I don't know how you fall in love with someone you never met, never spoke with,... only heard their music, read and seen things about. Yet when Leon died, I cried from a deep sense of sadness and I suppose it from great appreciation for the pleasure he had brought into my life for nearly 50 years. Two things I am certain of though - the world is a better place because he was here... and I still love him.

@donnasmith780

8 ай бұрын

Me tooo 100percent!

@elissafox3265

8 ай бұрын

I totally agree with you. I personally on at the Fillmore in San Francisco where Miles Davis opened for him. And I was mesmerized. I followed him very closely saw him numerous times, even backstage where he was having a bad night due to health I believe, and I had a business card believe it or not from Mary McCrary's cousin I was going to have him sign it. I did get it signed but I was not able to hand it to him myself someone else did. But nevertheless, yep, those lyrics is enough to make anyone fall in love with him. He was a complex man, and one of my favorites is seeing him at one of Willie Nelson's picnics, and he sang jambalaya and he was three sheets to the wind. It was hilarious but it was just wonderful to see the friendship between him and Willie Nelson and of course Doug Kershaw enhanced everything so well. Anyway I'm a better person for have ever hearing him. Something to look forward to when I transition is to see his smiling face. Check out the church studio in Tulsa. I haven't been there yet but I'm planning on being there next spring for a celebration.

@cintarocko5095

8 ай бұрын

MISS him Soooo MUCH E. J. WAS MY 1ST CONCERT IN 74 SAW SIR LEON IN MAGNOLIA TX THE PLACE HELD ABOUT MAY BE 100 FOLKS AUTOGRAPHED2 OF MY ALBUM ❤😢

@CaptainSpaceTime

5 ай бұрын

You said it best. I feel so much like you do. So much so that I m doig a recording project of his music.

@jamescantrell3066

4 ай бұрын

It’s because you’re a beautiful human being with love in your heart it doesn’t get any better than that

A truly beautiful homage to a magnificent artist. RIP Leon Russel on the wings of the angels.

I only saw Leon once around 2007-2008 when he was in his low. The hall was a local wedding reception venue and I couldn’t believe I was about to watch Leon Russell in this place. He had to be helped in through the crowd and helped up onto the makeshift stage and placed behind his piano….. And my Lord when the music began the years melted away and the power in his playing and passion in his unique voice was unlike anything I ever experienced in such an intimate hall. I was so glad shortly after that to hear that Elton found him and paved the way for his induction into the RRHOF. He most certainly deserved that honor.

@RiverDocs

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story!

Seriously underrated by the general public. But life changing if you're a musician ❤

The world was Blessed the day you were born, Leon🙏🏻❤️🎹🎩Rest in Peace, MOSAT🙏🏻❤️🎹🎩

I will miss this man forever...his music is that penetrating and iconic.

I met Leon upstairs at the Troubadour in L.A. (probably around '78) when I was living out there. Gary Busey (whom I knew from Tulsa), introduced us. He also introduced me to Willie Nelson that night. Those were the days!

@assphann

Ай бұрын

I have always loved Leon but I also have loved Becky Hobbs since the 1980’s. Back in the day i always chose when to enter rodeos the same night BH was playing the dance. Good times “All Keyed Up”.

@beckyhobbs2736

Ай бұрын

@@assphann Thanks so much for your kind comment! I loved playing at the rodeos. Great folks and some mighty fine two-steppin'! I'm still "all keyed up"!!!

@RiverDocs

Ай бұрын

I've been meaning to tell you. We've met. It was at Barbara's in Nashville. Introduced by mutual friend I believe. Why don't you have a youtube channel with all your music on it? Thank you for watching my video on Leon.

Leon was one of the BEST ever.🗽👍🤗

"This Masquerade" was huge commercial success for several artists, George Benson's jazz version was one. I've been a Leon fan all my life, as were three of my five brothers. Only daw him once live, just prior to his Elton John revival, at a bar in Danbury, CT. The venue was packed as a backup for outdoor rained out show. He never stopped, a solid two hour set. Waited outside his trailer for him to autograph his greatest hits CD. Its my most valuable music - and its in my car stereo at this minute. I'm 66 years old, we grew up together, thanks Leon. Stranger in a Strange Land indeed.

@cintarocko5095

8 ай бұрын

Yes he's was a,MASTER PIANO PLAYER AND SONG WIRTER. HE AUTOGRAPHED 2 OF MY ALBUMS ❤FROM TEXAS HE WAS REALLY BIG DOWN HERE IN THE 70.S AND BEYOND ❤😂

@CaptainSpaceTime

4 ай бұрын

The love is for the magnitude of love and most likely intergenerational presence which he has gifted us with.!!

@sharoncruzen1942

3 ай бұрын

I live in Tulsa & have been a Leon fan for 50 years. Saw him many times, got his autograph etc but the best thing I got from him was a kiss!

@sharoncruzen1942

3 ай бұрын

Lady Blue is my favorite.

I WAS 12 YEARS OLD IN THE TULSA COUNTY LIBRARY WHEN I HEARD THE SONG STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND ,AND TO ME THAT IS LEON RUSSELL ❤

@Elizabeth-xn9rk

2 ай бұрын

I’m a Tulsa baby! Spent my 20s in LA nothing can beat the Tulsa Town. Teagarden! Midtown T!

"Roll away the Stone", was the first one to get me!

I always loved his 1st album, and Carney as well, tightrope is an awesome tune. He was one of the most epic composer,s, song writer,s and a phenom pianist, just the greatest.l was lucky to find his music around 1970, been a life long fan, guess l always will be. I saw him in vegas before he passed, and he was just magnificent l don,t have the words to express how great. God bless you man, thank you again. RIP LEON. ✌️❤️😊.

@clarencewood6620

Ай бұрын

❤

I've been a Leon fan for for 51 years saw him with Bonnie & Delaney & once by himself, one of the greatest RIP Leon 🕊️

My first exposure to Leon Russell was Stranger In A Strange Land ...Leon Russell and the Shelter People. I've been a fan ever since. RIP Leon.

My favorite is "Roll away the stone" Starts off great and only gets better..the piano at the start is awesome!

A truly beautiful soul.

I first saw Leon in 1970 in Knoxville. I remember him jumping on top the piano and playing guitar. Saw him a few times over the years and one last time in 2015 in a small theater in Macon GA. He was moving kinda slow, could barely walk. His band was three young guys, he was visibly encouraging to them and rocked the house, as always! Master of Space and Time. I miss him, but have those old LPs to enjoy.

Leon was a showman standing in the background quietly but you knew he was the one that put it all together.

I grew up in Tulsa. I vividly remember one cool foggy Sunday morning. I had thrown my Sunday morning paper route. I was on my Schwann bike peddling in front of John Zink company South Bound on the side walk on the East side of Peoria Ave. Out of the fog came two bright lights. It was a silver Rolls Royce with windows down, Leon driving his wife Mary in the passenger seat. I knew who they were immediately and waved. Leon smiled driving Northbound and waved back. He was heading to his home a few miles North of where we were on Terwilliger.

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

Cool story Joe. Thanks for sharing!!

@jlg3315

Ай бұрын

i remember that rolls. blue with a black/white houndstooth top.

@josephhansard7469

Ай бұрын

That is still a beautiful neighborhood with those mansions and oil boom era homes and Leon lived in a gorgeous home there in Mapleridge area.

My older sister gave me the Concert for Bangladesh for Christmas when I was about 12. Out of all the star power on that stage I was most blown away by Leon and I had never even heard of the guy. He stole the show over people like Dylan and Harrison, and others who I did already know and was a fan of. I became a lifelong fan after that. A Song For You is one of the greatest love songs ever written, but he could rock it out too. Loved Carney, Tight Rope and Me and Baby Jane in particular. Great mini-doc. Thanks.

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome..thanks for watching.

@DesertRockfall

Жыл бұрын

When I was 12, I would "borrow" my older sisters' Bangladesh album, and play the grooves off the side that had the Leon set. He sorta stole the whole show. His vocal on the second verse of "Beware of Darkness" always gives me a chill.

@Mo_Taser

Жыл бұрын

@@DesertRockfall Agreed. Fantastic performance.

@jlg3315

Ай бұрын

Young Blood from Bangladesh!

