First let me say I think I’m in love with you and thank you for being a younger person that clearly loved him and did an overview of his works with a sense of professionalism that is often lost on younger you tubers. This video was in a Facebook thread I follow for lifers and as one of his daughters, I am constantly looking at articles and videos highlighting others more than him(when they are supposed to be about him), do some low key bashing or just don’t have a good enough knowledge on him to speak at length about his talent. I love that you were moved by this performance and didn’t stop it every five seconds or comment on Emily baking or something else that detracts from the performance. This is the best video I have seen on RUclips and the best video I have seen about him. I love how engaged you were with the music and your smile and enjoyment made me happy. Listening to you talk about him made me feel like he won’t be forgotten. I appreciate the time this took and the knowledge you had. Sincerely, Honey
Bless your heart, Honey, for writing such a heartfelt comment. I am so sorry that there are videos about your beloved father out there that are less wonderful than than this one.
Back in 1970 I pick up 2 long hairs with guitars hitching in Santa Barbra and gave them a ride to a little town named Cotati . I was invited for dinner and the night since I was driving back to Washington . I only knew his first name , Leon , till I got back to Tower Records in Tacoma , Wash and saw his picture on an album and shit my pants I had Leon Russell and didn't know it .
There was nothing that Leon couldn’t do. This man deserves a documentary made about his life. Please, if anyone can do this I implore you to get it done. He was such an important figure in the industry and I’m sure that he will NEVER, EVER be forgotten. Leon made this world a better place and we MUST honor his accomplishments. Many blessings to his wife and children. I love and miss you Leon Russell.
@@desertbloom12 IMO, it's not a very good one, A Poem is a Naked Person. I saw it & met him when it premiered at The Film Forum in NYC. That was more a film about him rather than a documentary about him. Leon seemed just so-so about it, but in speaking there, said his wife Jan didn't care for it.
I love Leon's singing as he's so genuine. I saw him in concert back in late 69 or 70 and I was up front by the stage and the crowd rushed the stage and I was smashed up against it feeling like I wasn't gonna be able to sit or stand comfortably. So, I started looking around wondering how I could get out of the situation. And so I was starting to feel panicked and Leon looked down at me and a few others who were going through the same thing and as he was starting to play another song he stopped and said listen people you can't push your way into stardom so why don't some of you sit down. I looked around and there was no sitting down for me, so he says to us being smashed in the front I want the first line of you who are feeling like sardines to walk down to the end of the stage and walk up the stairs and come sit down up here on the floor. I looked around to see if I could even move and Leon pointed to me and said Come on up here honey sit down and enjoy the show. So, I did the you mean me? As I pointed to myself and he says yes darling come on up, please hurry so I can get to playing cause I'm kinda needing to get going. I couldn't believe it I felt so thankful that he would stop and address the problem and be kind enough to make sure everyone was gonna enjoy the show. A true gentleman if ever there was one. I enjoyed the hell outta the show that night. All thanks to Leon being a true gentleman. God Bless Leon what a beautiful soul he was. ♥️♥️♥️
Впервые услышал эту композицию в 1976 году. На магнитной ленте . Это был долбаный СССР. Как много классной музыки у меня украли коммунисты. Позже стало легче, а потом Советы совсем сошли на нет. Теперь, в 64 года, я знаю про Лео и его творчество намного больше. Спасибо Великому Музыканту и Исполнителю!
Leon was a legend. He was the full package: a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, sideman, bandleader, arranger, and an electrifying live performer. Thanks for this analysis video, Fil!
He was a legend! His performances are iconic and he deserves to be not only remembered , but continued to be played. NO ONE sounds and writes like Leon! Wow, he was A MAZ ING!
I've met Leon 3 times. All at the SAENGER THEATRE in New Orleans, Louisiana. BACKSTAGE he was gracious, kind , and very interesting to talk to. By the 3rd meeting he remembered mine and my wife's names. It's truly amazing at the amount of people who he's played with and the group of people with BACKSTAGE PASSES AFTER SHOW. That he had the ability to connect with regular fans.
If you really wanna enjoy Leon's Eyes & Hair, check out the YT of him at The Paradise. No shades, no hat, styled hair, quite something to see. Soooooo good looking!!
What a great man. So talented. Very sad story at the end of his life. Elton John found him alone and very sick. I cried when I saw Elton John introduce him at what I think was the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. He could hardly get out of his chair, and had to have two men help him to the lecturn to speak. He was so weak and frail, you could hardly hear his voice. So different from the loud, twangy southern drawl he sang with as a performer. One of the best piano players of all time. played with the wrecking crew at 15 years old. Was on many albums as a studio musician. Glenn Campbell, Areatha Franklin, so many others. Thank you to Sir Elton John for what he did for an old friend. Elton was crying like a Baby, just as many of us watching on tv were.
Just saw that clip of Elton's tribute last night for the first time...I cried. I've been deep diving into Leon's work and associations...Incredible. Getting sidetracked often since he influenced/worked with so many and played on countless records. Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Concert For Bangladesh, Delaney and Bonnie, Clapton, Stones, Dylan, Sinatra, Beach Boys- on and on...Truly an American legend.
Born in my adopted hometown Lawton Oklahoma. Fantastic piano player. Any genre. A quintessential session guy he's played with and for scores of musicians from the Beach Boys to Sinatra to Vince Gil. Elton John opened for him back in the day. Elton also cited him as his biggest influence as a pianist singer-songwriter. His signature piano style was unique and eclectic, his Okie twang singing was equally unique. *He* was unique, and a great example of distinct Americana that appealed to the world. We were fortunate to witness this truly amazing personality, musician and influence. RIP Leon Russell 1942-2016
It must have been great to see him, i only ever saw him on film .Mad Dog,s and.....firstmovie of him when about 11 yrs old at theatre but his one for the road album my dad liked so much he kept it in his collection,you are fortunate to see him live i can imagine ........
Heard tell that as a teenager he played in a group with J.J. Cale before he headed west to join the Wrecking Crew. Pull up J.J. Cale and Leon Russel at Paradise Studio, 1979ish.
