Leon Russell began playing music in his home city of Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 14, before he made the move to L.A. Here he became a member of famed studio group 'The Wrecking Crew', working with producer Phil Spector and playing on countless hit records throughout the 60s. At the end of the decade he went on to work with Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett both in the studio and on stage, before organising and leading the band for Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour. His first song writing success came with “Delta Lady”, which gave Cocker a top ten hit in the UK. With this impressive resume already to his name, he was hot news when his own debut album was released in 1970. Leon Russell remains one of his best to this day, a fusion of high-octane rock, blues and gospel, dominated throughout by his distinctive southern drawl and rollicking piano. Among the other musicians that appeared alongside him were the Bramletts, Joe Cocker, Jim Gordon, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, and many more...It included what are usually considered his two greatest songs, his own version of “Delta Lady” (which arguably puts Cocker’s version to shame), and the tender ballad “A Song For You”, which itself has been covered by countless other artists. The divine "Hummingbird" was also recorded by BB King.
|> Leon Russell & The Shelter People (1971)
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6 comments:
Such a great album and really under-rated artist. ASk any one under 40 today who he is and you'll get bupkiss! AND I'M 37! Grew up with his stuff! Shelter People is my fave but Asylum Choir II is up there... Thanks for the posts!
Many thanks for these 4 classic Leon Rusell albums. A treasure, a fantastic gift. You have a great blog with great entries.
Warm regards from Spain
Relayer
Thanks!
Gracias, tu blog es muy bueno y tu lista de discos es impresionante.
Saludos desde México.
Thanks so much for all these Leon Russell albums,splendid really.
Cheers Dan.
Love Leon and have from the moment I saw him in 1970 during the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. What a show that was! And Leon, what a writer, what bandleader, what a producer/arranger and the best piano player of our era. Oh and loved his Okie drawling, raspy voice. You always knew it was Leon. Missing him but so glad his music will be here forever.
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