If not for the kindness of Elton John Mr. Russell would have spent his last years in isolation and obscurity. Instead he got another time in the spotlight and experienced the adoration of his fans. We all got a chance to relive the soul and passion of this great musician before he passed. Thank you both

@therighthandmann

Ай бұрын

Actually, he was touring quite a bit right before he and Elton did their record. He player small venues like Knuckleheads Saloon (cap. 2500) in Kansas City where we would see him almost every year. There you could stand about 6' away from him at the stage. He had a nice touring bus and a good band that traveled with him. I think he was just happy playing his songs for the very devoted people who came to see him. I am happy for the way things worked out, else the importance and presence of his music could have been missed by so many more. RIP MS&T.

@LeslieGMN

Ай бұрын

Leon Russell gave the very first concert I ever attended, in 1972. Decades later, while waiting with my husband to see Leon, people in line started reminiscing. So many treasured their copy of, “Live at the Long Beach Civic Auditorium”-my first concert!

@baadtaste1337

Ай бұрын

Go Elton - so nice to see this - saw Leon Russel first time in the "mad dogs and englishmen" movie with Joe Cocker - he was the coolest person :D

@eltorocal

Ай бұрын

Mad Dogs and Englishmen

@mahulad7298

Ай бұрын

The late great Leon, gone to join Cocker & all his buddies for eternal music, god rest your beautiful sole. RIP

"About a year ago, Elton came and found me in a ditch by the highway of life." this line always chokes me up.

@alexandraoconner1093

Ай бұрын

Choked up Elton, too.

@brendadickenson3547

Ай бұрын

Elton John treated you as you deserve for you are the king in your profession

@andrerobinson4862

Ай бұрын

Oh my god yes. Sometimes this blasted video app knows EXACTLY what I need to see. You can see this man's road on his face, hear it in his voice😢😊😢😊

@freetomato

Ай бұрын

Yes, that was an unexpected moment of heartbreak and love that makes me grateful for KZread. I am glad that I watched that. Warm fuzzies.

@magneto44

Ай бұрын

me too, every time I see this that line gets me

Sometimes the Like button seems entirely insufficient. This made my day

@stevemoore6245

Ай бұрын

when i discovered my favorite piano player was loved by Elton the whole time, it mad me feel good.

@angelinakindness330

Ай бұрын

Mine also...❤

@kashheitkamp815

Ай бұрын

Yes.

@cherylfugate7517

Ай бұрын

I agree. You said it!

@MichaelSherry-gm6sn

27 күн бұрын

Touche'

Great story.I was playing in a travelling blues trio, and in the mid 90's, we were at an open air bar on Bourbon St in New Orleans for a week during Mardi Gras. This dude comes walking in with a top hat and cane, tails and just looked amazing. We were on break, and he was talking to us. There was an upright piano on stage, and we didn't have a keys player. He asked if he could come up and jam on the next set. We said hell yea, come on up with us. We were all in our 20's, and though we knew the name, we never saw his face. It was Leon Russell. As soon as he walked on stage, there was something a bit different and we didn't realize what we were about to witness. He did a 45 minute set of barrelhouse blues standards with us and brought the house it's knees. When we finished, he stood up, tipped his hat to us and thanked us for letting him "jam" with us. Incredibly humble guy with the best stage presence and just a feel for the music like I had never witnessed. Whether or not he was in a downtime didn't matter. He was on his game that night and my only regret is not having cellphones back then.

@StephLee-qv8lk

Ай бұрын

What an incredible experience. Thanks for sharing.

@valerieshafer4372

Ай бұрын

Cool story❤

@stephenellis2866

Ай бұрын

What a magnificent experience that must have been!

@ACBD90

Ай бұрын

Wow! Wish I would have been there to witness that. What an incredible, wonderful, precious memory you'll have the rest of your life

@JeremiasSBenitez

29 күн бұрын

Great story. Thanks!!!

I don't get how anyone was inducted before Leon Russell. He is one of the reasons why there even is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

@gaminawulfsdottir3253

Ай бұрын

Amen, brother.

@richardwarfordjr.5622

Ай бұрын

Agreed 👍

@metislamestiza3708

Ай бұрын

what a beautiful statement....

@ericsnyder1960

Ай бұрын

The rock hall of fame is largely a joke as we all know ..the omissions and years between rightful inductions and the omissions is clearly the work of a selection committee that is obviously flawed and dictated by criteria that is governed by people with agenda

@infledermaus

Ай бұрын

No shit! He arranged some of Elton's songs. There was a special about the album they created. Blew me away. Why'd they wait until he was almost dead to induct him? Assholes.

To have Elton John say "he was my idol" is an honor probably on par with the induction itself.

@Andrea-kx6dc

Ай бұрын

better!🎉

@akaSophie92672

Ай бұрын

Yes! And, it isn't hollow...you can hear what Elton emulated. Magical.

@PhillipLandmeier

20 күн бұрын

Indeed it is. Elton John has a degree of musical talent that's very rare, on a par with Mozart. At the same time I have no doubt that Leon Russell was his idol. That the two would connect is perfect.

