Say what you want to say about Elton John, but the guy has always helped people out. Not too many of those kind of artists nowadays! Way to go Elton, you helped a great artist like Leon Russell get his long overdue glory!!
Wow, does this bring tears to my eyes. Leon Russell is one of the greatest musicians of the 20th Century. How could somebody as astoundingly brilliant as him become obscure? Thank you so much Elton John. Never was much of a fan of yours till today.
I watched this documentary "The Union" and I was crying when Leon sang this song, then when Elton walked out of the room and cried I knew this was another Leon classic. Beautiful album.
if I don't love Elton John for anything else, I have to love him for this sense of assisting and being there for Mr. Russell and others. He is a true gem! A true angel!
Love Leon so much. We were lucky to see him a few times in a smaller setting. What a genius, songwriter, and an exceptional performer. Just a privilege to see him perform. Rest now, leon. You are such a star,and we will always look for you.
Mind boggling to think that a master musician, a man with so many accomplishments, such a history in the music world, can sink into obscurity like that. May the gods bless Elton forever for bringing Leon back.
I saw Leon and his band perform a few years ago at a little club in my town in Virginia. They were fabulous and I got to sit about 10 feet from Leon during the show. I was dumbfounded that an artist as brilliant as him and who remained such a great performer should be so forgotten by the public--especially boomers who are so nostolgic about so many other stars from back in the day. I'm glad that the public generally is rediscovering him but we his fans never forgot.
Great catch. Caught the "Humble Lion" (as he appears to me anyway) in 2001 when he gifted us with a concert in Toledo and I was absolutely mesmerized. Once you have relived the Leon Bug, you never go back. Thank you Sir Elton. The dream was there and you have given it wings..
This is way beyond touching. Thanks to Elton John for restoring a life that was worth living. I was one of the lucky ones who saw Mad Dogs and Englishmen in Denver when I was a teenager. I have Leon's vinyl record about 10 feet away from me right now. Well, it's time to put it on the turntable.
Jim Reyna a year before a great friend passed away, he showed me Leon Russell. he actually saw Leon in his teens. But when he passed away, I played, a song for you, and his son cried and he gave me his dads first record with an autograph from the legend himself. I’m glad Sir Elton payed his respect to the greatest musician we ever have listened to
I've got every album Leon recorded, even the one under another name! I've seen him in concert numerous times. I never forgot him, nor could I! He is so brilliant and has overcome so many obsticles all the way from childhood, and through his brain tumor surgery. I love him dearly, a kind gentle man.
I admit, I was surfing around youtube and Leon Russell popped up and I had totally forgotten him. "A Song for You" was one of my favorites back in the day. It's like suddenly seeing an old friend you had completely lost touch with.
Elton John, the greatest writer, singer and composer since the Beatles showed extreme generosity in his efforts to rediscover the greatness of Leon Russell. The Union was a very touching and blessed reunion of two musical geniuses who God brought together and inspired this beautiful friendship between them. May God bless both Elton and Leon as we have been blessed as endearing fans.
My husband always bought Leon's CD's when they came out so I have quite a few. My husband died in 2008 of metatastatic bladder cancer and I've begun listening to them. I mean REALLY listening to the lyrics like I hadn't when he was alive. Another regret: I wish I had spent more time with my husband listening to Leon Russell when he was alive. But you just can't keep thinking about all the things you did or should have done; that kind of thinking can drive you nuts. So you reflect on how you are still evolving and learning because you are alive. BAck to Leon Russell : I love his music and I think is probably is a very nice person. Hopes he continues to be able to do all that he loves to best.
Ariellyn my friends dad recently passed away and when we toked one up for him I played Leon’s Carney album. His son was emotional but when his funeral came, he gave me an original vinyl when he grew up In Oklahoma. RIP Chris, you showed me a ton of great music.
When I read about the discovery of Hank Williams lost notebook of unrecorded songs, I wondered if Leon was involved in the project with Dylan. I couldn't think of a better person. My dad whistled Hank's tunes to me when I was a baby in 1946 & when Hank's Back came out, I was in heaven! Love you still, Babe!
