“Elton came along and found me in a ditch by the side of the Highway of Life.” And thank God he did, or the world may not have had the chance to celebrate the career and music of this remarkable man. RIP, Leon. You can rest easy now, my friend.
I am in tears.. I'm a tree worker in the panhandle of Idaho and I am so humbled by a man I never met, who I wish I couldve met.. RIP Leon, a brother I never knew but I felt I did.. god rest your beautiful humble soul
I agree but it shouldn't have been necessary. Leon should never have been forgotten (and he wasn't by his loyal fans) he should have been honored and treasured by all of us and been in the R&RHOF way before he was. Also, why wasn't he put in as a solo performer? If you had seen him in concert, you would not forget the experience.
I saw him in concert at Madison Square Garden and I could NEVER forget the experience. He was great. Bought his records. Never heard a rock musician play the piano so wonderfully and he performed like a house on fire! Greatest! RIP Leon.
@@chlynn13b92 True, but the fact of the matter is that for the last few years of his life (until Elton came along) he was neglicted by the the music industry, especially in the US
@@DAS1962 That's true and often happens to older musicians. Leon was an introvert so he wasn't out and about, cozying up to music people, doing any interviews, etc. He just recorded and toured for many, many years.
Thank You for that heart felt induction speech you gave Mr. Leon Russell ..... You're a class act Elton John .. You always have been..! I know in my own heart yours and Leon's music will live forever...... Leon may you Rest In Peace old buddy....
Leon brings me to tears. He was like fine wine, such a legend and so much talent Elton, you also brought me to tears, and you are a class act and treated leon like a king. Leon is a magical man. We miss you. You make me cry every time, I hear you, and that is often. Mr Russell you are loved and missed
"If you leave this place tonight, if you don't feel like you had a religious experience, why don't you just get your money back." Oh Leon... The man was pure talent...true genius. His songs...those lyrics. The music he created & played. That voice. ...and that "Holy Roller" piano of his. Like something out of a revival meeting.
I live in Tulsa Oklahoma. I had the privilege of visiting his resting place/grave. I laid down a guitar pick, among other picks, among countless ones. Even His top hat was there. Not a single soul, messed with it, bothered his grave. It gave me more faith in humanity, much like Leon did with his work. We miss you, but you're at peace. Thank you.
My Brother Just Passed away bout a Month ago. Without my brother Michael, I don’t know who Leon is. My brother turned me on to Leon at a very young age. Thank God. God bless both of them.
A generational talent, thanks for being part of mine. Music began and ended with these madmen & Englishmen. There will never be anything like it again. To Leon, Godspeed my brother.
I met Leon in the summer of 1966 in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Our band ‘The Ugly Ducklings’ was opening for ‘Gary Lewis & The Playboys’ that night. Leon was the piano player & the musical director of Gary’s show. He was such a gentleman and so considerate and approachable. He heard our first 45, ‘Nothin’, on the radio in the bus on his way to the gig. He told me he liked it as he shook my hand. I never forgot that night and I bought every one of his records as they came out. Elton was right. He was everything about music that was good, all in one package! Rest in peace Leon, your music will live forever. 😎🎹🎸🎙💌
One of those players who did everything they could to make themselves AND EVERYONE ELSE sound as good as possible. The sound of a generation was created in large part by Leon Russell. Not as well-known as some of his contemporaries, but recognized by all as a true musician. Any band in any age would be lucky to have Leon Russell as a member. Rest In Peace.
His induction was egregiously overdue. I cherish the memories of seeing him several times in big and small venues, and getting the incredible opportunity to meet him and tell him how much I loved him and his music. RIP Brother Leon. Your legacy lives on.♥️
Caroline Maslin It gave me Some Water In The Eye Symptoms I used To go and Play a lot of Music in Tulsa,Ok with the Leon Russell / JJ Cale Music next generation seen .You sure could feel that Leon and JJ Cale’s Spirits were in the Clubs with you RIP 👑 King 👑 LEON 😇🙏😇
i cry everytime i see it, love is love, and Elton did love Leon, and let him know, what he meant to him, that is the defenition of love, the world needs love now, more then ever
That list that Elton read of some of the people that Leon played with was amazing.....he was the session musician that every one needed and wanted.....
Saw Leon live at the University of Detroit around 1968 and have never forgotten how incredible that was! I've been a life-long fan and it's only fitting that he was inducted into the Hall of Fame...