I saw him once siting in a yellow Rolls at a gas station in the middle of the night in Tulsa in 1972. It was a dead silent hot summer night, and there was only him in his car with his driver, and me on my 350 Honda motorcycle with not another car around. His driver was filling it up for him while Mr. Russell was talking to him in his old Tulsa accent from about 25 feet away. I remember thinking I'm within a few feet of one of the greatest musical genius's in the world. I thought about approaching him, but knew it would be an insult to interrupt his privacy, so I stayed back. What an honor I was given.

@MaureenSullivan-di5jp

22 күн бұрын

Much respect to you.

@jhall6926

22 күн бұрын

Met him at a coke machine shook is hand softly and said well Leon let me buy ya one, I did we sang part of a coke commercial together and laughed walking away in different directions....yeah...❤

@scottholloway6873

19 күн бұрын

@@jhall6926 Have a Coke and a smile...

@lindamartinez3903

17 күн бұрын

My heart wow

@user-qb4bu9gp1j

17 күн бұрын

@@scottholloway6873 I sing Tightrope a lot even now. And 'Out in the woods'.

I have 66 years of experience and I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes. I missed him too.

@TomFurr-uc1hj

Ай бұрын

I am 66 too my brother and have never been so overwhelmed by such a selfless act of kindness.A song for you alone should have put him in the hall of Fame.Its got to be top 10 songs ever written and sung with his brilliant rawness.Loved Karen Carpenter s cover too.I salute you sir Elton my new favorite human you just over took Barry Gibb sorry i still love you too

@elizabethbrogna3565

Ай бұрын

😅i

@user-lw1iy5tl5u

Ай бұрын

I’m the same age as you ❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊

@shelli1429

Ай бұрын

wonderful this makes ya like human beings again eyes are too watery to type . hell yah ITMATTERS

@robertbrechlin9285

Ай бұрын

Thanks Elton for recognizing what mankind had almost forgotten!!

In 2010 or 11, I saw Leon in Walgreens here in Nashville. We mostly leave entertainers alone here and I knew that he was a very private person but I starred for a few seconds and as he turned we made brief eye contact so I nodded and he gave the faintest of nods back and I mouthed “Thank you” and he gave a second, slightly more pronounced nod and we went our separate ways. I was fulfilled by our interaction. I hope he was as well.

@splenderella9

Ай бұрын

Thank YOU for that description of your brief interaction with the legend... brought tears to my eyes!

@randolfo1265

Ай бұрын

@@splenderella9 - Me too, watery!

@janicebelfiore856

Ай бұрын

That is lovely!

@tamarajoquintanilla9467

Ай бұрын

Precious & respectful

@debrak3594

Ай бұрын

Thank you for this

Back in the 90s my ex-husband and I were just driving around trying to figure out where to go that evening. We ended up driving to Milwaukee to attend Summerfest. This was totally unplanned. We got to the park, paid the entrance fee and checked out the schedule of performers. To our amazement, and good fortune, Leon Russell was playing that night. We were thrilled and honored to see and hear him in person and in a smaller venue. He was the greatest. So happy Elton John reconnected with him and made sure he was never forgotten. ❤

@TomFurr-uc1hj

Ай бұрын

It's amazing how one unselfish act of kindness can turn a person's spirit.God bless you Elton John you just became my favorite artist that's a human being first.It used to be Barry Gibb even though I love him too but that act of kindness should never be overlooked

@QuadeQuick

Ай бұрын

We, too, did sort of an impromptu trip to Summerfest one year in the 90s and saw none other than Roy Orbison on a free side stage... and he was awesome!

@tiarara2011

20 күн бұрын

It’s very sad, cause we lost Roy Orbison right around that time!! And he had just released a new album, called “Mystery Girl”!! What an album!! If you haven’t checked it out, waste no time and get yourself a copy!! I guarantee that you’ll Love It, Just Like I Do!!!❤❤Heart

I'm Irish and never heard of him before now. I'm now balling my eyes out and now have a new respect for Elton John..❤

@erniesmith871

20 күн бұрын

Watch the documentary The Wrecking crew.

@jamesschpeiser4326

20 күн бұрын

Bawling perhaps

@user-bo1rj2xu2s

20 күн бұрын

Elton, a very kind man.

@robertwalsh5754

18 күн бұрын

Leon ...unbelievably, was fading into obscurity. Elton John was heroic revived, The Master of Space and Time. Thank you Sir Elton John. Thank you for being Great...Leon.

Thank you Elton. You did something that's so few people do. You went back and did an enormous kindness for someone that meant a lot to you. You corrected history and made a miracle happen. Leon was one of a kind and very deserving. I hope that you are surrounded by that rare level of love

@bernadettemalec9472

28 күн бұрын

Always remember where your inspiration came from! ❤

@tiarara2011

20 күн бұрын

Beautifully Stated my Friend ❤❤❤!!!

Absolute legend. Thank you Elton for bringing him back to us. RIP Leon.

@sunnystormy4973

Ай бұрын

-yes sir elton !- ~ rest in paradise leon ~ 😔 🕯

@randpherigo9724

Ай бұрын

growing up.. i felt leon's music.. what an amazing talent!

@TomFurr-uc1hj

Ай бұрын

Elton John just became my favorite human being I couldn't imagine that man passing away under such nonsense.It only takes one random act of kindness to change a persons life.I am sure it changed Elton too just knowing his selfless act of kindness did so much good.I salute you my brother look forward to meeting such a kind person on the other side

@tiarara2011

20 күн бұрын

Beautifully Stated Brother ❤!! Well Done!!❤

This is one of the greatest and moving moments in rock 'n' roll. Elton made it happen,

@rls25132

Ай бұрын

I still can't stop crying. Such a loving tribute by Elton John. I have lost so many albums over the many years of my life. Thank you Elton John for honoring this great artist.

@user-qb4bu9gp1j

Ай бұрын

Elton is lucky to know Leon.

@terryjross1184

Ай бұрын

Leon made it happen

@brookelondon8029

Ай бұрын

Just sitting here crying and smiling and dancing in my seat. Those of us who grew up with the Birth of rock 'n' roll music of the 50s till now also have respect for the other music greats he played with, Frank Sinatra and all the others. I just made a promise to myself to watch a video from the rock 'n' roll Hall of Fame every day so that I get to see all my favorites while they're still around. Hundreds of concerts that I've seen have touched me but these tributes mean so much. It's our way of thanking them for all the joy they gave us. And I'm sure everybody on here has seen the tribute to George Harrison with Prince. If you haven't, look for it.. 🎶♥️🎶

@TomFurr-uc1hj

Ай бұрын

Agreed 100percent.There is not enough words for such a selfless act of kindness.Guaranteed it changed SirElton too to see the impact he made on the life of another human being.God bless you sir

The lyric, "I Iove you in a place where there's no space or time," captures such a beautiful and, for me, such a comforting thought. Truly elegant.

Leon along with Glen Campbell were part of the Wrecking Crew. Leon did not seem to get the recognition he deserved. Both are legends.

Almost 13 years ago, it was Leon's moment, and richly deserved. But I wanted to add, based on my experiences that began almost 53 years ago, the world has been a better place all this time simply because Elton John has been in it.

@charles56737

Ай бұрын

Most definitely

@janicestewart8291

Ай бұрын

You are so right. Elton got me thru some really tough years. ❤

@590ful

Ай бұрын

Someone saved my life tonight.

@MrsAnson7777

Ай бұрын

Totally agree!!

@billtingting7106

Ай бұрын

Yes! Yes! Yes! Elton John is an amazing human being and a true musical genius! God bless him and keep him here with us longer, so he can continue to teach mankind what love, respect and kindness looks like!

The greatest tribute paid to an artist is to acknowledge that they brought joy to our lives. Mr. Russell did all that an more.

I'm gonna be short....Leon Russell was Leon Russell 100% best blues musician EVER...I got married and my reception was all Leon...My husband loved him,When lost his battle 2 cancer he said just b4 he died- please can I hear some Leon Russell....

@trowerz

Ай бұрын

🙏🏻

@lulumoon6942

Ай бұрын

Sorry for the loss of your hubby, thank you for sharing this memory, you can bet he's front row now! 🙏🕊️

@usx06240

Ай бұрын

Leon is so earthy. First heard him 40 years ago. Your husband didn't lose his battle with cancer; earth lost it's battle with heaven to keep him here.

@104thebigguy6

Ай бұрын

You were so fortunate to have him in your life. Smile.

@dthomas9230

Ай бұрын

Jumpin' Jack Flash Medley on Leon Live is astounding!

No one looked cooler in a top hat and sunglasses than Leon , and that voice ...come on !!! ❤

@sheilamccarthy9702

Ай бұрын

The last time I saw him, he opened for Buddy Guy and he had on a white suit with a matching top hat.

@splenderella9

Ай бұрын

​@@sheilamccarthy9702Love Buddy Guy also! Also part of my youthful memories...👍

@randolfo1265

Ай бұрын

@@sheilamccarthy9702 - Saw Buddy Guy in Austin a few years ago. Never did get to see Leon. My loss.

@michelewells-dinsmore2789

Ай бұрын

Absolutely ❤❤❤❤

@shabbymaverick7975

22 күн бұрын

I saw Leon at Moondance Jam in Minnesota. I just stood in awe of him. To me his voice was like a velvet hug. You will always have a place in my heart ❤️

That speech by Leon gave me goosebumps, just like his music. Thank you Elton for your kindness when Leon needed it the most.

@elvismemories52

25 күн бұрын

❤❤❤

When I heard he died, I sat at my desk at work, & just started crying. What a legend!! I only saw him once at Ventura Theater, but I have loved this man for oh so many years. RIP Leon, God Bless you for all you shared with us..

@davidrice3337

Ай бұрын

Not long before he passed I caught him at Headliners here in Louisville - I was able to chat with him for a good bit - we talked about New Orleans - I told him I went down with the horses almost every winter - he thought that was cool - And yes, when I heard he passed - I cried my eyes out -

I am seriously impressed with the way Elton John spoke about Leon Russell. He was totally sincere and honest, and his usual Prima Donna/diva attitude was completely gone and replaced by genuine reverence.

