jerry Lee Lewis for almost two months. [...] Leon built a recording studio in his home in 1967 where he and Marc Benno recorded songs which were released on two critically acclaimed records as the ‘Asylum Choir’. [1]
Moving into the new century, Russell issued Moonlight & Love Songs, an album of cover songs, in 2002, followed by Angel in Disguise five years later in 2007. [4]
Russell built his own recording studio in 1967 and, in a collaboration with Marc Benno, recorded his first LP (Look Inside the Asylum Choir). [5]
At the height of his popularity as a rock star, Leon released a country music album, “Hank Wilson’s Back” under the name Hank Wilson on August 31st,1973. [1]
With a solo career spanning the genres of rock, blues, and gospel, Russell began his musical career at 14, lying about his age to land a gig playing backup at a Tulsa nightclub to play with Ronnie Hawkins behind Jerry Lee Lewis. [2]
In 1967, Russell built his own recording studio, teaming with guitarist Marc Benno to record the acclaimed Look Inside the Asylum Choir LP. [4]
Ray Charles recorded ‘A Song For You’, B.B. King had a hit with ‘Hummingbird’, The Carpenters with ‘Superstar’ and Joe Cocker with ‘Delta Lady’. [1]
Sources:
[1] Leon Russell
[2] Leon Russell ‘ Discover music, videos, concerts, & pictures …
[3] Leon Russell music - Listen Free on Jango || Pictures, Videos …
[4] Leon Russell: Information from Answers.com
[5] Leon Russell - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia