He played the bar I worked at in Red River, NM in the early 2000's. I wasn't really familiar with him at the time but I remember his extremely hot daughter was working with him because I was more interested in trying to talk to her than him but the show was great.
I wish. I am a songwriter though and it doesn't get better than A Song For You. Could study that forever. Plus as a pianist/arranger Leon's just the best. I was deeply influenced by Elton John's Tumbleweed connection when I was 11. Then I heard Leon doing Delta Lady one day a few years ago and realized the inflections in Elton's voice ie on Amoreena or most any of his songs, EJ does this vocable that is Leon ie. singing Delta Lady! That part when he sings 'I found you--oo-oo.' I suddenly realized all these years later that Elton's entire vocal style is him embodying Leon. Of course Elton was hugely influenced by Leon's approach to the keyboard as well but wow...Leon had and still has enormous reach. Sad to hear how his health declined. Also very hard to fathom how LR went from the 'great stages' as he said to then falling off the radar till EJ got him into the RHOF and made that album with him. Glad LR lived to enjoy that. Watching John Mayer play with him at his induction, you can see/hear Mayer's reverence. Thanks Otis for the opportunity to share this, as Leon is a monster who is a sleeper, till one day you 'get' him and are never the same.
Love Leon, l first saw him in 1970 in Knoxville, TN, the last time in November 2015 in a small theater in Macon, GA. Several times in between in Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Dayton, OH. He was one of the best, Master of Space and Time. Thanks, Otis.
My Dad was a supervisor for the phone company Pacific Bell in California. He was called out to Leon Russell's home to facilitate a PBX circuit board like operators had in the phone company. Nobody had these in their house at the time. My Pop was a former Marine Korean war veteran. At dinner he asked my brother and I if we knew who Mr. Russell was. Of course we did. This was during the time of the hippies. He couldn't get over Leon's looks but said he was terribly nice and quite intelligent. Coming from my Dad, that was high praise.
I saw Leon maybe 20 times. Saw him in Vail Colorado with the New Grass revival in 78 and with Mary in Texas and Willie too. Leon loved to play Detroit and one of there very best shows was one he did at Harpo's where his guitar player and band just kicked ass. Saw him with his kids, saw him solo, saw him when he was down. What folk might not understand who didn't see Leon is he had a feeling when he played and nobody could get that time and space thing better. If you haven't and I recommend, his record with Elton John is a must. Elton single handedly got him to the rock hall of fame where he so belonged and for that we should all be eternally grateful. One of the true giants.
Thank you Otis and Bill for getting out theses wonderful Leon Russell stories! Leon was a vital artery in the 1960s and 1970s music scene, both live and studio. I got to see him late in his life play with Gregg Allman. Leon always had a magical feel about his playing, singing and songwriting. Man, something special was in that red Tulsa dirt that produced Jessie Ed Davis, JJ Cale and Leon Russell!
Man, you got people on RUclips like Rick Beato with millions of subs interviewing the biggest names in music, and it’s good stuff, but here I just love all these “not so household” names who churn out good music and good times and tell great stories. Otis, I wish you’d get a sit down with Luther and Cody Dickinson.
Watching and listening to the channel from across the pond, these interviews are such a treasure trove of music myth, lore and legend. Having said that, it's the little human stories and details that linger most in the memory. This is a channel that is wonderful in the truest sense - consistently full of wonder to warm the musical soul. Keep on keepin' on, Otis.
PS. Loved hearing these stories from Bill Kenner. Hats off to Bill.
Bill's comment about the stage levitating made me smile as that's the exact way I always describe a show of Leon's in the early 70's that I attended at an outdoor concert in Tampa, Fl. He had it all going on with his mix of everything. Even the Deputy's on site were tamping their feet !
These interviews you’ve done lately are the best I’ve seen on RUclips. Rick Beato could learn how to get great stories out of his guests if he saw yours. Just awesome stories!
Ha! My wife and I lived on Ted Walker’s Full Moon Farm and hearing it mentioned on here is a hoot. Otis, Ted would make a great interview. His parties were legendary!