@user-bo1rj2xu2s

16 күн бұрын

I've seen very little "Prima Donna/diva" attitude from Elton. He always seems down to earth and, frankly, a good human being. For decades.

@Playsinvain

7 күн бұрын

My gosh…if anyone deserves to be aloof…it’s Elton John

I had the privilege of working for Leon at Shelter Records in the 70's. I loved his music for years and saw Mad Dogs and Englishmen in Chicago before I moved to LA. I couldn't believe my luck to end up working for him and Denny Cordell because I thought they were the best band around. God bless Elton for what he did for Leon. I cried thru the whole thing. I miss him and I'm sure he is still jammin' with the great musicians that passed before him. 💘

So lucky as baby boomers to have had the wonderful music of the 60's - 70's, Loen's will continue on along with all the other greats from back in the days, RIP Sir Leon. And thank you Sir Elton for not forgetting our dear Leon and his music....

@MarkRoberts-bj2me

Ай бұрын

While the bonafides of the R&RHOF are questionable (no CCR, No Steppenwolf) the induction of one of the all-time greatest Singer/Songwriters and pianists while he was still alive is laudable though what took so frickin’ long?

@robertguerrero8009

Ай бұрын

@@MarkRoberts-bj2me si but the ramones are in, lol

@barryduff3047

Ай бұрын

@@robertguerrero8009 but not the cramps

@slackleashdogtraining3598

Ай бұрын

Thank you Elton John for being so gracious, generous, and loving toward our twice fallen friend and inspiration. I wish our world could have treated him a little better, but he wrote and performed as an island in the sky a place to soar without leaving the ground. It’s not by choice,or maybe it is…. but I will never forget you, and songs about my secret life. You said what I could not. Blessings back to you Leon.

@Station2Station-du2gh

Ай бұрын

@@robertguerrero8009 Because the Ramones changed the landscape. They are in as innovators of a genre, not instrumental wizards.

The respect for Leon just pours out of John's guitar. What a moment.

@brycesstuff

Ай бұрын

"thats right" 👍

I live in Tulsa, a lifelong fan of Mr. Russell. Now a lifelong fan of Elton John for staying in our find city to help build a private medical suite in Leon's studio so he could continue recording/working on his last album. What an incredible man, both of them.

Elton was tapped by his angel and he followed through. Music never dies. Musicians NEVER Fade away.

@swaero8014

Ай бұрын

Fkney❤

@70sladyalways25

7 күн бұрын

And the beautiful thing is their music lives on!

If you’re a pianist, you can definitely hear Leon’s influence in Elton’s work. Two great artists and musicians!

@KaninTuzi

Ай бұрын

As a singer, too

@michelevanderwoude6483

12 күн бұрын

definitely!

@frostierootbeer1

9 күн бұрын

I am not a pianist, can’t read music, no musical talent whatsoever but I can most definitely hear Leon’s sound in Elton John’s music! Wouldn’t have connected it if it had not been brought to my attention. Glad I know it now.

That absolutely destroyed me. I always loved Leon's music. It was a big part of my youth in the 70's. My freshman year in college, I would listen to "Lady Blue" two or three times in a row. Leon Russell was a spiritual soul and I miss him greatly. My esteem for Elton John quadrupled after see this as well.

@kaytucker5498

Ай бұрын

Lady Blue is such a sexy , loving song.

@StephLee-qv8lk

Ай бұрын

Dito

Yes, we had the best music, as well as the best cars, the best standard of living, drive in movies, and soda fountains too! I saw Mr. Russell dance on top of his piano, and heard a #1 hit from Mr. John almost every week on the radio. I've lived it, folks. Don't think it gets much better. Thank you God!

@shabbymaverick7975

22 күн бұрын

I feel the same. I'm 78 and thank God above for the wonderful life I've had ❤🎉

@jackiesmith2801

12 күн бұрын

I envy all of you. I'm 59 and every single day I wish I had been born 15 years earlier.

Great tribute to your hero, Mr. Elton. Thanks for the kind words.

2024 and this old SW Okie boy tearing up on a Saturday morning listening to Leon and Elton singing and talking about the past. You can hear Leon's phrasing in a lot of Elton's work. I remember thinking it at the time Elton was conquering the world. And he lays it out right in this intro. Bless Elton for what he did for Leon towards the end. What a kind, descent human thing to do. Two REAL artists who lived the Masterclass.

@zd3365

Ай бұрын

2024 and this former NE Okie girl tearing up while singing along to that final song. Mr. Russell was a legend everywhere he went, but he holds a special place of love to us Okies. Such a genius to come from so humble beginnings, and quite sweetly opened our eyes to different musical styles & musicians. One of a kind, truly.

I was very fortunate to meet Leon backstage at a Willie Nelson picnic in 1976. He was very humble. I still have a polaroid picture of him with my friend backstage. God bless you sir.

@KiloMintoni-kg4kn

Ай бұрын

Willie Nelson picnic . Man, I could really use one of those!