I am indiferent to 99% of Elton John's music but my estimation of him as a person is transformed by this video. I a from Tulsa originally. One night at my local Quik Trip at 1AM a Rolls pulled up next to my Chevelle. Leon got out, went in, got something, came back to his car and left. I just watched, didn't interrupt. Looked exactly like he did on camera!
First saw Leon in the Concert for Bangladesh. Soon after his album Carny came out and I played it to death. One of the greats of music; not just rock. Saw him play in a small dinner theatre in Chicago not long before he passed. He was a bit diminished by everything he's been through, but still had more musical chops in his little finger than most have in their whole body.
I could never express my thanks Sir Elton I cried through listening to Leon ..... and loved Mad Dogs and English men...., go in the mid day sun you brought leon into the sun as Heaven is rocking and is missed thank you dear one
I've been playing guitar since I was five years old. I grew up with with the greatest guitar gods this country has ever seen. Even as a young boy I knew that there was something very special about Leon Russell. As I grew older ,my respect and love for him only grew stronger. Bless you Leon for the impact that you made in my life, for all the beautiful music, and for the never-ending commitment to your craft.
Leon, you should have been there so long before you were. But we knew you were hall of fame material and loved you from your Delaney & Bonnie days .... only because we didn't KNOW it was you (until recently) on all those other songs we loved! RIP.
Truly deserving of being inducted. Congratulations Leon Russell. I bought Leon Russell and the shelter people album many years ago. Still love your music
Leon Russell's music became a large part of the soundtrack of my life! I absolutely loved his music, it was of a type that went right to your soul, I would never ask for my money back because listening to Leon was a religious experience. I'm sure I will get to meet him in Heaven! God bless Mr. Elton John for what he did for Leon. I have a whole new respect for him!
I was born and raised in Burbank, California. Leon had his studio on Magnolia Blvd in Burbank...about a mile from my home. Mr. Russell was the consummate professional and Southern Gentleman. And one of the most beautiful individuals I have known. This tribute leaves me in a heap of tears.
Coming here after reading Me Elton John: a heck of a memoir! Too many juicy gossip. Oh lawd... That solo guitar by John Mayer: didn't see it coming and it blew my mind♥
Nos temos um artista muito parecido com Leon Russel aqui no Brasil, se chama Bento de Paula as suas letras poéticas filosóficas são verdadeiras expressões da vida suas relações tragédias e amores. Legal vocês deram o devido valor e exaltaram a obra do Sr Leon Russel .
In total agreement. From the first note out of mouth, you knew That's Leon! He also was famous enough that he was called by one name, Leon. I love him.
This is great and much deserved, but I’m stunned that his song, “This Masquerade” wasn’t mentioned. I first heard the version by George Benson as I was driving along California 1 and it shot so many lightning bolts up and down my spine that I had to pull off the highway for fear of tumbling into the Pacific.
A Song for You is not "a song." It's an anthem and one of the most perfect songs ever written. Absolutely timeless. And the people who have covered it have been very privileged to do so. Donny Hathaway did a beautiful version, but there is only one raspy, strong, beautiful, percussive, original version, and that's Leon Russell.
I believe Leon was a spiritual soul and it shows in his ability to write, compose etc. the number of musicians is incredible. Space in time is in the Bible, we are all traveling through space, time travelers. Jesus said, I will restore to you the time that the canker worm has stolen! Meaning this life.
You'd be hard pressed to find anyone and I mean ANYONE who has impacted popular music more widely than Leon. The R'nRHOF? f_ck them; he's been in mine since 1970. I wish someone would write a proper biography on him.....it would be simply fascinating. FYI, Russell had a lifelong disability in his right hand which limited his dexterity. It effected his style of and made him a stronger rhythm player with an outstanding left hand........
I've never understood those Halls of Fame; I mean, why does it take eternity for a guy like Leon Russell to get inducted, as he has been rock, and every other chategory, royalty since the early 70s???
Seriously. I've even tried to listen to some. The popular artists are just garbage. Olivia rodrigo? Billie eilish not to mention all the rap garbage. I don't even turn on the radio in my car anymore. I mean what the hell happened? 60s and 70s music was so great and 80s music was good and fun but I wouldn't call most of it great. But I liked it to dance to and listen to on a night out. Then the 90s came along and everything sucked. I personally blamed the freaks of pearl jam, one of the weirdest bands of all time with a lead singer that is scarier than Charles manson. Play the 2000s we were truly done having any kind of good music. With the exception of Jack white. But this stuff, this is unbelievable. I just hate that it seems like we don't have any chance of having anything this great ever again. At least it gives me a reason to not care about getting old.
