Leon Russell was one of the great under appreciated rock and roll artists of our time. I have always been a fan of his solo work and I first saw him live in concert at BB King’s Blues Club in Times Sqaure. He was no longer the rock and roll wild man who played with George Harrison and the Rolling Stones. Slightly resembling Colonial Sanders, Leon Russell sauntered carefully on stage with the help of a walking stick but when he sat down behind his piano he was clearly at home. 

The times I was able to attend his shows Leon played for about an hour and a quarter and left you wanting more. The word was he was down on his luck, appearing to be not in the greatest health, and touring because he needed the money. 

Elton John rejuvenated Russell’s  career with The Union project and tour while also being the impetus for Leon’s well deserved Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction. 

I last saw Mr. Russell open for Hot Tuna at the NYCB at Westbury theatre with a band of twenty something year old players who hopefully appreciated the legend they shared the stage with. Unfortunately I had decided that night  not to see Leon Russell again as his portion of the bill was heavy on his playing piano at breakneck speed with less emphasis on his extraordinarily deep song catalog. 

Leon Russell will be missed but remembered for all time as one of the great rock and roll side men and for beautiful soulful musical compositions that will stand the test of time.

A Song for You

Rock on

GQ