@eltorocal

Ай бұрын

KC Royals Stadium?

@dg723254

Ай бұрын

@@KiloMintoni-kg4kn It was in Gonzales Texas and it was wild.

@WillBravoNotEvil

Ай бұрын

Same, except a short tour with Jerry Garcia. My cousin from Nashville was Leon's tour manager and ran the sound board. Backstage Leon was just what you'd expect: laid-back, kind and unassuming. Cuz fired one up, passed it to Leon who hit it and passed it to me. Magic. This was before everybody had a phone in their pocket AND it's sorta protocol NOT to act starstruck in these situations. I have a Willie story, too, but that'll wait for another day. 😊

@chan4754

Ай бұрын

I was at that picnic! 1976 Gonzales TX

Back in high school in 1979/80 my friend next door had an older brother who had a double live album of Leon. It was my introduction to his music and I knew instantly he was a unique and special artist. I’m so thankful to Sir Elton John who demonstrated his deep humanity by helping Leon and giving all of us another chance to witness this living legend. Hallelujah!!

@cynergy4

Ай бұрын

I have that album 😊

Leon deeply enriched Elton's life. It is beautiful that Elton had an opportunity to enrich Leon's as well.

My dad is a huge Leon Russell fan. When I was little he had a signed photo of his on his piano. I was convinced Leon was santa for nearly a decade.

@splenderella9

Ай бұрын

Haha!🎅😅👍

@lisahamilton5090

Ай бұрын

Haha! I love this!!❤

@StephLee-qv8lk

Ай бұрын

So sweet

Elton is a musicologist so having him induct you in the Hall Of Fame is this good as he was. I like the album he did with Leon a while ago.

No clickbait here, pure facts. Awesome man and performer. Elton has gone up in my estimations, well done

What a list of achievements. You know he's a total G.O.A.T when Elton John just scratches the surface like that!

Named my son sfter Leon hes always been a big part of our lives. Elton we all know has a huge heart. He is like a godfather in this industry and Leon needed a godfather. Well done Leon and thankyou Elton a brit we are all proud of

@JulieEnslow

Ай бұрын

It's true. As Americans we have no right to be proud of Elton - he did it all on his own. But as a representative of one of the foundational cultures that founded the USA, of course we are happy to find one that is independent and strong and there fore reminds us of the best of the Brits that were part of the USA's founding. At least that is how I see it.

@suemaher5282

Ай бұрын

@@JulieEnslow Perfectly put Julie from a Brit

Leon Russell was extraordinary. I loved him since saw him in Mad Dogs And Englishmen. Life is difficult for us all, and Leon suffered, but he was great. Loved him and what Elton did was lovely. You are a true friend.This is wonderful.

@TXGrampa

Ай бұрын

"Life is difficult for us all, and Leon suffered, but he was great." So true. RIP to Leon; know he's still writing and playing in the Beyond.

That was beautiful. Made me cry. Sir Elton so deserves to be a "SIR". A fine human. And Leon so deserves this honor.

I was lucky enough to see EJ and Leon on that tour together in Asheville NC and we had seats on Leon's side of the stage. Elton did act like the supporting act that night and let Leon have the spotlight, grinning like the Cheshire cat while Leon rolled out a nice selection of his classic songs. Both of them together was a treat (I thought) but I remember people voicing that they had come to see EJ but instead got a Leon Russell showcase and that they wished EJ would have played more. Idiots. I bet hardly none of them knew that it was Leon that introduced EJ that night at the Troubadour in LA that changed Elton's life forever. No one appreciates the pioneers of modern pop music any more. That list of Leon session work that Elton read is a who's who of post WWII musical legends. Lucky me to have been there in Asheville that night to relish what was unfolding on the stage. Wonderful stuff!

@bernadettemalec9472

28 күн бұрын

I saw Leon in his prime in Owings Mills, MD, take me to church Leon!❤

@jujumulligan43

18 күн бұрын

Yes, I agree that so very often there is a story to tell about those talented and gifted souls. A bond was without doubt created between these two amazing artists. You were lucky to see them in Asheville. Was it the Diane Wortham theatre? I missed it. I'm in Hendersonville and will always remember us playing Leon the morning he died. Good post❤

@rustybearden1800

18 күн бұрын

@@jujumulligan43 I believe it was the Thomas Wolf Auditorium - not exactly sure as it was a while back

@michelevanderwoude6483

12 күн бұрын

Indeed, lucky you! And indeed, idiots! Too bad they did not recognize the gift they had been given. My goodness!! I never had the chance to see Leon Russell, but I have been listening to his music since I was a wee child, with an older brother who loved his music and loved the piano (as I did and still do). I had no idea he had played with so many famed artists! A national treasure, that man. I have listened to all the artists on that list over the course of my 59 years, and I never knew! I'm so grateful to Elton John for the recognition he gave him before the end of his life. So very deserving!

Leon Russell was Rock n Roll at its highest level...no one better to honor him than Elton ...