A musicians musician you can try him to most artist of that time and he cover so many types of music. I got to see him once a couple of years before he died he walk out slowly with a cane. sat down at a white pinstriped grand piano and sounded just a fresh as if it was the Seventies.told stories about artist he worked with and just general total present on stage.they will never be anyone quite like him.
I've been listening to Leon since before I knew it was Leon I was listening to back in the '60s. Always the consummate artist not just musician but a true artist he could paint the most beautiful story with his piano and his songs. And when you look at the careers he helped further and inspired he becomes even more amazing. Leon Russell The Master of space and Time literally and figuratively. A true genius and when you read or hear some of his philosophies he just becomes more and more captivating and amazing.
I had the Concert for Bangledesh on vinyl when I was a kid. I played he side with Jumpin Jack Flash and Youngblood so much, I wore the grooves off. Now, whenever I hear the Stones do Jumpin Jack Flash, I think..."Hey! That don't sound right! ". Another Highlight of that album is when Leon sings the second verse of "Beware of Darkness". It always gives me goosebumps. I'll bet I'm not the only one!
Just stunning. Many have recorded this song but none can touch Leon's pain and beauty. This was released the year my daughter was born and I remember playing it over and over on my record player while rocking my daughter in my arms. RIP, Leon!
you can see how this song is moving you on a deep level. So nice to see a youngster appreciate true soul music. My Mom was in love with Leon and I took her to see him at the Belly Up b/4 she passed over. Leon was our bond.
Great job getting in all that and never sounding rushed! .........Glen Campbell encouraged Leon when he was nervous at his first job as a session player in LA, "Just do what you do back home, they don't know anything out here." After Leon became a respected session musician, he arrived late for a recording session with the notoriously mean Phil Spector , who berated him as he made his way to the piano. Leon walked with a limp and it took him awhile . Phil kept it up after Leon sat down, so he just got up, closed the piano and left. Yay, Leon!
@@gsdsteve8825 Thanks! It was a just a memory of a story for me...I didn't recall it from the Wrecking Crew doc...plenty of time to enjoy that again, now. Take care!
The sheer range and number of musicians Leon played for or with is incredible... Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Elton John, Ike and Tina Turner, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, the Ventures and many others. I first became aware of him when he performed at George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh in '71. He played (and sang the vocals) in a group rendition of Jumpin' Jack Flash and Youngblood😀
Fil; Leon started out playing through Southern Gospel traditions. There is always an element of that in his playing. He did so much with his life; pianist, player of many instruments, singer, writer, producer and arranger all while living as a generous soul.
1995 or 1996 I was working at Marathon Coach, sitting in our fishbowl (our office, I was the accounting manager) where I could see outside to the parking lot. Saw an older bus come in and this guy with long white hair and beard came out of it and I immediately said, holy fuck, that's Leon Russell. No one in the office knew who he was. I didn't go out and speak to him. Wanted to give him his privacy, but I wish I had went out to meet him. What a treasure he was to the music world.
One of the all time greatest musicians who literally went full circle. Thank you Elton for not letting people forget this great talent. I also believe people would be stunned at how many bands he played with.
So glad to see Leon getting recognized, he was such an instrumental part of the music I heard growing up in the 70's. He had a recording studio in the town that I grew up in and back in the early 70's you never knew who you would see there. Elton John, Eric Clapton, JJ Cale, Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, and so many others back then.
I am a "Brookside kid" born and raised in Tulsa until 1968. Leon was a somewhat mysterious guy to many of us. He was a top sessions player in the Wrecking Crew in the 60's providing piano work to many of the great pop and rock & roll classics. The Joe Cocker tour and the Concert For Bangladesh introduced him to a wider audience even back home. Leon moved back to Tulsa from LA and established Shelter Records in an old abandoned church in 1969. Leon signed J.J. Cale, the Dwight Twilly Band (Dwight was in my 8th grade gym class), and even Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers cut an LP on their way from Gainesville to LA. The great Freddie King, influential blues guitarist,and the GAP Band also were signed to the label. The original Grease Band, the backing group for Joe Cocker also recorded on Shelter Records. They played behind Joe at the 1st Woodstock Festival. Shelter distributed all these groups and artists under various agreements. Shelter continued as an active label until 1979, when ABC, its main distributor, was sold to MCA. It officially closed down in 1981. The "Tulsa Sound" is unique because of the city's geographical location. Musical influences from Western Swing, New Orleans Jazz, Delta Blues, Memphis Soul, hill billy blue grass, and a dab of old style Nashville can be heard interwoven in the sound. Leon stands out as the truly unique Master of Space & Time. There was no one like him.
I first heard Leon Russel on the radio in the early/mid 1970's. I remember immediately thinking.... . .." I gotta find out who this guy is". I've been blessed by his music ever since. Thank you Leon.
We opened for Leon a couple of times back in the Eighties, kinda quirky but nice guy. One of my favorites of his is Bluebird, and of course Lady Blue and Masquerade. Youngblood!!
IM A GUITARIST WHO GREW UP IN TULSA. WE USED TO SEE LEON IN HIS ROLLS ROYCE ALL THE TIME. AND YOU WOULD ALWAYS HEAR GEORGE HARRISON OR CLAPTON WOULD BE IN TOWN. HE WENT TO WILL ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL AS DID I. HE WASNT ALOUD TO PLAY IN TULSA BECAUSE HE MARRIED A BLACK GIRL. BUT THAT WAS LIFTED AND I WENT TO THAT CONCERT. IT WAS AMAZING. TULSA WAS A COOL TOWN TO GROW UP IN. HENCE MY STAGE NAME BILL TULSA. LOL. GREAT VIDEO THANX
I was in high school when he married Mary and they played music together, her on keys too. I didn't ever remember hearing that their marriage made him persona non grata on any Tulsa stage. Then again, there are a few racial secrets about my hometown I never knew. Still a great city, though. It's where Clapton picked out his rhythm section!
That was terrible that his beloved Tulsa banned him because of his marriage to a black lady. There was also so much predjudice against men with long hair & beards that he was also forbidden to order food at a restaurant & kicked out.
I just wanted to say thank you for paying the proper respect to Leon Russell. He is my all-time favorite musician ever and I was lucky enough to see him in concert 9 times. no matter what I was going through he could melt it all away. I have to say I love that you put the research in and that you truly knew so much about Leon. That's pretty awesome.
Thank you so much for your insightful, educated, and thorough review of "A Song For You," by Leon Russell. I appreciated it a great deal. I think Leon was underappreciated during his lifetime, and it is gratifying to me to hear you lay out the reasons so succinctly.
I don't think he was underappreciated. He was so well known and loved by the music community and there are thousands and thousands of we Leon fans out there.
@@queenslanddiva i agree leon was always GREATLY appreciated he is just not very...talked about...so its more about his massive talent being taken for granted "and then, of course, there is leon russell"
Thanks Brotherrrrrrr ... He did a really nice break away blues riff in there... And i saw a huge smile come to your face... It really was that good... Rock on..
I saw him play at an assembly at my high school, Nathan Hale, Tulsa. I spoke to him in town, though he mostly lived in LA by then. He was tired but still gracious.
I was so fortunate to see him live. What a performer and he played with so many people. He had that long gorgeous hair. I don’t he even `cut it. What a genius he was. See u in Rock N Roll stairway! Gotta love the Wilson’s on the piano...I smoked Marlbos even placed one between my neck strings so I could take a puff between songs...that and Jack N Pepsi! Always...
I’ve seen Leon many times, once in the 70s with the shelter people in Tampa Florida. Very unforgettable. So thru the years I finally got married and had 3 kids. Once I drew a charcoal portrait of Leon with the hat at shelter people time. My kids always loved that picture and they also listened to Leon thru the years. At my wedding party we played Emily as it was my nieces name and we danced. Finally when my children were teens the entire family saw Leon in Stuart Florida. Leon was older and still had his long hair and sunglasses. When Leon and the band walked out everyone stood up and cheered. I cried. My family was overwhelmed as they realized here was this guy we learned about thru the years. This guy they knew played with just about everyone. My family was in awe. Me too of course again. Later my daughter and I saw Leon in Fort Lauderdale a few years back. My daughter brought her little Yamaha guitar and Leon signed it. I am personally a HUGE Leon fan and always have loved the entertainment he has given me thru the years. Still listening to Leon today!!!!!
Fil, thank you so much for taking the time and care to review this performance and to give an overview of Leon’s life in music. I’ve been loving and listening to him since the early 70s in high school. He’s had a huge impact on me. I now live just north of Tulsa, in Kansas, and while driving through Tulsa about 7 years ago, a friend gave me a small leather keychain with The Church stamped on it, and a matching guitar pick tucked inside. I treasure it, although unfortunately the pick disappeared awhile ago. Leon Russell … what an artist. ❤
The WRECKING CREW, Glen, Carol, others...then friendship with Elton, collab with David Gates...wow. I am a "strict" piano player. I spent days pulling apart this live version of Leon's. I still get goosebumps from the emotion coming out of this man. When it comes to feel, three performances come to mind...Santana's/Carlos's drug-infused performance at Woodstock, Chet Baker's My Funny Valentine (original), and, of course, this live version of Leon Russell's A Song For You. When you nail it, you nail it!
Saw Leon 3 times twice at the Fillmore. Once I was on LSD, we were right up to the stage. Ushers asked us to scoot over and the Pointer sisters were right next to us for the show.
Wow so many people do not know the Hank Wilson alter ego of Leon Russell. I must have been interrupted while listening to this reaction the first time. Thank you for the BEST reaction to Leon Russell that I have ever heard. He’s one of my favorites. I had bought tickets to see him on that last tour before he became ill and passed away. I never missed a chance to see Leon. Thank you again. ❤️ I miss knowing that I share the same planet with The Master of Space and Time.
One of the greatest musical experiences of my life, was getting to see Leon in a small little biker concert shed, such an amazing and soulful musician. It was sadly just a year or so before he passed. His work and influence is spread throughout musical history. A great session musician, amazing songwriter, and eye for talent and soul. A true master of space and time. RIP Leon Russell you are missed.
The master of space and time. Probably one of the best arrangers of music ever. Just ask Joe Cocker. I’m glad Elton got Leon some more exposure before Leon passed.
I saw Leon in 1971 in NYC..He was just so magnetic and a great musician without making it look like he was showing off.He let's all the musicians and singers show their stuff..and his concerts were like being in a big tent.."Leon said "it was an artificially induced religious experience" and that says it all!!!Loved him!!!
Leon's love for community and collaboration was Heaven-sent. I fell head over heels for him seeing Concert For Bangladesh and again through his incredible songs on Carney. Lucky, lucky, lucky me/us who know & love him forever.❤🎉
Leon was a total genius. Disgrace it took sooo long for Leon to inducted into the Halls of Fame. His music and performances shaped my world. I watched the funeral service and cried and cried. Love you Leon.
not only were his piano skills and melodic imagination outstanding and unique his mastery of language and expression is one of a kind. there must have been outstanding education in Tulsa or maybe just the way the stars aligned for Leon to have been in high school with both David gates and jj Cale.
OMG the fog's thicker than I thought! I had forgotten I saw Leon with his wife, Mary, back in the late 70's, until I watched this video. Keep 'em coming, I want to see what else comes out of the fog. LOL
Leon has been my hero since I first heard him with the Asylum Choir. He's the only artist I have always had everything he released through the years. Ex-wives took my libraries a couple times, but the first sets I rebuilt were always Leon Russell, always. Thanks so much Fil. I'm going to go listen to Leon now.
@@fredpatterson5093 you mean CRUEL ex-wives. But they took substantial parts of a library. We're talking hundreds of cds, LPs. Etc. The last one took 900 cds.
The first rock concert I ever went to was to see Leon Russell. I think I was twelve years old. I had to hitchhike to get to the show. Going to a Leon Russell concert; and I saw him several times after that first time, was like going to rock n' roll church. Except Leon Russell's rock n' roll church celebrated the carnal, as well as the spiritual nature of humanity.
It's so nice you featured Leon and this beautiful song. He had a huge impact as a session player. His piano playing is in many famous songs. This is a tender beautiful song by a master.
I sent this song sung by Karen Carpenter to my boyfriend, hoping he would get the message. What a treasure! I love hearing Mr. Leon Russell sing it as well. Makes me cry every time!! (My boyfriend makes me cry too.) Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for your appreciation of our great Leon. I saw him seven times and was at four of his birthday bashes in the seventies. He was a god to us as teens in Tulsa. RIP Uncle Leon.
I loved him from the first time I heard him and still love him and miss him. Thank goodness he left such a wonderful legacy with his many memorable songs. Thank you for appreciating his great talent and taking the time to delve deeply into his work. God bless you!
So many of his solo albums are great too. As this video shows, Leon was best experienced live. He had a magnetic stage presence and knew how to get us up and dancing or sit and listen.
Wow Fil: Discovered Leon Russell and B.B. King when I was twelve. So much love for this amazing talent. His fingers had a wider spread than most piano players. ❤️
One thing to note regarding Leon Russell is that he was an intentional, amazing vocalist. I see many comments regarding his singing. He cut a track under the name CJ Russell in 1963 titled The Girl I Lost in the Rain which was written and produced by David Gates which demonstrates his beautiful vocal abilities.
Hi Fil! When I heard the name Leon Russell I thought of Rita Coolidge! I sometimes put people together like that! I remember them being together! She talks about them being lovers back in the day! He sure had a distinctive voice! He also could play that piano like no other! A great musician! Thanks for going to the 70’s! In my 20’s back then....✌️
I have been begging other reactors to take a look at Leon, but you are the first. A Tulsa legend and one of the greatest piano players in rock history. What is even more amazing is that he had limited use of one his hands. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
First let me say I think I’m in love with you and thank you for being a younger person that clearly loved him and did an overview of his works with a sense of professionalism that is often lost on younger you tubers. This video was in a Facebook thread I follow for lifers and as one of his daughters, I am constantly looking at articles and videos highlighting others more than him(when they are supposed to be about him), do some low key bashing or just don’t have a good enough knowledge on him to speak at length about his talent. I love that you were moved by this performance and didn’t stop it every five seconds or comment on Emily baking or something else that detracts from the performance. This is the best video I have seen on RUclips and the best video I have seen about him. I love how engaged you were with the music and your smile and enjoyment made me happy. Listening to you talk about him made me feel like he won’t be forgotten. I appreciate the time this took and the knowledge you had.
Sincerely,
Honey
Thanks for the kind words Honey they're much appreciated! ☺
There is no way Leon Russell will be forgotten. I, for one, can't imagine my life without listening to him.
Bless your heart, Honey, for writing such a heartfelt comment. I am so sorry that there are videos about your beloved father out there that are less wonderful than than this one.
Back in 1970 I pick up 2 long hairs with guitars hitching in Santa Barbra and gave them a ride to a little town named Cotati . I was invited for dinner and the night since I was driving back to Washington . I only knew his first name , Leon , till I got back to Tower Records in Tacoma , Wash and saw his picture on an album and shit my pants I had Leon Russell and didn't know it .
He deserves nothing,but the greatest of respects, thank you so very very much for sharing your story Honey.❤️❤️❤️🇨🇦
There was nothing that Leon couldn’t do. This man deserves a documentary made about his life. Please, if anyone can do this I implore you to get it done. He was such an important figure in the industry and I’m sure that he will NEVER, EVER be forgotten. Leon made this world a better place and we MUST honor his accomplishments. Many blessings to his wife and children. I love and miss you Leon Russell.
There is a docu on Leon!
I’m a Tulsa girl! As kids we would climb up on his fence. One night they mowed it down . There are 5 houses now. Sad ❤️U Leon.
@@desertbloom12 IMO, it's not a very good one, A Poem is a Naked Person. I saw it & met him when it premiered at The Film Forum in NYC. That was more a film about him rather than a documentary about him. Leon seemed just so-so about it, but in speaking there, said his wife Jan didn't care for it.
I love Leon's singing as he's so genuine. I saw him in concert back in late 69 or 70 and I was up front by the stage and the crowd rushed the stage and I was smashed up against it feeling like I wasn't gonna be able to sit or stand comfortably. So, I started looking around wondering how I could get out of the situation. And so I was starting to feel panicked and Leon looked down at me and a few others who were going through the same thing and as he was starting to play another song he stopped and said listen people you can't push your way into stardom so why don't some of you sit down. I looked around and there was no sitting down for me, so he says to us being smashed in the front I want the first line of you who are feeling like sardines to walk down to the end of the stage and walk up the stairs and come sit down up here on the floor. I looked around to see if I could even move and Leon pointed to me and said Come on up here honey sit down and enjoy the show. So, I did the you mean me? As I pointed to myself and he says yes darling come on up, please hurry so I can get to playing cause I'm kinda needing to get going. I couldn't believe it I felt so thankful that he would stop and address the problem and be kind enough to make sure everyone was gonna enjoy the show. A true gentleman if ever there was one. I enjoyed the hell outta the show that night. All thanks to Leon being a true gentleman. God Bless Leon what a beautiful soul he was. ♥️♥️♥️
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Amazing. Thanks for your wonderful story Paula!
Wow!!!
Thanks for sharing this story. It really shows how caring Leon was.
Впервые услышал эту композицию в 1976 году. На магнитной ленте . Это был долбаный СССР. Как много классной музыки у меня украли коммунисты. Позже стало легче, а потом Советы совсем сошли на нет. Теперь, в 64 года, я знаю про Лео и его творчество намного больше. Спасибо Великому Музыканту и Исполнителю!
Leon was a legend. He was the full package: a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, sideman, bandleader, arranger, and an electrifying live performer. Thanks for this analysis video, Fil!
Not to mention a good soul.
He was a legend! His performances are iconic and he deserves to be not only remembered , but continued to be played. NO ONE sounds and writes like Leon! Wow, he was A MAZ ING!
When giants roamed the earth. RIP Leon Russell
Says it all
❤
I've met Leon 3 times. All at the SAENGER THEATRE in New Orleans, Louisiana. BACKSTAGE he was gracious, kind , and very interesting to talk to. By the 3rd meeting he remembered mine and my wife's names. It's truly amazing at the amount of people who he's played with and the group of people with BACKSTAGE PASSES AFTER SHOW. That he had the ability to connect with regular fans.
I loved Leon he was a master showman. You had to see him live to get the whole picture. His eyes and hair were beautiful..
If you really wanna enjoy Leon's Eyes & Hair, check out the YT of him at The Paradise. No shades, no hat, styled hair, quite something to see. Soooooo good looking!!
Wanna know what a captivating artist Leon was? Fil didn't stop the video . Don't think I've ever seen that with him. R.I.P. Mr. Russell.
I had the exact same feeling--Leon was such a captivating artist that Fil couldn't stop the video. R.I.P. Leon Russell.
Exactly.
I noticed that too. 👍🤗
Mr. Bridges...
Yep
Leon the legend! You don’t interrupt a Leon performance. Master of space and time.
loved that man to the moon and back
What a great man. So talented. Very sad story at the end of his life. Elton John found him alone and very sick. I cried when I saw Elton John introduce him at what I think was the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame ceremony. He could hardly get out of his chair, and had to have two men help him to the lecturn to speak. He was so weak and frail, you could hardly hear his voice. So different from the loud, twangy southern drawl he sang with as a performer. One of the best piano players of all time. played with the wrecking crew at 15 years old. Was on many albums as a studio musician. Glenn Campbell, Areatha Franklin, so many others. Thank you to Sir Elton John for what he did for an old friend. Elton was crying like a Baby, just as many of us watching on tv were.
He had the most beautiful hands. Sigh.
Leon was not alone. He was very loved by his wife, Jan, and family.
Just saw that clip of Elton's tribute last night for the first time...I cried. I've been deep diving into Leon's work and associations...Incredible. Getting sidetracked often since he influenced/worked with so many and played on countless records. Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Concert For Bangladesh, Delaney and Bonnie, Clapton, Stones, Dylan, Sinatra, Beach Boys- on and on...Truly an American legend.
Elton forgot about his mentor Leon…shameful.
In my view, Leon had the greatest debut album of all time. "Hummingbird" "Roll Away the Stone" "Delta Lady", "A Song for You" - ridiculous talent.
I agree completely. I can't seem to hear any of his videos without tearing up. Oh, wasted, fleeting youth...
One of the 👍 greats.Some him perform in a crowd of 20,000.And in a old theater with 300 people.A remarkable enter trainer!
That descending piano cascading down... sheer Heaven. The world misses you, Leon.
see Leon in 1964 on telev.ision program, "SHINDIG" - - NO BEARD OR HAIR in black & white broadcast
❤😢 we miss you Leon.
He was brilliant composer.
Born in my adopted hometown Lawton Oklahoma. Fantastic piano player. Any genre. A quintessential session guy he's played with and for scores of musicians from the Beach Boys to Sinatra to Vince Gil. Elton John opened for him back in the day. Elton also cited him as his biggest influence as a pianist singer-songwriter. His signature piano style was unique and eclectic, his Okie twang singing was equally unique. *He* was unique, and a great example of distinct Americana that appealed to the world. We were fortunate to witness this truly amazing personality, musician and influence. RIP Leon Russell 1942-2016
Well said, MM.
It must have been great to see him, i only ever saw him on film .Mad Dog,s and.....firstmovie of him when about 11 yrs old at theatre but his one for the road album my dad liked so much he kept it in his collection,you are fortunate to see him live i can imagine ........
Heard tell that as a teenager he played in a group with J.J. Cale before he headed west to join the Wrecking Crew. Pull up J.J. Cale and Leon Russel at Paradise Studio, 1979ish.
He had the most beautiful hands. Swoon.
A musicians musician you can try him to most artist of that time and he cover so many types of music. I got to see him once a couple of years before he died he walk out slowly with a cane. sat down at a white pinstriped grand piano and sounded just a fresh as if it was the Seventies.told stories about artist he worked with and just general total present on stage.they will never be anyone quite like him.
mbsnyderc i too saw him about 7-8 years ago. So glad i was able to see him as i was introduced to his music wheni was in 7 th/8th grade. 70’/71
mbsnyderc yeah I had an album back in the late ‘70’s maybe early ‘90’s Leon did with Willie Nelson. Can’t remember the name but I loved it.
@@snodgrassgerald2352 One for the Road
I saw him twice in the early 70s and then 6 months before he died in Reno... he was still electrifying. It felt like he was singing just to me haha
I've been listening to Leon since before I knew it was Leon I was listening to back in the '60s. Always the consummate artist not just musician but a true artist he could paint the most beautiful story with his piano and his songs. And when you look at the careers he helped further and inspired he becomes even more amazing. Leon Russell The Master of space and Time literally and figuratively. A true genius and when you read or hear some of his philosophies he just becomes more and more captivating and amazing.
Quite possibly one of the most beautiful love songs ever written. So simple... so elegant... so heartfelt... and performed to perfection.
I've seen comment that 'Song for You' is one of the MOST COVERED SONGS of the last 50 yrs. No small feat!!!
I had the Concert for Bangledesh on vinyl when I was a kid. I played he side with Jumpin Jack Flash and Youngblood so much, I wore the grooves off. Now, whenever I hear the Stones do Jumpin Jack Flash, I think..."Hey! That don't sound right! ". Another Highlight of that album is when Leon sings the second verse of "Beware of Darkness". It always gives me goosebumps. I'll bet I'm not the only one!
Leon is so bloody "cool" in The Concert For Bangla Desh....he is one of THE main performers.
Yes he sure was the standout!
Just stunning. Many have recorded this song but none can touch Leon's pain and beauty. This was released the year my daughter was born and I remember playing it over and over on my record player while rocking my daughter in my arms. RIP, Leon!
One of the greatest ballads of all time. I've been listening to this song over and over lately. It's hard to get bored with this particular version.
His performance of this with John Mayer at the RRHOF took my breath away. One of the most beautiful songs ever written.
Epic
Yup...analyze that please!!
100%.
So many artists covered this great song but ive never seen anyone CHERISH it like johns guitar did.
ruclips.net/video/5ODzUvFQvK0/видео.html
Great pianist, songwriter and underappreciated and so talented
you can see how this song is moving you on a deep level. So nice to see a youngster appreciate true soul music. My Mom was in love with Leon and I took her to see him at the Belly Up b/4 she passed over. Leon was our bond.
Oh, how I wish I knew about that show. Love Leon and I lived nearby.
Oh my God this man was a genius. Love this and Tightrope!!! Be safe Fil!!!!!!!!
i love Tight rope
Great job getting in all that and never sounding rushed! .........Glen Campbell encouraged Leon when he was nervous at his first job as a session player in LA, "Just do what you do back home, they don't know anything out here." After Leon became a respected session musician, he arrived late for a recording session with the notoriously mean Phil Spector , who berated him as he made his way to the piano. Leon walked with a limp and it took him awhile . Phil kept it up after Leon sat down, so he just got up, closed the piano and left. Yay, Leon!
You've got it wrong. It wasn't Phil Spector. Watch that Wrecking Crew video again!
@@gsdsteve8825 Thanks! It was a just a memory of a story for me...I didn't recall it from the Wrecking Crew doc...plenty of time to enjoy that again, now. Take care!
The sheer range and number of musicians Leon played for or with is incredible... Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Elton John, Ike and Tina Turner, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, the Ventures and many others. I first became aware of him when he performed at George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh in '71. He played (and sang the vocals) in a group rendition of Jumpin' Jack Flash and Youngblood😀
Leon Russell and Dr John two of my favourite musicians, song writers, singers and pianists.
Now we are talking. One of the greats.
Amazing entertainer. Thank you Fil for giving Leon all the respect that he so deserves.
Thanks for a wonderfully worked portrait of the great Leon Russell. He was truly one of a kind, and will always be loved.
Fil; Leon started out playing through Southern Gospel traditions. There is always an element of that in his playing. He did so much with his life; pianist, player of many instruments, singer, writer, producer and arranger all while living as a generous soul.
1995 or 1996 I was working at Marathon Coach, sitting in our fishbowl (our office, I was the accounting manager) where I could see outside to the parking lot. Saw an older bus come in and this guy with long white hair and beard came out of it and I immediately said, holy fuck, that's Leon Russell. No one in the office knew who he was. I didn't go out and speak to him. Wanted to give him his privacy, but I wish I had went out to meet him. What a treasure he was to the music world.
One of the all time greatest musicians who literally went full circle. Thank you Elton for not letting people forget this great talent. I also believe people would be stunned at how many bands he played with.
So glad to see Leon getting recognized, he was such an instrumental part of the music I heard growing up in the 70's.
He had a recording studio in the town that I grew up in and back in the early 70's you never knew who you would see there. Elton John, Eric Clapton, JJ Cale, Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, and so many others back then.
I am a "Brookside kid" born and raised in Tulsa until 1968. Leon was a somewhat mysterious guy to many of us. He was a top sessions player in the Wrecking Crew in the 60's providing piano work to many of the great pop and rock & roll classics. The Joe Cocker tour and the Concert For Bangladesh introduced him to a wider audience even back home. Leon moved back to Tulsa from LA and established Shelter Records in an old abandoned church in 1969. Leon signed J.J. Cale, the Dwight Twilly Band (Dwight was in my 8th grade gym class), and even Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers cut an LP on their way from Gainesville to LA. The great Freddie King, influential blues guitarist,and the GAP Band also were signed to the label. The original Grease Band, the backing group for Joe Cocker also recorded on Shelter Records. They played behind Joe at the 1st Woodstock Festival.
Shelter distributed all these groups and artists under various agreements. Shelter continued as an active label until 1979, when ABC, its main distributor, was sold to MCA. It officially closed down in 1981. The "Tulsa Sound" is unique because of the city's geographical location. Musical influences from Western Swing, New Orleans Jazz, Delta Blues, Memphis Soul, hill billy blue grass, and a dab of old style Nashville can be heard interwoven in the sound. Leon stands out as the truly unique Master of Space & Time. There was no one like him.
I first heard Leon Russel on the radio in the early/mid 1970's. I remember immediately thinking.... . .." I gotta find out who this guy is". I've been blessed by his music ever since. Thank you Leon.
Even Elton was bewitched by this man his piano playing just was super special! His attitude was legendary too! Miss you Leon.
The descending notes on the keyboard... Heaven...
We opened for Leon a couple of times back in the Eighties, kinda quirky but nice guy. One of my favorites of his is Bluebird, and of course Lady Blue and Masquerade. Youngblood!!
wow you opened for him is cool,,
who are we please
What a great opportunity for you and your band to open up for the legendary Leon Russell!!
IM A GUITARIST WHO GREW UP IN TULSA. WE USED TO SEE LEON IN HIS ROLLS ROYCE ALL THE TIME. AND YOU WOULD ALWAYS HEAR GEORGE HARRISON OR CLAPTON WOULD BE IN TOWN. HE WENT TO WILL ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL AS DID I. HE WASNT ALOUD TO PLAY IN TULSA BECAUSE HE MARRIED A BLACK GIRL. BUT THAT WAS LIFTED AND I WENT TO THAT CONCERT. IT WAS AMAZING. TULSA WAS A COOL TOWN TO GROW UP IN. HENCE MY STAGE NAME BILL TULSA. LOL. GREAT VIDEO THANX
I had no idea he was banned when he married Mary.