“Elton came along and found me in a ditch by the side of the Highway of Life.” And thank God he did, or the world may not have had the chance to celebrate the career and music of this remarkable man. RIP, Leon. You can rest easy now, my friend.
I am in tears.. I'm a tree worker in the panhandle of Idaho and I am so humbled by a man I never met, who I wish I couldve met.. RIP Leon, a brother I never knew but I felt I did.. god rest your beautiful humble soul
How could you even HAVE a R&R Hall of fame without LEON?
My husband and I saw Elton and Leon at the Hollywood Palladium in 2010 when they were debuting their collaborative album. Quite an experience.
Elton has a lot of power. No one else could have (or would have) done what he did for Leon.
I agree but it shouldn't have been necessary. Leon should never have been forgotten (and he wasn't by his loyal fans) he should have been honored and treasured by all of us and been in the R&RHOF way before he was. Also, why wasn't he put in as a solo performer? If you had seen him in concert, you would not forget the experience.
I saw him in concert at Madison Square Garden and I could NEVER forget the experience. He was great. Bought his records. Never heard a rock musician play the piano so wonderfully and he performed like a house on fire!
Greatest! RIP Leon.
@@chlynn13b92 True, but the fact of the matter is that for the last few years of his life (until Elton came along) he was neglicted by the the music industry, especially in the US
@@DAS1962 That's true and often happens to older musicians. Leon was an introvert so he wasn't out and about, cozying up to music people, doing any interviews, etc. He just recorded and toured for many, many years.
@@chlynn13b92 a hard working musician really earning his keep.
Thank You for that heart felt induction speech you gave Mr. Leon Russell ..... You're a class act Elton John .. You always have been..! I know in my own heart yours and Leon's music will live forever......
Leon may you Rest In Peace old buddy....
Leon brings me to tears. He was like fine wine, such a legend and so much talent
Elton, you also brought me to tears, and you are a class act and treated leon like a king. Leon is a magical man. We miss you. You make me cry every time, I hear you, and that is often. Mr Russell you are loved and missed
Indeed.
"If you leave this place tonight, if you don't feel like you had a religious experience, why don't you just get your money back." Oh Leon... The man was pure talent...true genius. His songs...those lyrics. The music he created & played. That voice. ...and that "Holy Roller" piano of his. Like something out of a revival meeting.
Richard Marshall Bowman I couldn't have said it better myself.
What a lovely tribute to a man who brought so much to us. Thank you Elton for the lovely treatment of this wonderful man.
I live in Tulsa Oklahoma. I had the privilege of visiting his resting place/grave. I laid down a guitar pick, among other picks, among countless ones. Even His top hat was there. Not a single soul, messed with it, bothered his grave. It gave me more faith in humanity, much like Leon did with his work. We miss you, but you're at peace. Thank you.
My Brother Just Passed away bout a Month ago. Without my brother Michael, I don’t know who Leon is. My brother turned me on to Leon at a very young age. Thank God. God bless both of them.
I have a new love for elton john. I'm so glad he realized his roots and gave this amazing man his props
Leon Russell from Tulsa, Oklahoma. From the folks back home, we love you, my brother.
one of best songwriter and performers we’ll ever know. so often in background, but the music out front was all leon. what a talent
This is one of the best RUclips videos. I come here from time to time to see how good people can be! Thank you Sir Elton John! RIP Leon Russel.
A generational talent, thanks for being part of mine. Music began and ended with these madmen & Englishmen. There will never be anything like it again. To Leon, Godspeed my brother.
I met Leon in the summer of 1966 in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
Our band ‘The Ugly Ducklings’ was opening for ‘Gary Lewis & The Playboys’ that night. Leon was the piano player & the musical director of Gary’s show. He was such a gentleman and so considerate and approachable. He heard our first 45, ‘Nothin’, on the radio in the bus on his way to the gig. He told me he liked it as he shook my hand. I never forgot that night and I bought every one of his records as they came out. Elton was right. He was everything about music that was good, all in one package!
Rest in peace Leon, your music will live forever. 😎🎹🎸🎙💌
Tears won't stop.Thank you Leon.
What a beautiful man, and God Bless Elton John for putting him back into the spotline, where he belongs, forever.
One of those players who did everything they could to make themselves AND EVERYONE ELSE sound as good as possible. The sound of a generation was created in large part by Leon Russell. Not as well-known as some of his contemporaries, but recognized by all as a true musician. Any band in any age would be lucky to have Leon Russell as a member. Rest In Peace.