I’m happy Leon was able to be here to celebrate his incredible accomplishments, and a special thanks to Elton John Rest in Paradise Sir 🙏🏾🕊️

"Elton John" is the true "KING OF POP" he had top 10 hits on damn near every album for 40 years. His songs are played 10 times more than "Michael Jackson" to this very day. He's a true legend. And to hear him admire another legend like "Leon Russell" shows the world how humble he is. Thanks for sharing this video. Peace..

Yes. I am so grateful that Elton had the heart and willingness to help Leon Russell receive the acknowledgement he so genuinely and rightfully deserved. He was one of the most prolific, kind, and genuine artists who ever lived. In his own more energetic phase, he did the same sort of thing for Joe Cocker with the MD&E Tour. What a beautiful human & multi-talented artist. His contributions to music and to my own life will live forever.

Always amazed by the KZread algorithm that brings these things to my feed. Elton pulled Leon from the ditch for a final well deserved hurrah.

@KurtI2525

Ай бұрын

Didn’t know this existed until 10 minutes ago. One of the most moving videos I’ve ever seen.

@patrickridge9616

Ай бұрын

@@KurtI2525 Russell was a big deal with my older brother and his friends when I was a kid.

@LeslieGMN

Ай бұрын

@@KurtI2525I didn’t either, and I’ve loved Leon for more than fifty years!

@TheBent139

Ай бұрын

Leon Russell was a legend. He was everybody's go to on the piano. I think I will give Will O' The Wisp a listen this afternoon.

That was truly moving. Leon is the most underappreciated keyboardist ever. So nice to see him getting the credit he deserves. Kudos to John Mayer on that sweet guitar solo also.

Thank you Elton for the accolades for Leon Russell. Legend and a treasure . Guitar of John Mayer perfect complement on this song . RIP Mr. Russell ❤️

@RayCarlos045

23 күн бұрын

Russell is a great and iconic musician He we forever remain in our hearts ♥️Did you ever attend any of is concert?

Thank you Elton John! You saved his life. I was blessed to see Leon perform w Elton and it was truly a religious experience! Thank you Leon for all you have gifted the music industry! God bless you!

Leon was the greatest piano player/singer in history. You know you are great when you were a member of the "Wrecking Crew".

one of my greatest passions is guitar Willie gave me in 94 when he and Leon were touring together in Hawaii , my job was to make sure they had what they needed ,, right before they left the hotel Willie and Leon called me over Brother Mike thank u for being u Willie hands me this old 50s Hofner he'd been jamming on sign on the the back " TO BROTHER MIKE SCHO WITH PEACE LOVE AND ALOHA Willie and Leon " i got to meet Leon on several occasions after that another legend Michael POKE Zeller a good friend was his sound man along with other acts from the golden ages always made sure i got to see Leon when he was in town ,, Leon one of the sweetest humblest humans to ever grace this earth

@thomasfisher5742

Ай бұрын

Great story SCHREDS....👍

@terriejohnston8801

Ай бұрын

Awesome memories...BIG Leon follower since the 70's. "A SONG FOR YOU," goes down as 1 of my Top 10 songs...IF I HAD TO CHOOSE...

@terryjross1184

Ай бұрын

America has some great talents mostly it seems from the south Leon was THE 70s icon

@juliecrane9647

Ай бұрын

How awesome. I would a have cried. So giving when someone so exalted notices what the folks working in the trenches are doing and show that they know. We should all be kind no matter our station In life. Happy for you.

Elton is such a generous, beautiful person.. he does this with everyone he believes in ❣️

Leon NEVER got the recognition he deserves---- there will never be another one !!!! Absolutely fabulous !!!! ❤

I saw Leon in the early 70's in Boulder Colorado. I can still see him driving up in his long black limo, getting out all dressed in white with a white hat. I'll never forget it. I'm 72 and still truckin ☮️✌️

@alanrogs3990

Ай бұрын

Seeing a great concert in Colorado in the early 70's must have been like heaven.

@charliedillon1400

Ай бұрын

@@alanrogs3990 That was back when Boulder was Boulder. Now it's a pretentious nightmare.

@alanrogs3990

Ай бұрын

@@charliedillon1400 Aren't most of the urban areas in Colorado following this same trend?

I had the pleasure of seeing Leon Russel in concert in the early 70's at the Nassau Colosseum and it was a truly great experience. He absolutely commanded that stage and had the audience in the palm of his hand the entire time. I am deeply touched by Elton's presentation here and for playing a role in bringing Leon into the Rn'R Hall of Fame. He well deserves it. You are loved Leon. Cheers.

@LudiCrust.

