Date of Birth: April 2, 1942
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: November 13, 2016
Biography
Leon Russell, born Claude Russell Bridges, was an influential American musician and songwriter known for his distinctive voice, keyboard mastery, and eclectic musical style. Born on April 2, 1942, in Lawton, Oklahoma, Russell began his career as a session musician in Los Angeles, playing piano for the likes of The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, and The Byrds. His solo career took off in the 1970s with hits like “A Song for You,” “Tight Rope,” and “Delta Lady.” Russell’s music spanned multiple genres, including rock, country, and gospel, and he was known for his collaborations with other music legends such as Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan, and George Harrison. His contributions to music were recognized with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Leon Russell passed away on November 13, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music.
5 Interesting Facts about Leon Russell
1. Leon Russell played piano on the iconic track “Mr. Tambourine Man” by The Byrds.
2. He performed at George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh in 1971, one of the first major rock benefits.
3. Russell was a founding member of the band Mad Dogs & Englishmen, which backed Joe Cocker on his tour.
4. He co-wrote “Superstar,” which became a huge hit for The Carpenters.
5. He owned and operated his own recording studio, Shelter Records, which helped launch the careers of artists like Tom Petty.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Leon Russell
1. “Music is the soundtrack of your life.”
2. “I love playing. If it ain’t fun, I don’t want to do it.”
3. “I just try to get the best players, and I try to get the best out of them.”
4. “My style is a mixture of rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm and blues, country and gospel.”
5. “I’m not in it for the fame. I’m in it because I like to play.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Leon Russell was estimated to be around $600,000.
Children
Leon Russell had six children: Blue, Teddy Jack, Tina Rose, Sugaree, Honey, and Coco.
Relevant Links
1. [Leon Russell – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame](https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/leon-russell
2. [Leon Russell Official Website](http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/
3. [Leon Russell on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/leon-russell-mn0000244230
5. [Leon Russell on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0751093/