Had the pleasure of seeing Leon Russell open up for The Who in 1969 when he was promoting his first solo album and of course it was great and then a couple years later I saw him play on the same bill at the Anaheim convention center with Elton John and the great blues guitarist Freddy Kingand then at the end of the concert, they all jammed together on a couple songs, which was definitely one of my favorite concerts
Leon wasn't just badass; he was larger than life. Musician, singer, songwriter, sideman, bandleader, producer, arranger, electrifying live performer: Leon could do it all. I never had a chance to see Leon live, but my late friend Richie used to tell the story about how in the early 1970s, he went into a Leon Russell concert as a clean-cut Catholic school boy, got his mind blown, and emerged completely changed, transforming within a short few months into a long-haired hippie freak. And that is what rock and roll will do to you, boys and girls 😂. Miss you, Richie, and miss you, Leon. 💙
Leon played keyboards and arranged "This Diamond Ring" which was a huge radio hit for Gary Lewis & the Playboys in 1966. It was co-written by Al Kooper.
Saw Leon several times in the late 70s when he was playing in Willie band. The best show was 1979 Willie's 4th of July picnic. Keep up the great videos Otis. Thanks
whut wuz that ole girl in the Mommas called... Momma? Shut up you Conwat Twitty acting summmamabetyutch lolololol Dislacimer this is made up playfully not truth lol
My Leon Russel experience was in 2005 playing with Paul Nelson, Willie's daughter at his 4th of July Picnic. Two totally mind boggling things were standing up there with Wiliie's Baldwin amp and then seeing Leon Russel's road case for his keyboard at the side of the stage. Leon was the set after us. To my total surprise Willie came out and joined us onstage to play a song. Trading a solo with Willie Nelson is barely a memory I can recollect because it was so unreal. I know it happened and there are photos and a recording from Sirius XM (just XM at the time) but I still wonder how it all worked out. What a day!
First heard Leon on Concert for Bangladesh when I was a kid and a fan since then. Remember listening to Leon and the Shelter People in elementary school. Finally saw Leon at Bb King’s after the record with Elton. He came out to tour bus after show. Real friendly to crowd. One of a kind. A real gem.
That is so funny to hear him say "I felt like I was levitating off the bandstage" I've often had that feeling and described it that way being fortunate enough to sing and play with some of the greats. That brought a big smile to my face. This guy is one of the best you've had on, you can tell hes just giving us the tip of the iceberg of his experiences.
God bless Leon. Thank you for this, Otis! I highly recommend Bill Janovitz' excellent biography of Leon. i just finished it a few weeks ago. When I was new in Nashville, I worked a bit with one of Leon's former touring keyboardists, Damon Seale, and we did a gig at Barbara Mandrell's restaurant in front of the The Factory in Franklin. Damon invited Leon and Jan to come and they did. The lounge we played was dark, but his sunglasses were a permanent fixture. Damon invited him to sit in, speaking over the mic, but Leon would shake his head "no". On break, Damon connects an extension cable to his keyboard and takes it out to Leon and Jan's table and sets it down in front of him. Persistence paid off. :-)
Saw Leon at the Coliseum In Memphis in 1978, on a double bill with Willie Nelson. Leon was great, then when Willie started his set, he said that his sister Bobbie wasn’t feeling well that night, so Leon would also play with Willie‘s band. It was a fantastic show.
I slept on Leon for far too long. That video of the Shelter People doing Jumpin Jack Flash in their own studio changed that really quickly. Still the best version of it I’ve heard
Summer of 73' Leon and the Shelter People at the Chicago Stadium. We all freaked when Leon jumped atop his piano, someone threw him a guitar and he wailed on it while dancing atop that piano...funny thing a guy at the show gave me a number to call a guy who had info on an after concert party Leon was holding--I called, but since he didnt know me, but knew the other guy he wouldnt tell me where it was. Oh well. We had a great time at the show and afterwards all on our own.
You guys came through Colorado around '80 when I got a call that Leon was having tech problems, needed some keys and I lended y'all my Rhodes .for a couple shows in Vail ... if memory serves ...
My wife and I went to see Leon play in Ballard, Washington. We went to an Indian restaurant prior to the show and ended up sitting at a table next to Leon. As we left to go to the show. He was kind enough to take some photos with me and sign some records that I had brought with me
Hey harrysmusicroom cat...I saw that show too...At the old firehouse with his son playin rhythm...dressed in white he seemed old that night but still rockin! I guess he was using a cane which gave the impression of aging. But heck, that was 30+ years ago and still kept going for many years. God Blessed us through that gentleman musician!