I was in high school when he married Mary and they played music together, her on keys too. I didn't ever remember hearing that their marriage made him persona non grata on any Tulsa stage. Then again, there are a few racial secrets about my hometown I never knew. Still a great city, though. It's where Clapton picked out his rhythm section!
That was terrible that his beloved Tulsa banned him because of his marriage to a black lady. There was also so much predjudice against men with long hair & beards that he was also forbidden to order food at a restaurant & kicked out.
I just wanted to say thank you for paying the proper respect to Leon Russell. He is my all-time favorite musician ever and I was lucky enough to see him in
concert 9 times. no matter what I was going through he could melt it all away. I have to say I love that you put the research in and that you truly knew so much about Leon. That's pretty awesome.
A true legend with a unique performing style. Other musicians always praised him for his songwriting.
Thank you so much for your insightful, educated, and thorough review of "A Song For You," by Leon Russell. I appreciated it a great deal. I think Leon was underappreciated during his lifetime, and it is gratifying to me to hear you lay out the reasons so succinctly.
Thanks for the kind words!
I don't think he was underappreciated. He was so well known and loved by the music community and there are thousands and thousands of we Leon fans out there.
@@queenslanddiva i agree leon was always GREATLY appreciated he is just not very...talked about...so its more about his massive talent being taken for granted "and then, of course, there is leon russell"
I've always been in love with Leon!
The only home state Okie boy I've ever loved!
Thanks Brotherrrrrrr ...
He did a really nice break away blues riff in there... And i saw a huge smile come to your face... It really was that good...
Rock on..
I saw him play at an assembly at my high school, Nathan Hale, Tulsa. I spoke to him in town, though he mostly lived in LA by then. He was tired but still gracious.
I was so fortunate to see him live. What a performer and he played with so many people. He had that long gorgeous hair. I don’t he even `cut it. What a genius he was. See u in Rock N Roll stairway! Gotta love the Wilson’s on the piano...I smoked Marlbos even placed one between my neck strings so I could take a puff between songs...that and Jack N Pepsi! Always...
I’ve seen Leon many times, once in the 70s with the shelter people in Tampa Florida. Very unforgettable.
So thru the years I finally got married and had 3 kids.
Once I drew a charcoal portrait of Leon with the hat at shelter people time.
My kids always loved that picture and they also listened to Leon thru the years. At my wedding party we played Emily as it was my nieces name and we danced.
Finally when my children were teens the entire family saw Leon in Stuart Florida. Leon was older and still had his long hair and sunglasses.
When Leon and the band walked out everyone stood up and cheered. I cried. My family was overwhelmed as they realized here was this guy we learned about thru the years.
This guy they knew played with just about everyone.
My family was in awe. Me too of course again.
Later my daughter and I saw Leon in Fort Lauderdale a few years back. My daughter brought her little Yamaha guitar and Leon signed it.
I am personally a HUGE Leon fan and always have loved the entertainment he has given me thru the years.
Still listening to Leon today!!!!!
Nice! His daughter Honey is in the comment section here somewhere which is cool!
Lifetime favorite of mine! Cheers from shuttered USA
Leon was a Beautiful Soul & Musician
Fil, thank you so much for taking the time and care to review this performance and to give an overview of Leon’s life in music. I’ve been loving and listening to him since the early 70s in high school. He’s had a huge impact on me. I now live just north of Tulsa, in Kansas, and while driving through Tulsa about 7 years ago, a friend gave me a small leather keychain with The Church stamped on it, and a matching guitar pick tucked inside. I treasure it, although unfortunately the pick disappeared awhile ago. Leon Russell … what an artist. ❤
I love how knowledgeable you are about these performances by elite artists. I am a big fan of Leon's, so unique and magnificent.
The WRECKING CREW, Glen, Carol, others...then friendship with Elton, collab with David Gates...wow. I am a "strict" piano player. I spent days pulling apart this live version of Leon's. I still get goosebumps from the emotion coming out of this man.
When it comes to feel, three performances come to mind...Santana's/Carlos's drug-infused performance at Woodstock, Chet Baker's My Funny Valentine (original), and, of course, this live version of Leon Russell's A Song For You. When you nail it, you nail it!
Saw Leon 3 times twice at the Fillmore. Once I was on LSD, we were right up to the stage. Ushers asked us to scoot over and the Pointer sisters were right next to us for the show.
well said.....leon was indeed the master of time and space....he did indeed take you with him
He spoke to me like no artist ever has.. think of Me and Baby Jane. The man could tell a story and weave a tune.
Wow so many people do not know the Hank Wilson alter ego of Leon Russell. I must have been interrupted while listening to this reaction the first time. Thank you for the BEST reaction to Leon Russell that I have ever heard. He’s one of my favorites. I had bought tickets to see him on that last tour before he became ill and passed away. I never missed a chance to see Leon. Thank you again. ❤️ I miss knowing that I share the same planet with The Master of Space and Time.
One of the greatest musical experiences of my life, was getting to see Leon in a small little biker concert shed, such an amazing and soulful musician. It was sadly just a year or so before he passed. His work and influence is spread throughout musical history. A great session musician, amazing songwriter, and eye for talent and soul. A true master of space and time. RIP Leon Russell you are missed.
Sounds like you were at the Blue Rose on Brookside?
The master of space and time. Probably one of the best arrangers of music ever. Just ask Joe Cocker. I’m glad Elton got Leon some more exposure before Leon passed.
And George Harrison, Bangladesh
No idea that Leon had such a great background. Definitely a lesson tonight. Thanks Fil.
“I love you in a place where there’s no space or time.” That’s everything.
I saw Leon in 1971 in NYC..He was just so magnetic and a great musician without making it look like he was showing off.He let's all the musicians and singers show their stuff..and his concerts were like being in a big tent.."Leon said "it was an artificially induced religious experience" and that says it all!!!Loved him!!!