Leon I miss you so much... I'll never forget meeting you at the Lone Star Cafe in New York City and I've always loved you and your music and thank God for Elton John resurfacing an icon... tears of gratitude for you sir!!! You are truly a rock and roll star for the world to behold... I'm sure you and Sweet Emily are reunited in Rock and Roll Heaven...
Leon is living proof that GREAT and celebrity are not necessarily related. ALL of the great stars understand how much love, devotion, and genius Leon had to give.
Ive been a Leon Russell fan since I first heard "Back to the Island" I was 10 years old. I never forgot Leon..So happy that Elton shined some of his magic light on Leon.
I was in my mid twenties when that song came out, was depressed after a broken relationship, was considering joining the army to get away from the world, and that song helped me get past the depression and back into life. It's always a part of that turning point in my life.
The great thing about those 20 years out of the limelight was that you could catch Leon playing in the most intimate settings - year after year, sometimes a few times a year. It really was like he was Singin' His Song For You. Little places like the Malibu Inn and Canyon Club. Always rockin' the house down. After the Elton thing, those shows became packed with Elton fans thinking he was going to show up and being disappointed when he didn't. They'd just talk and talk and talk through the whole show.
I Pray That Leon Will Recover Completely From His Aliment, and have another decade to Shine In The Sun. They make Great Music Together On Stage and Studio.
I have a couple of albums with Marc bENNO leon did im guessing late 70s early 80s. some great stuff there too. he never just played what was popular, he played what was in his heart , mind, and soul, Some very reflective wonderful stuff only a few of us fell in love with. he has always been close to my heart, and I AM SO HAPPY HE HAS FOUND HIS VOICE AND REGAINED HIS STATION AS ONE OF THE BEST EVER.
Elton is amazing in the way that you say: He gave the thumbs up when Russ Regan was about to PASS on Barry White, and was thus instrumental in Barry getting signed to the newly formed 20th Century Records (and the rest is history). He gave the thumbs up to the 70s Supremes after DR went solo.... and I am so sure, so many others... and now...LEON RUSSELL.... Thank you Elton, Thank you Leon!
"( Elton Talks About Reuniting With Elton)"? Didn't know Elton and Elton split up. ;) Great upload, thank you. Elton really introduced Leon to a new generation, and I hope he'll get the limelight he deserves. Their cooperation brought out the best in each of the guys. The Union is epic.
Leon Russell was at the core of "The Concert For Bangladesh" I'm sure he was the music director- He accompanied Bob Dylan, George Harrison in addition to his own set. He also produced singles for Bob Dylan most notably "George Jackson" He was not only a great piano player but also a memorable song writer: "This Masquerade" is one of his greatest. In addition to "Tight Rope""A Song For You" & more. I think he would have been a great Grateful Dead keyboardist choice- he had amazing time and great swing in his rhythm.
Song at 1.00 is Prince of Peace, cowritten with Greg Dempsey. They also cowrote Roll away the Stone. They both were on the 1970 Leon Russell album. Also, Leon was married to Mary McCreary in the mid 1970s (the Wedding Album by Leon and Mary is just beautiful and has been rereleased on CD I think), who was African-American. Mary was with Sly and the Family Stone I think. After 40 years I finally saw Leon in Sydney last Friday. So awsome!!
> "Leon Russell was largely forgotten" - well, maybe so by the "biznez" and the people whose musical taste was defined by what "the biznez" told them was "cool"; but I've got to believe that *no one* that ever saw Leon perform could*ever forget him. The Leon Russell shows that I was blessed to experience in the mid seventies, remain high-points of my concert-going career still yet!
After Mad Dogs w/ Joe Cocker, Leons career exploded,while Joes went into a decade of drugs and booze which he survived and made [to this day] an amazing comeback! Joe and Leon are still friends, I would love 2 see these 2 legends perform together again, they made a great team!!
I have the one,Tumble weed connection, Is the BEST! My Brother turned me on to it and have been in love with Elton ever since. But really,try Tumble weed connection, is an Elton that is different and amazing.
I have never forgotten Leon!!! Does this mean you want be back to the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte? Thats okay, I would pay anything to see him....
if you feel judged, that wasnt me, that was the Holy Spirit. dont turn way from Him, for if you die without Christ, hell is yours! you can bet on that!