Saw Leon at the Masonic Temple in Detroit along with (i think) The Seagle Schwall Band. Must have been late 1970's or early 1980's. It was a great show. Thanks for another interesting interview.
My first wife said that the Mad Dogs and English Men tour was the best show she'd ever seen. (and she saw Yes open for Pink Floyd when they debut the Dark Side of the Moon).
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Thanks for all these great interviews and stories you share! Hey, do ever come West? I guess you have your fans abroad, but I'd love it if you toured in Northern California. Peace Brother!
Do we have any Leon fans out there? Did you ever see him live or get to meet him?
I saw Leon in 1974 at the West Virginia University Colosseum.
He played the bar I worked at in Red River, NM in the early 2000's. I wasn't really familiar with him at the time but I remember his extremely hot daughter was working with him because I was more interested in trying to talk to her than him but the show was great.
my favorite singer ever
I wish. I am a songwriter though and it doesn't get better than A Song For You. Could study that forever.
Plus as a pianist/arranger Leon's just the best. I was deeply influenced by Elton John's Tumbleweed connection when I was 11. Then I heard Leon doing Delta Lady one day a few years ago and realized the inflections in Elton's voice ie on Amoreena or most any of his songs, EJ does this vocable that is Leon ie. singing Delta Lady! That part when he sings 'I found you--oo-oo.' I suddenly realized all these years later that Elton's entire vocal style is him embodying Leon. Of course Elton was hugely influenced by Leon's approach to the keyboard as well but wow...Leon had and still has enormous reach.
Sad to hear how his health declined. Also very hard to fathom how LR went from the 'great stages' as he said to then falling off the radar till EJ got him into the RHOF and made that album with him. Glad LR lived to enjoy that. Watching John Mayer play with him at his induction, you can see/hear Mayer's reverence.
Thanks Otis for the opportunity to share this, as Leon is a monster who is a sleeper, till one day you 'get' him and are never the same.
Love Leon, l first saw him in 1970 in Knoxville, TN, the last time in November 2015 in a small theater in Macon, GA. Several times in between in Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Dayton, OH.
He was one of the best, Master of Space and Time.
Thanks, Otis.
My Dad was a supervisor for the phone company Pacific Bell in California. He was called out to Leon Russell's home to facilitate a PBX circuit board like operators had in the phone company. Nobody had these in their house at the time. My Pop was a former Marine Korean war veteran. At dinner he asked my brother and I if we knew who Mr. Russell was. Of course we did. This was during the time of the hippies. He couldn't get over Leon's looks but said he was terribly nice and quite intelligent. Coming from my Dad, that was high praise.
Sounds like my dad!😂
Thanks for sharing your story, an Old Tulsa musician ✌🏼
I saw Leon maybe 20 times. Saw him in Vail Colorado with the New Grass revival in 78 and with Mary in Texas and Willie too. Leon loved to play Detroit and one of there very best shows was one he did at Harpo's where his guitar player and band just kicked ass. Saw him with his kids, saw him solo, saw him when he was down. What folk might not understand who didn't see Leon is he had a feeling when he played and nobody could get that time and space thing better. If you haven't and I recommend, his record with Elton John is a must. Elton single handedly got him to the rock hall of fame where he so belonged and for that we should all be eternally grateful. One of the true giants.
Bill Kenner is such a friendly, interesting dude. Thanks for the post, Otis.
I've watched the Kenner interviews multiple times. Such honesty is rare, what a man.
Otis, you are such a good interviewer. You let people talk
Thank you Otis and Bill for getting out theses wonderful Leon Russell stories! Leon was a vital artery in the 1960s and 1970s music scene, both live and studio. I got to see him late in his life play with Gregg Allman. Leon always had a magical feel about his playing, singing and songwriting. Man, something special was in that red Tulsa dirt that produced Jessie Ed Davis, JJ Cale and Leon Russell!