Leon's love for community and collaboration was Heaven-sent. I fell head over heels for him seeing Concert For Bangladesh and again through his incredible songs on Carney. Lucky, lucky, lucky me/us who know & love him forever.❤🎉
Leon was a total genius. Disgrace it took sooo long for Leon to inducted into the Halls of Fame. His music and performances shaped my world. I watched the funeral service and cried and cried. Love you Leon.
not only were his piano skills and melodic imagination outstanding and unique his mastery of language and expression is one of a kind. there must have been outstanding education in Tulsa or maybe just the way the stars aligned for Leon to have been in high school with both David gates and jj Cale.
OMG the fog's thicker than I thought! I had forgotten I saw Leon with his wife, Mary, back in the late 70's, until I watched this video. Keep 'em coming, I want to see what else comes out of the fog. LOL
Leon has been my hero since I first heard him with the Asylum Choir. He's the only artist I have always had everything he released through the years. Ex-wives took my libraries a couple times, but the first sets I rebuilt were always Leon Russell, always.
Thanks so much Fil. I'm going to go listen to Leon now.
kurtisle You had some cool ex-wives to take your Leon stash.
@@fredpatterson5093 you mean CRUEL ex-wives. But they took substantial parts of a library. We're talking hundreds of cds, LPs. Etc. The last one took 900 cds.
Fun fact:. Asylum Choir a natural fit. When young Leon, like a lot of Tulsa guys, was a member of Tulsa Boys Singers.
@@fredpatterson5093 If he has a Bose and Leon, he has potential to be my next ex-husband! 🤭😜😎😇
Good Golly. Some songs just transport you....thank you Fil for doing this one. Damn.
Leon could definitely transport you
Love Leon Russell - omg - so many memories of my high school years ('70 - '73) and my then best friend Elaine - she passed away in 1978 :(
Oh my gosh how I love Leon and this song is simply a favorite of mine. Thanks so much your critique
Another Wrecking Crew alumni and my favorite songwriter of all time. Epic piano skills. The Master of Time and Space.
I Worked within a few block of the Church Studio, it was on 3rd Street just East of Peoria Ave in Tulsa, I wish I could have got to see Him.
The first rock concert I ever went to was to see Leon Russell. I think I was twelve years old. I had to hitchhike to get to the show. Going to a Leon Russell concert; and I saw him several times after that first time, was like going to rock n' roll church. Except Leon Russell's rock n' roll church celebrated the carnal, as well as the spiritual nature of humanity.
I love everything Leon Russell. The piano, long flowing hair, aviator glasses... down to the groupies.
It's so nice you featured Leon and this beautiful song. He had a huge impact as a session player. His piano playing is in many famous songs. This is a tender beautiful song by a master.
He wrote more of my favorite songs than any modern songwriter, including this gem. RIP
Leon was a fabulous multi-talented musician and writer. All of his talents are the equal of any musician ever.
I sent this song sung by Karen Carpenter to my boyfriend, hoping he would get the message. What a treasure! I love hearing Mr. Leon Russell sing it as well. Makes me cry every time!! (My boyfriend makes me cry too.) Thank you for sharing.
Good unique voice love Leon ..maybe the best studio musician of all time...
One of my top artists. Love Leon.
Wow Fil! This is one of your best! Thank you! 🤘
Thanks for your appreciation of our great Leon. I saw him seven times and was at four of his birthday bashes in the seventies. He was a god to us as teens in Tulsa. RIP Uncle Leon.
Thanks Fil,for all the back history about Leon I never knew!
You are so right, so well said. Thank you again Phil !! George Harrison, Elton, Joe cocker, u name it, the who’s who…endless list…
I was only born in ‘71 ….. I honestly believe that I was born in the wrong era - this is simply magical ✨✨
I loved Leon Russell. Thank you so much for doing this.
I loved him from the first time I heard him and still love him and miss him. Thank goodness he left such a wonderful legacy with his many memorable songs. Thank you for appreciating his great talent and taking the time to delve deeply into his work. God bless you!
Leon is GREAT...🌟🌟🎹🎹..SUPER STAR...no more words...⭐⭐👏👏..this song is in my 💙💙...🎼🎶🎵...
nobody can touch that== a total original === was a big fan from the start=== I am 75 and a lot of the greats are moving on
If there was ever a song that could make me cry this is it.
" I Love you in a place where there is no space and time"
Leon was a studio musician on tons of other artists from the early sixties on. His album with Elton John was excellent.
So many of his solo albums are great too. As this video shows, Leon was best experienced live. He had a magnetic stage presence and knew how to get us up and dancing or sit and listen.
"I love you in a place where there's no space and time" Deep expression of true love.
Phil your fantastic. I learned a lot hear, been a fan of his since 75…thx. ✌️❤️
Truly one of the finest musicians of all times #Sunnyside of excellence
Wow Fil: Discovered Leon Russell and B.B. King when I was twelve. So much love for this amazing talent. His fingers had a wider spread than most piano players. ❤️
I saw Leon in Sydney Australia back in the day and have some great photos. I've always loved him and his music. Thank you Fil!
I saw Leon Live in Pittsburgh, PA and I will never forget the performance. He and his band was amazing! RIP Leon.
This is my favorite live performance by anyone, ever. Thank you. I cannot wait to hear your analysis of it!
One thing to note regarding Leon Russell is that he was an intentional, amazing vocalist. I see many comments regarding his singing. He cut a track under the name CJ Russell in 1963 titled The Girl I Lost in the Rain which was written and produced by David Gates which demonstrates his beautiful vocal abilities.
Love Leon. Such a unique, soulful style and so talented. Thanks for this Fil.
Hi Fil! When I heard the name Leon Russell I thought of Rita Coolidge! I sometimes put people together like that! I remember them being together! She talks about them being lovers back in the day! He sure had a distinctive voice! He also could play that piano like no other! A great musician! Thanks for going to the 70’s! In my 20’s back then....✌️
Suzanne Robbins , didn’t he write Delta Lady for Rita,☘️☘️☘️
Rita had a thing for talented men... 💗
RIP Leon Russell 🇺🇸 🖤
I have been begging other reactors to take a look at Leon, but you are the first. A Tulsa legend and one of the greatest piano players in rock history. What is even more amazing is that he had limited use of one his hands. Thank you, thank you, thank you.