Interesting that TWO MEN KNOWN in Rock N Roll for playing🎉PIANO🎉 🌟Jerry Lee Lewis(who actually JUST PASSED AWAY) 🌟Leon Russell BOTH PREFER 🌟YAMAHA🌟brand PIANO’s😲🤠🤩🥳❤️🤍💙🇺🇸
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (repent and believe onto Jesus Christ as your only Savior!) Come to Christ:)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (repent and believe onto Jesus Christ as your only Savior!) Come to Christ:)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (repent and believe onto Jesus Christ as your only Savior!) Come to Christ:)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (repent and believe onto Jesus Christ as your only Savior!) Come to Christ:)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (repent and believe onto Jesus Christ as your only Savior!) Come to Christ:)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (repent and believe onto Jesus Christ as your only Savior!) Come to Christ:)
Say what you want to say about Elton John, but the guy has always helped people out. Not too many of those kind of artists nowadays! Way to go Elton, you helped a great artist like Leon Russell get his long overdue glory!!
Wow, does this bring tears to my eyes. Leon Russell is one of the greatest musicians of the 20th Century. How could somebody as astoundingly brilliant as him become obscure? Thank you so much Elton John. Never was much of a fan of yours till today.
I watched this documentary "The Union" and I was crying when Leon sang this song, then when Elton walked out of the room and cried I knew this was another Leon classic. Beautiful album.
if I don't love Elton John for anything else, I have to love him for this sense of assisting and being there for Mr. Russell and others. He is a true gem! A true angel!
Love Leon so much. We were lucky to see him a few times in a smaller setting. What a genius, songwriter, and an exceptional performer. Just a privilege to see him perform. Rest now, leon. You are such a star,and we will always look for you.
Mind boggling to think that a master musician, a man with so many accomplishments, such a history in the music world, can sink into obscurity like that. May the gods bless Elton forever for bringing Leon back.
I saw Leon and his band perform a few years ago at a little club in my town in Virginia. They were fabulous and I got to sit about 10 feet from Leon during the show. I was dumbfounded that an artist as brilliant as him and who remained such a great performer should be so forgotten by the public--especially boomers who are so nostolgic about so many other stars from back in the day. I'm glad that the public generally is rediscovering him but we his fans never forgot.
A very , very touching and important musical history segment, thanks for posting!!
God bless you Elton AND Leon...We love you...
Beautiful story, thanks Elton for your love for Leon, and your awesome music!
Great catch. Caught the "Humble Lion" (as he appears to me anyway) in 2001 when he gifted us with a concert in Toledo and I was absolutely mesmerized. Once you have relived the Leon Bug, you never go back. Thank you Sir Elton. The dream was there and you have given it wings..
This is way beyond touching. Thanks to Elton John for restoring a life that was worth living. I was one of the lucky ones who saw Mad Dogs and Englishmen in Denver when I was a teenager. I have Leon's vinyl record about 10 feet away from me right now. Well, it's time to put it on the turntable.
Jim Reyna a year before a great friend passed away, he showed me Leon Russell. he actually saw Leon in his teens. But when he passed away, I played, a song for you, and his son cried and he gave me his dads first record with an autograph from the legend himself. I’m glad Sir Elton payed his respect to the greatest musician we ever have listened to
I've got every album Leon recorded, even the one under another name! I've seen him in concert numerous times. I never forgot him, nor could I! He is so brilliant and has overcome so many obsticles all the way from childhood, and through his brain tumor surgery. I love him dearly, a kind gentle man.
I admit, I was surfing around youtube and Leon Russell popped up and I had totally forgotten him. "A Song for You" was one of my favorites back in the day. It's like suddenly seeing an old friend you had completely lost touch with.
Elton John, the greatest writer, singer and composer since the Beatles showed extreme generosity in his efforts to rediscover the greatness of Leon Russell. The Union was a very touching and blessed reunion of two musical geniuses who God brought together and inspired this beautiful friendship between them. May God bless both Elton and Leon as we have been blessed as endearing fans.
Dan Perkins sorry but the greatest was Leon Russell but now that he passed away Sir Elton John is carrying the torch
My husband always bought Leon's CD's when they came out so I have quite a few. My husband died in 2008 of metatastatic bladder cancer and I've begun listening to them. I mean REALLY listening to the lyrics like I hadn't when he was alive. Another regret: I wish I had spent more time with my husband listening to Leon Russell when he was alive. But you just can't keep thinking about all the things you did or should have done; that kind of thinking can drive you nuts. So you reflect on how you are still evolving and learning because you are alive. BAck to Leon Russell : I love his music and I think is probably is a very nice person. Hopes he continues to be able to do all that he loves to best.