I agree, but don't forget Steve Gaines..😊
Man, you got people on RUclips like Rick Beato with millions of subs interviewing the biggest names in music, and it’s good stuff, but here I just love all these “not so household” names who churn out good music and good times and tell great stories. Otis, I wish you’d get a sit down with Luther and Cody Dickinson.
Watching and listening to the channel from across the pond, these interviews are such a treasure trove of music myth, lore and legend. Having said that, it's the little human stories and details that linger most in the memory. This is a channel that is wonderful in the truest sense - consistently full of wonder to warm the musical soul.
Keep on keepin' on, Otis.
PS. Loved hearing these stories from Bill Kenner. Hats off to Bill.
Great interview Otis . Must listen to more Leon Russel. Best wishes
Bill's comment about the stage levitating made me smile as that's the exact way I always describe a show of Leon's in the early 70's that I attended at an outdoor concert in Tampa, Fl. He had it all going on with his mix of everything. Even the Deputy's on site were tamping their feet !
These interviews you’ve done lately are the best I’ve seen on RUclips. Rick Beato could learn how to get great stories out of his guests if he saw yours. Just awesome stories!
I saw Leon with Edgar Winter in a small place in Atlantic city NC. In 85. It was Great.
Ha! My wife and I lived on Ted Walker’s Full Moon Farm and hearing it mentioned on here is a hoot. Otis, Ted would make a great interview. His parties were legendary!
Had the pleasure of seeing Leon Russell open up for The Who in 1969 when he was promoting his first solo album and of course it was great and then a couple years later I saw him play on the same bill at the Anaheim convention center with Elton John and the great blues guitarist Freddy Kingand then at the end of the concert, they all jammed together on a couple songs, which was definitely one of my favorite concerts
What a great interview, and such vivid memories, so full of emotion. Thanks for this
I saw him in Houston. I think the place was called the summit. Early 70 I guess. One of the best shows ever.
Leon wasn't just badass; he was larger than life. Musician, singer, songwriter, sideman, bandleader, producer, arranger, electrifying live performer: Leon could do it all. I never had a chance to see Leon live, but my late friend Richie used to tell the story about how in the early 1970s, he went into a Leon Russell concert as a clean-cut Catholic school boy, got his mind blown, and emerged completely changed, transforming within a short few months into a long-haired hippie freak. And that is what rock and roll will do to you, boys and girls 😂. Miss you, Richie, and miss you, Leon. 💙
Truly legendary.. I thank you Otis for bringing these guys out..
Leon at the Armadillo about 4 or 5 times. Just magical as was a lot of music in those days in the 70s..
Leon played keyboards and arranged "This Diamond Ring" which was a huge radio hit for Gary Lewis & the Playboys in 1966. It was co-written by
Al Kooper.
Did not realize Al Kooper was a co author on that song.
Saw Leon several times in the late 70s when he was playing in Willie band. The best show was 1979 Willie's 4th of July picnic. Keep up the great videos Otis. Thanks
i love this ole boy Otis genine cool cat
whut wuz that ole girl in the Mommas called...
Momma?
Shut up you Conwat Twitty acting summmamabetyutch
lolololol
Dislacimer this is made up playfully not truth lol
My Leon Russel experience was in 2005 playing with Paul Nelson, Willie's daughter at his 4th of July Picnic. Two totally mind boggling things were standing up there with Wiliie's Baldwin amp and then seeing Leon Russel's road case for his keyboard at the side of the stage. Leon was the set after us. To my total surprise Willie came out and joined us onstage to play a song. Trading a solo with Willie Nelson is barely a memory I can recollect because it was so unreal. I know it happened and there are photos and a recording from Sirius XM (just XM at the time) but I still wonder how it all worked out. What a day!
This man is soo real and Leon goes soo deep into the beginning of RnR !!! Jus awesome ❤
Bless this man
I never got to see Leon but I couldn't get enough of Will O' The Wisp back in the day. I enjoyed this very much, TY Otis.
First heard Leon on Concert for Bangladesh when I was a kid and a fan since then. Remember listening to Leon and the Shelter People in elementary school. Finally saw Leon at Bb King’s after the record with Elton. He came out to tour bus after show. Real friendly to crowd. One of a kind. A real gem.