His induction was egregiously overdue. I cherish the memories of seeing him several times in big and small venues, and getting the incredible opportunity to meet him and tell him how much I loved him and his music.
RIP Brother Leon. Your legacy lives on.♥️
There will never be another Leon Russell (or another Elton John for that matter).
This just about made me cry, love you Leon ❤️
Caroline Maslin It gave me Some Water In The Eye Symptoms I used To go and Play a lot of Music in Tulsa,Ok with the Leon Russell / JJ Cale Music next generation seen .You sure could feel that Leon and JJ Cale’s Spirits were in the Clubs with you RIP 👑 King 👑 LEON 😇🙏😇
i cry everytime i see it, love is love, and Elton did love Leon, and let him know, what he meant to him, that is the defenition of love, the world needs love now, more then ever
How could ANYONE give a thumbs down to this? They must have wooden ears and a non-functioning heart.
Bless Leon & all including John Mayer
Dear Mr. Russell. Such a strong and assured voice! Always gonna miss that voice
Love his music. Saw Leon at Bangladeshi concert with George Harrison at MSG in NYC. One of the best concerts I was privileged to see. ❤
That list that Elton read of some of the people that Leon played with was amazing.....he was the session musician that every one needed and wanted.....
He had his own studio, and was part of the wrecking crew with cher, glen campbell. And Dr john
Saw Leon live at the University of Detroit around 1968 and have never forgotten how incredible that was! I've been a life-long fan and it's only fitting that he was inducted into the Hall of Fame...
Leon this rendition his voice so special till we meet again. The master of space and time on the keyboard.
I am indiferent to 99% of Elton John's music but my estimation of him as a person is transformed by this video.
I a from Tulsa originally. One night at my local Quik Trip at 1AM a Rolls pulled up next to my Chevelle. Leon got out, went in, got something, came back to his car and left. I just watched, didn't interrupt. Looked exactly like he did on camera!
I love Leon even more now, thanks to Elton, who I also love even more for bringing Leon♥️
Wow!! Elton is an Angel and Leon knows it
First saw Leon in the Concert for Bangladesh. Soon after his album Carny came out and I played it to death. One of the greats of music; not just rock. Saw him play in a small dinner theatre in Chicago not long before he passed. He was a bit diminished by everything he's been through, but still had more musical chops in his little finger than most have in their whole body.
My god, he is an amazing playing piano player/singer/songwriter. I can't believe I didn't discover Leon Russell until this late in my life.
I don't know how old you are but better late than never. Leon is my favorite of all, from the great rock era.
I could never express my thanks Sir Elton I cried through listening to Leon ..... and loved Mad Dogs and English men...., go in the mid day sun you brought leon into the sun as Heaven is rocking
and is missed thank you dear one
I've been playing guitar since I was five years old. I grew up with with the greatest guitar gods
this country has ever seen. Even as a young boy I knew that there was something very special about Leon Russell. As I grew older ,my respect and love for him only grew stronger.
Bless you Leon for the impact that you made in my life, for all the beautiful music, and for the never-ending commitment to your craft.
In addition to his musical ;legacy, Elton John will be equally remembered for his many kind deeds . R.I.P. Leon.
Leon, you should have been there so long before you were. But we knew you were hall of fame material and loved you from your Delaney & Bonnie days .... only because we didn't KNOW it was you (until recently) on all those other songs we loved! RIP.
Why it took so long for him to be inducted love him so much.
Truly deserving of being inducted. Congratulations Leon Russell. I bought Leon Russell and the shelter people album many years ago. Still love your music
This is so awesome. No one could say it better then Elton for such a great human being who never got all the credit he deserved.
a young guy with so much soul...John Mayer has the artists touch....lovely.
John's playing was sublime. Leon acknowledged it with those softly spoken comments. What a beautiful rendition.
Leon Russell's music became a large part of the soundtrack of my life! I absolutely loved his music, it was of a type that went right to your soul, I would never ask for my money back because listening to Leon was a religious experience. I'm sure I will get to meet him in Heaven! God bless Mr. Elton John for what he did for Leon. I have a whole new respect for him!
Leon Russell, my favorite singer and song writer. Thank you, Leon Russell in Heaven, for “A song for you” the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard.
I was born and raised in Burbank, California. Leon had his studio on Magnolia Blvd in Burbank...about a mile from my home. Mr. Russell was the consummate professional and Southern Gentleman. And one of the most beautiful individuals I have known. This tribute leaves me in a heap of tears.
