Leon Russell died in Nashville at the age of 74, according to his Facebook page. His wife said he died in his sleep. Russell had a heart attack earlier this year and had bypass surgery.
Born Russell Bridges, he changed his name to Leon Russell after relocating to Los Angeles from his home in Tulsa. He got his start playing in Tulsa nightclubs when he was just 14.
Russell’s nearly 60-year career has spanned recording some of the great 1960s music as a Hollywood session musician to his own “superstar” status beginning in the 1970s, to recording and touring with Elton John in this decade.
Some of his most well-know hits include “Tight Rope,” “A Song for You,” and “Delta Lady.” He performed with many stars over the years including John Lennon, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Joe Cocker, and George Harrison.
Russell was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2011.
Leon was a staple at The Kent Stage over the years. Here is the last poster rawsugarstudio.com did for him