Ariellyn my friends dad recently passed away and when we toked one up for him I played Leon’s Carney album. His son was emotional but when his funeral came, he gave me an original vinyl when he grew up In Oklahoma. RIP Chris, you showed me a ton of great music.
When I read about the discovery of Hank Williams lost notebook of unrecorded songs, I wondered if Leon was involved in the project with Dylan. I couldn't think of a better person. My dad whistled Hank's tunes to me when I was a baby in 1946 & when Hank's Back came out, I was in heaven! Love you still, Babe!
Leon I miss you so much... I'll never forget meeting you at the Lone Star Cafe in New York City and I've always loved you and your music and thank God for Elton John resurfacing an icon... tears of gratitude for you sir!!! You are truly a rock and roll star for the world to behold... I'm sure you and Sweet Emily are reunited in Rock and Roll Heaven...
Leon is living proof that GREAT and celebrity are not necessarily related. ALL of the great stars understand how much love, devotion, and genius Leon had to give.
Thank you Elton
Ive been a Leon Russell fan since I first heard "Back to the Island" I was 10 years old. I never forgot Leon..So happy that Elton shined some of his magic light on Leon.
I was in my mid twenties when that song came out, was depressed after a broken relationship, was considering joining the army to get away from the world, and that song helped me get past the depression and back into life. It's always a part of that turning point in my life.
Thanks Elton John and Leon Russell!!! You did more than you know Elton!!! Shalom
Awesome album!!!!
The great thing about those 20 years out of the limelight was that you could catch Leon playing in the most intimate settings - year after year, sometimes a few times a year. It really was like he was Singin' His Song For You. Little places like the Malibu Inn and Canyon Club. Always rockin' the house down. After the Elton thing, those shows became packed with Elton fans thinking he was going to show up and being disappointed when he didn't. They'd just talk and talk and talk through the whole show.
Leon has the greatest hair and beard combo in the history of mankind.
One of the greats. God bless, RIP.
Really touching.
Elton & Leon what TRUE Music is all about....... I truly wish they would undertake another album together.....
"The Master has always been Leon Russell" Elton John
"Thank You" Tony, that was great to see!
leon and cocker is the music that makes me really dance and happy, woodstock you know.......
TWO EXTREME TALENTS IN THE HISTORY OF ROCK/MUSIC Been a fan following both since the 60s 70s RIP Leon
Thanks for uploading, this is great!
Leon and Elton are amazing.....
I Pray That Leon Will Recover Completely From His Aliment, and have another
decade to Shine In The Sun. They make Great Music Together On Stage and Studio.
I have a couple of albums with Marc bENNO leon did im guessing late 70s early 80s. some great stuff there too. he never just played what was popular, he played what was in his heart , mind, and soul, Some very reflective wonderful stuff only a few of us fell in love with. he has always been close to my heart, and I AM SO HAPPY HE HAS FOUND HIS VOICE AND REGAINED HIS STATION AS ONE OF THE BEST EVER.
Love Leon's voice.
Thank You for posting.
EJ ...Respect.
Elton is amazing in the way that you say: He gave the thumbs up when Russ Regan was about to PASS on Barry White, and was thus instrumental in Barry getting signed to the newly formed 20th Century Records (and the rest is history). He gave the thumbs up to the 70s Supremes after DR went solo.... and I am so sure, so many others... and now...LEON RUSSELL.... Thank you Elton, Thank you Leon!
i never forgot leon russell saw him twice 70's & just before he passed
Wow good for Elton.
love those guys
Love Leon!
Rest in peace Leon Russell.
Ata Butter bless your soul
"( Elton Talks About Reuniting With Elton)"? Didn't know Elton and Elton split up. ;)
Great upload, thank you. Elton really introduced Leon to a new generation, and I hope he'll get the limelight he deserves. Their cooperation brought out the best in each of the guys. The Union is epic.
The only Elton John album I ever bought was thr 11-17-70 album. Give it a listen.