Just about the most awesome video I've watched ! Ever ! Congrats to Leon and a huge thanks to Elton for making this happen !
Holy shit! These people exist. I didn't know any music! I do now!
The master of Space & Time
Well deserved! He was fabulous at the Bangladeshi concert. I was a Jr in high school & I will never forget.
That was awesome. I love Leon Russell.
Leon is a Treasure ❤️
Coming here after reading Me Elton John: a heck of a memoir! Too many juicy gossip. Oh lawd...
That solo guitar by John Mayer: didn't see it coming and it blew my mind♥
I have always loved Leon Russell.
Nos temos um artista muito parecido com Leon Russel aqui no Brasil, se chama Bento de Paula as suas letras poéticas filosóficas são verdadeiras expressões da vida suas relações tragédias e amores. Legal vocês deram o devido valor e exaltaram a obra do Sr Leon Russel .
I'd give 20 John Mayers for one Leon Russell. His voice was singular and inimitable.
In total agreement. From the first note out of mouth, you knew That's Leon! He also was famous enough that he was called by one name, Leon. I love him.
Hard to hate on John Mayer right here though. My god he killed it on the guitar.
what a great singer and composer!❤
Epic. A true hall of Fame musician. Iconic.
Amazing Leon Russell, such an important part of Rock n Roll History, period. 💞✌️❤️🌼
This is great and much deserved, but I’m stunned that his song, “This Masquerade” wasn’t mentioned. I first heard the version by George Benson as I was driving along California 1 and it shot so many lightning bolts up and down my spine that I had to pull off the highway for fear of tumbling into the Pacific.
Thank you Elton, a true friend he has in you, and God knows...Love LOVE all ways heals..
A Song for You is not "a song." It's an anthem and one of the most perfect songs ever written. Absolutely timeless. And the people who have covered it have been very privileged to do so. Donny Hathaway did a beautiful version, but there is only one raspy, strong, beautiful, percussive, original version, and that's Leon Russell.
Spetacular! Love your art Leon......the best.....RIP
Bless his heart!!
Elton is a Class act
Priceless!
leon you were always a King !!!!!
Surely #JohnMayer and everyone else knew they were making history right here. RIP Leon ❤
American legend ! English legend !
Leon is my musical hero
leon immenso ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I get it now
You didn't know about Leon's work as a studio musician for so many big names?
Well done Reg.
Elton is amazing
❤
Just a boy from Oklahoma
On an endless one night stand
He wandered and he rambled
And drifted with the midnight sand.
Leon Russell's manager is the man that named the Muscle Shoals recording boys the SWAMPERS
The best.
perfect
Is there any more solid dude than Elton?
Saw Leon in 73
I believe Leon was a spiritual soul and it shows in his ability to write, compose etc. the number of musicians is incredible. Space in time is in the Bible, we are all traveling through space, time travelers.
Jesus said, I will restore to you the time that the canker worm has stolen! Meaning this life.
You'd be hard pressed to find anyone and I mean ANYONE who has impacted popular music more widely than Leon. The R'nRHOF? f_ck them; he's been in mine since 1970. I wish someone would write a proper biography on him.....it would be simply fascinating. FYI, Russell had a lifelong disability in his right hand which limited his dexterity. It effected his style of and made him a stronger rhythm player with an outstanding left hand........
7:06......
"On piano Leon!"
I've never understood those Halls of Fame; I mean, why does it take eternity for a guy like Leon Russell to get inducted, as he has been rock, and every other chategory, royalty since the early 70s???
I wonder why he lost touch with him in the early 70’s… :-(
This is a musician not like this shit they’re playing today music I wouldn’t even call it music of the day sucks it’s not even close
Seriously. I've even tried to listen to some. The popular artists are just garbage. Olivia rodrigo? Billie eilish not to mention all the rap garbage. I don't even turn on the radio in my car anymore. I mean what the hell happened? 60s and 70s music was so great and 80s music was good and fun but I wouldn't call most of it great. But I liked it to dance to and listen to on a night out. Then the 90s came along and everything sucked. I personally blamed the freaks of pearl jam, one of the weirdest bands of all time with a lead singer that is scarier than Charles manson. Play the 2000s we were truly done having any kind of good music. With the exception of Jack white. But this stuff, this is unbelievable. I just hate that it seems like we don't have any chance of having anything this great ever again. At least it gives me a reason to not care about getting old.
😏🙏💕GVB ❤
Compare that to the bullshit boy bands these days