Ай бұрын

He was electric live

@judyhall2291

Ай бұрын

Saw Leon in 1973 ❤❤❤ got every album he made even studio ones . I also saw Elton in 1973 😊what a bucket list dream it was . Thank you for this ❤❤😊😊 Love them both 💫💫 RIP , DEAR LEON 💖

@lifesabitch8012

Ай бұрын

ELTON JOHN DID A WONDERFUL JOB INDUCTING HIM INTO THE HALL OF FAME!! FROM INE LEGEND TO ANOTHER!! TRULY AMAZING!🎉 The ONE & ONLY LEON RUSSELL BELONGED IN THE ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME! HE WAS A FABULOUS WRITER, SINGER, & COULD PLAY PIANO, GUITAR AND SING LIKE NO ONE ELSE COULD!! FORGOT TO MENTION HIS GREAT PERSONALITY!💯☝️🎸🎶❤️🎤❤️ 🎹 HE HELPED JOE COCKER TO GET A BAND TOGETHER AFTER WOODSTOCK ALSO!!! GREAT GENTLEMAN HE WAS! TRUE LEGEND! R.I.P LEON🕊️💔

@lauriLokkeni9002

Ай бұрын

❤

@lauriLokkeni9002

Ай бұрын

What a list of credits to his name, and across all different types of music 🎵 ❤

Makes me cry . Love him so much. Thank God Elton did that.

So beautiful in so many ways. Two of our greatest piano players in modern music history., Thank you Elton for your compassion and for your hand in lifting up a great man who gave us so much. Because of you, Leon Russell was honored while he was still alive with all the accolades and respect he earned and deserved.

When Jackson Browne played the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa several years ago, he personally named all of the “Tulsa Sound” musicians he met in Los Angeles, CA. Leon Russell & JJ Cale were at the top of his list, & rightfully so.

This choked me up good. Thank you for sharing this. I had no idea. Elton is such a good man and so is his friend Leon Russell. Sometimes even greatness is forgotten, left behind and needs a hand back up to the place it belongs. What a gift Elton and Leon gave us all.

This brought a lump in my throat. Never forget one another's achievements, getting old is part of life. Never forget each other , peace and love xx ❤

LEON RUSSELL IS A TREASURE !! HOW CAN ONE MAN BE SO TALENTED??!!!❤😂❤❤❤❤

A very humbling experience, where the world would become a better place if there were more Elton’s in the world ❤️❤️

Among the many, many, many magnificent moments in this clip is probably the most beautiful, heartbreaking guitar solo I've ever heard. Mayer's respectful restraint is masterful. Three giants of music; Leon Russell, Elton John and John Mayer.

@spooge33

Ай бұрын

Was going to say the same, but you said it better.

You can hear Leon's influence in Elton's music , Elton is our hero, Leon was his. Brilliant ! Beautiful music !

Legendary Leon Russell and Elton John!!! 🎶 ❤ 🎶 We grew up in the best of legendary music 🎶 times!!! ❤ 😊 ❤

This was Bloody Awesome. Showed Me a Different light to Elton and Leon. RIP Leon Russell

Stranger in a strange land will always be one of my favorite songs Thanks for the gift Leon

@KittyGrizGriz

Ай бұрын

I love that song, too! Along with “Queen of the Roller Derby”

@jeffryphillipsburns

Ай бұрын

@@KittyGrizGriz That’s a weird pairing.

I saw Leon many years ago not expecting anything.....WOW, I certainly found something that has lasted a lifetime! EJ is a class act, this is a truly amazing video and so glad I came across it....RIP

Wow.... I love Leon Russell. I was lucky enough to see him live two times in my life and it changed me!!! At one of the concerts I was in the second row and I felt like I was in the presence of a king. He was spectacular!!!

Totally, Most eloquent words Ive ever heard! Well done Elton

@lifesabitch8012

Ай бұрын

Couldn't have said it any better! 💯☝️

His induction to the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame is well deserved and Elton obviously did something worth recognition too.

I love A Song for You. Bravo, Leon. RIP. Thanks, Sir Elton, for reaching out to Leon.

Still have my Leon Russell albums!.... Im 71!

Thank you Elton for bringing Leon back to where he deserves to be. I have the deepest respect for your actions and the deepest appreciation of Leon’s music! RIP Leon! Luv ya Sir Elton’

Wow, just wow. And John Mayer to boot. What a great thing Elton did here.

I keep coming back to this emotion filled video honoring a true icon.... RIP Leon Russell, thank you for all the great music you have left us....

We have lost a legend. Aa a young piano player, I was in awe of Leon Russell. I love his music and he'll always be in my heart. Jesus, i'm singing along with his songs! OMG! I know all his lyrics! Still! He was my main music when I was my 20s and that is 50 years ago!

I remember when I hear that Leon Russel had passed....I cried.

I grew up in TTown & had the pleasure of bumping into Leon in ‘78 at a very tiny club behind the “Fountains” restaurant. I was only 19 & was immediately “entranced” with the gorgeous blue eyed long gray hair/bearded soulful man, he was playing an upright piano and singing, alone; 30 feet from me. I can still picture “him” today Twas like an “Aura of Light” ✨ ✨ ✨ was emitting from him. I learned soon after who Leon was. My ex husband was commissioned to paint a huge wall mural at a cool lil’ watering hole “Cardos Cadillac”, they had Tulsas 1st frozen margarita machine & the best fried mushrooms to dip in sour cream, many “happy hours” were spent there after work. His payment for the mural was one of Leon’s old oak upright player pianos that was used at the club for performances. Darn it, we sold it many moons ago, young and dumb, I’ve got several photos of it & of me sitting at the bench when I was 23, wish I could post them here. I LOVE Tulsas favorite son and our master of space and time. Thank you lovely Sir Elton for appreciating and exposing Leon to all of us music lovers, and Leon’s distinctive roll in making great tunes with the “Tulsa Sound” genre he helped to create. Btw…he DID look like a total BADASS wearing that top-hat with the Holy Trinity t-shirt & sooo COOL, too!! 🩵🤍🤍

@Olehippylady

Ай бұрын

He had Thanksgiving dinner one yr., with my Mother in-law (Linda Freeman). His trailer was fantastic. Still have pictures of him and donated something’s to the his museum.