I love, love, love this!!! Thank you for giving us a glimpse into life with Leon. ❤
That is so funny to hear him say "I felt like I was levitating off the bandstage" I've often had that feeling and described it that way being fortunate enough to sing and play with some of the greats. That brought a big smile to my face. This guy is one of the best you've had on, you can tell hes just giving us the tip of the iceberg of his experiences.
By the way SONG FOR YOU has to be a top ten all time song ever written.
This was great!!!! I just finished the Leon book. What a book!!!
Thank you Bill & Otis
I love watching your interviews Otis. Please keep doing them. ❤ Especially people talking about Leon.
Thanks Bill & Otis. Keeping the history alive !!!
Great Story!!
This Masquerade, one of my favorites.
I could listen to him for HOURS. What a fabulous voice 😊
God bless Leon. Thank you for this, Otis! I highly recommend Bill Janovitz' excellent biography of Leon. i just finished it a few weeks ago. When I was new in Nashville, I worked a bit with one of Leon's former touring keyboardists, Damon Seale, and we did a gig at Barbara Mandrell's restaurant in front of the The Factory in Franklin. Damon invited Leon and Jan to come and they did. The lounge we played was dark, but his sunglasses were a permanent fixture. Damon invited him to sit in, speaking over the mic, but Leon would shake his head "no". On break, Damon connects an extension cable to his keyboard and takes it out to Leon and Jan's table and sets it down in front of him. Persistence paid off. :-)
Saw him at the Fillmore East
Saw Leon in the early nineties in New York. My wife couldn’t believe how many songs that she knew, after telling me she didn’t know who he was . Lol
Saw Leon at the Coliseum In Memphis in 1978, on a double bill with Willie Nelson. Leon was great, then when Willie started his set, he said that his sister Bobbie wasn’t feeling well that night, so Leon would also play with Willie‘s band. It was a fantastic show.
My old Tulsa friend. ❤
I slept on Leon for far too long. That video of the Shelter People doing Jumpin Jack Flash in their own studio changed that really quickly. Still the best version of it I’ve heard
Summer of 73' Leon and the Shelter People at the Chicago Stadium. We all freaked when Leon jumped atop his piano, someone threw him a guitar and he wailed on it while dancing atop that piano...funny thing a guy at the show gave me a number to call a guy who had info on an after concert party Leon was holding--I called, but since he didnt know me, but knew the other guy he wouldnt tell me where it was. Oh well. We had a great time at the show and afterwards all on our own.
Somebody please get with Bill and put together the times and places and stories, and put out the book!
Saw Leon Russell playing with Joe cocker at the Milwaukee pop festival
" a song for you " .
❤wow the DAC too
❤
Saw Leon around 77/78 at Hara Arena in Dayton Ohio. He was Huge at this point. I always loved Carney. Plus what followed.
You guys came through Colorado around '80 when I got a call that Leon was having tech problems, needed some keys and I lended y'all my Rhodes .for a couple shows in Vail ... if memory serves ...
My wife and I went to see Leon play in Ballard, Washington. We went to an Indian restaurant prior to the show and ended up sitting at a table next to Leon. As we left to go to the show. He was kind enough to take some photos with me and sign some records that I had brought with me
Hey harrysmusicroom cat...I saw that show too...At the old firehouse with his son playin rhythm...dressed in white he seemed old that night but still rockin! I guess he was using a cane which gave the impression of aging. But heck, that was 30+ years ago and still kept going for many years. God Blessed us through that gentleman musician!
@@LucaFinn4U yep, I remember his daughter opening?
Saw Leon at the Masonic Temple in Detroit along with (i think) The Seagle Schwall Band. Must have been late 1970's or early 1980's. It was a great show. Thanks for another interesting interview.
Crazy hearing Sam Bush was looking for a mandolin player 😂
He looks like Dick Murdoch.
🤩
My first wife said that the Mad Dogs and English Men tour was the best show she'd ever seen. (and she saw Yes open for Pink Floyd when they debut the Dark Side of the Moon).
17:10 😂😂
Six seconds saloon Rockville rd Indy
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Thanks for all these great interviews and stories you share! Hey, do ever come West? I guess you have your fans abroad, but I'd love it if you toured in Northern California.
Peace Brother!
Leon Russell
Stranger in a strange land
The real deal never care about famous guy