This was wonderful ❤❤😊😊
Leon Russell was at the core of "The Concert For Bangladesh" I'm sure he was the music director- He accompanied Bob Dylan, George Harrison in addition to his own set. He also produced singles for Bob Dylan most notably "George Jackson" He was not only a great piano player but also a memorable song writer: "This Masquerade" is one of his greatest. In addition to "Tight Rope""A Song For You" & more. I think he would have been a great Grateful Dead keyboardist choice- he had amazing time and great swing in his rhythm.
Bruce Stoller
Song at 1.00 is Prince of Peace, cowritten with Greg Dempsey. They also cowrote Roll away the Stone. They both were on the 1970 Leon Russell album. Also, Leon was married to Mary McCreary in the mid 1970s (the Wedding Album by Leon and Mary is just beautiful and has been rereleased on CD I think), who was African-American. Mary was with Sly and the Family Stone I think. After 40 years I finally saw Leon in Sydney last Friday. So awsome!!
Yes, i have that album also with Marc Benno. Remember Leons back up singing group."The Asylum Choir".
Leon, the best ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
omg I luv u LEON
> "Leon Russell was largely forgotten" - well, maybe so by the "biznez" and the people whose musical taste was defined by what "the biznez" told them was "cool"; but I've got to believe that *no one* that ever saw Leon perform could*ever forget him. The Leon Russell shows that I was blessed to experience in the mid seventies, remain high-points of my concert-going career still yet!
never ben fogoten will never be forgotten love leon
My late Brother Michael turned me on to Leon in the early 70s. Thank God.
thanks my hero LEON and Sir ELTON JOHN❤❤❤❤
After Mad Dogs w/ Joe Cocker, Leons career exploded,while Joes went into a decade of drugs and booze which he survived and made [to this day] an amazing comeback! Joe and Leon are still friends, I would love 2 see these 2 legends perform together again, they made a great team!!
I have the one,Tumble weed connection, Is the BEST! My Brother turned me on to it and have been in love with Elton ever since. But really,try Tumble weed connection, is an Elton that is different and amazing.
Leon was a handsome guy ❤️
Thank you Elton for dragging Leon out of retirement!
I've still got Carney on black vinyl. I wore that record the F out.
I certainly remember the Asylum Choir, I and II
. Leon is an acquired taste I guess, but he is a wonderful performer to me, and always has been.
Couldn't agree more :)
I have never forgotten Leon!!! Does this mean you want be back to the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte? Thats okay, I would pay anything to see him....
RIP
Yeah, that's a great album.
LMAO!! Thanks For Catching That!!
+Chris H Yep I chuckled at that too..
Thank you Elton John - my son came out as gay at 23 - he was so scared - using you has his life saver - thank you Sir
....AND UP NEXT, A STRING OF BEADS, nice segue
if you feel judged, that wasnt me, that was the Holy Spirit. dont turn way from Him, for if you die without Christ, hell is yours! you can bet on that!
super
@blou4now The Albums with Marc Benno Were great Lp's!
up next....a string of beads. hahahahaha lmao....
Leon has more music in his soul than the rst of the RRHOR combined. Not hating on anyone, kudos to EJ as well!
Hi
Looking like a child of G-d means nothing, Acting like a child of G-d means everything. If you think differently you are the one who needs to repent.
Interesting that TWO MEN KNOWN in Rock N Roll for playing🎉PIANO🎉
🌟Jerry Lee Lewis(who actually JUST PASSED AWAY)
🌟Leon Russell BOTH PREFER 🌟YAMAHA🌟brand PIANO’s😲🤠🤩🥳❤️🤍💙🇺🇸
Jensen get!!! Go fucking play bingo.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (repent and believe onto Jesus Christ as your only Savior!) Come to Christ:)
He made a lot of people a lot of money
REPENT OR PERISH!!! come to Christ :)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (repent and believe onto Jesus Christ as your only Savior!) Come to Christ:)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (repent and believe onto Jesus Christ as your only Savior!) Come to Christ:)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (repent and believe onto Jesus Christ as your only Savior!) Come to Christ:)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (repent and believe onto Jesus Christ as your only Savior!) Come to Christ:)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (repent and believe onto Jesus Christ as your only Savior!) Come to Christ:)