@KittyGrizGriz

Ай бұрын

@@Olehippylady You did? Wow that’s so cool, was it the “Church Studio” in Tulsa that you donated to? How wonderful your mother-in-law knew Leon & had a meal with him. What I wouldn’t give to have experienced that! My older brother said he was driving in Tulsa with a friend years ago in the 70’s, they came up to a stoplight near the old indoor mall at 41st & Yale, there was Leon sitting in his big Cadillac, they rolled down their window & yelled “Hey Leon!!” he tipped his hat to them. Seems everyone who grew up around that time has a Leon “story”. Ty

This had us both crying! Elton is a saint! And Leon earned every accolade!

I was in junior high, high school, and college during the '70s. This man was the music of my youth. I still get tears in my eyes, listening to him, even after all these years.

My ex-wife was a fan of Leon when she was growing up. She introduced me to his albums way back in the seventies. We saw him in concert back then. I think of her every time I listen to one of his songs. I have ten or more of his albums and a couple DVDs, so I still listen to his music and think of her. Thank you Leon.

This Masquerade, one of the great tunes of all time!❤

My brother in law drummed for Leon the last decade of his career which provided some really great memories for all of us, Union tour, Birthday bash, you name it; RIP Leon.

Had the huge pleasure of meeting Leon in 2000 my bud and I interviewed him... SUCH a talent and gentleman. So very prolific ... and deserving of Elton's praise.

I always loved Leon Russell, he was bigger than life to me. Some of the music that he has graced us with was some of the best rock and roll had to offer. Period! RIP Leon, I'm still singin' this song for you!

@TheTunneys

Ай бұрын

To have someone you love in a place where there is no space and time, to be loved by someone in a place where there is no space and time, to get to experience that is to truly be human. To be able to express that feeling in such a way is GENIUS. Fabulous Leon.

I've been lucky in my life, because of my two older brothers. When THE CONCERT FOR BANGLA DESH Movie was released, my one brother took me to the theatre to see it, as we were crazy Beatles' fans and we wanted to see George and Ringo. I was probably about 11 or 12 years old, and to this day, I can remember being in the theatre and just screaming and cheering after Leon sang "Youngblood" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash". We were just blown away by this guy with the long hair who was playing and singing the shit out of both songs. We were young and didn't know about all the records he'd been on and recorded, but became instant fans!! And then some years later when I was in my late teens, I was talking to my other brother and we were talking about how much we loved Badfinger and their STRAIGHT UP album. We always loved "Day After Day" but it wasn't until just about 10 years ago when I was in my early 50s, I learned Leon played the piano on that record as well. When George Harrison was producing the record, he told Pete Ham, "Let's bring in Leon to do the the piano. He'll make it amazing." Leon was brought in after he agreed to do the session, and was played the unfinished record only ONCE (as this has been said) and then he sat for a moment and said, "OK, let's roll tape and do it"...and recorded the piano part in ONE take. Go back and listen to the record. He plays with compassionate and feeling right from the heart. So sweet!! All I can offer Leon is my thanks for all of the great music and may God bless him. Truly one of a kind. And Elton's speech...I'm beyond words for his praise and love. Dig, DmGrk

That introduction and tribute was as classy and kind as it was honest! Elton I’ve always loved you man! As a young child I was introduced to your music and I think I have everything you ever put out! And Leon you are surly missed…but so glad that you were here for as long as you were! And the fact that you were able to do what you loved and be admired by so many greats and finally being given the recognition you deserved are true blessings! Your music…like Elton’s will continue to touch the hearts and souls of all who are blessed enough to get to hear it! Thank you both for sharing your talents with those of us who have none. We can sing along and live vicariously through people like you and try to emulate your kindness and respect! Rest in peace forever!

Elton comes across as a kind, compassionate, and extremely loving individual. Couldn't love him more.

Leon = True musical genius .. Thanks Elton .. for bringing him back to us.

Well done Elton! Leon deserves to be remembered, it’s so sad life can pass over the best of us.

I grew up with Leon. I'm 70 now and happy to see Leon made it finally to the hall of fame.

Loved Leon and Elton since the 70's.Elton ,your generosity of spirit is heartwarming.Thank you for being so kind

Wonderful, now I realize what an impact Mr. Russell had on people.

@pariaheep

Ай бұрын

Me too!

@stevemercer3965

Ай бұрын

Was Delta Lady a Leon Russell Song…?

Leon Russell was one of my favorite musicians. He reaches the soul.

Dude- you SHOULD be treated like a king ❤️

If you stumble by this and watch and don’t rear up you’re not human. Great job