httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37dw2r45Xzg
Calling himself Leon Russell – the name Leon came from a friend who lent him an ID so he could play California club dates while underage – he drew on both his classical training and his Southern roots, playing everything from standards to surf-rock, from million-sellers to pop throwaways.
Mr. Russell drew more recognition as a co-producer, arranger and musician on Joe Cocker’s second album, “Joe Cocker!,” which included Mr. Russell’s song “Delta Lady.”.
Its 1970 double live album and a tour film became a showcase for Mr. Russell as well as Mr. Cocker; the album reached No. 2 on the Billboard album chart.
Mr. Russell’s second album, “Leon Russell and the Shelter People,” fared better commercially; it reached No. 17 on the Billboard chart.
The fledgling Gap Band, also from Oklahoma, backed Mr. Russell in 1974 on his album “Stop All That Jazz.” His 1975 album “Will O’ the Wisp” included what would be his last Top 20 pop hit, “Lady Blue.”.
In 1979 Mr. Russell married Janet Lee Constantine, who survives him along with six children: Blue, Teddy Jack, Tina Rose, Sugaree, Honey and Coco.For the next decades, Mr. Russell delved into various idioms, mostly recording for independent labels.
In 1992 the songwriter and pianist Bruce Hornsby, who had long cited Mr. Russell’s influence, sought to rejuvenate Mr. Russell’s rock career by producing the album “Anything Can Happen,” but it drew little notice.
Mr. Russell continued to tour for die-hard fans who called themselves Leon Lifers.