@clarencewood6620

Ай бұрын

I'll check out Bangladesh with Leon be cause of you. Thank you so much✌

Much respect for the way Elton John treated Leon Russell in his twilight years!

Will O the Wisp, favorite album. Delta Lady top of my list for favorite songs. Seen him live after him starting to going deaf and man he was blasting the small patio stage away

Amazing how so much talent came from Oklahoma

Leon was a musical genius!❤️

One of the greatest ❤

I have been lucky enough to have seen Leon Russell live several times, with the last being when he opened for Johnny Winter shortly before JW passed away... He was still as brilliant as ever.

@Silversmoke1000

Жыл бұрын

What a great concert that must have been. I adore Johnny Winter and to see him with Leon-awesome.

One of my Favorite Albums, I played the grooves off, was Asylum Choir with Marc Benno. I had forgoten about it until a couple yrs ago, now I ask for it all the time when listening to streaming music. Such a talent. He brings me to a happy place. RIP

There’s a YT video of Leon, Willie, and Ray doing “A Song For You” that blows me away every single time. But asking for a favorite Leon song is like asking what your favorite flavor of ice cream is. He was such an incredible, multi-dimensional talent.

Leon playing piano and singing "Youngblood" on the Concert for Bangladesh album is something to behold. Look it up if you want to get a taste of the man and his music. You'll be glad you did.

I thought i knew a lot about the history of rock and roll. I tip my hat to you sir.

Leon did an amazing cover of Dylan's a hard rain

My favorite songs of Leons are: Lady Blue...A Song For You..Tightrope..Back to the Island..💝💝🌹🌠

Will o the wisp was my favorite album. Back to the Island being my favorite song.

"Hank Wilson's Back" is one my favorite listens.

He had a natural cool … like few others …. He was the Steve McQueen of Rock n Roll

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You For This Great Memorable Leon Russell Profile!! Your Southern Drawl is Perfect, Gives This Presentation More Oomph!!

@RiverDocs

7 ай бұрын

You're very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

Got to see him live. He was great. Have his live double album since it came out. RIP

So many great musicians nearly forgotten, but River Doc is here to remind us of their importance!! Nice work!!

Leon's legend and most people don't know who has was

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

Very true!

Will o the whisp is my favorite Leon album. Back to the Island, my father's shoes, lady blue. That one Cajun song lyrics.. it doesn't get anymore real than those. Elton n Leon my two ✌ 😂 favorite o rite, piano players and singers. Love n harmony.

I Liked and subscribed just because you have shared the story so well. I am only 60 years old but never been able to totally explain why I have had such a tendency to tear up when listening to this person's music ❤

@RiverDocs

9 ай бұрын

Thank you very much. I really appreciate it! Hope you enjoy the other videos on the channel also!

I heard Carney at a neighbor's when I was in jr. high. When I was in high school Leon came to town and my older brother told me to stand towards the back of the stage rather than in the front. That way there was a chance Leon would see me. A roady came along and invited my backstage. Leon signed a dollar bill for me as it was the only paper I had. I'm still looking for that dollar bill. I always wanted A Song for You to be played at my funeral, altho, if I'm honest, I do adore Donny Hathaway's version of that completely perfect song the best.

@josephhansard7469

Ай бұрын

Hathaway's version is nice but watching Leon sing it live, you can tell he wrote it for someone, be it Rita or not, that he truly loved and was remorseful about whatever he did to lose her.

I really like "Out in the Woods". "Heartbreak Hotel" is another. Thanks for another great short documentary!.

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

I consider his LP, "Stop All That Jazz" a masterpiece.

Can’t remember xactly when I first heard A Song For You but I had been a bass player/vocalist since about 1962. It was the only song that ever caused me to literally weep. The most heartfelt and beautiful song I had ever heard. The man poured himself out into his music 100%.

I adore a lot of his music but my fave has always been This Masquerade

Great video. In Leon's last years he would come to my town of New Braunfels Texas and play at the oldest dance hall in Texas. Gruene Hall. And shortly before Leon dying he played at a outside venue near by with Bob Dylan. Leon Russel saved the day because Bob Dylan stunk. RIP

@RiverDocs

3 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Nice! 💙🦅

@RiverDocs

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! 😁

That was very very graceful and very peaceful and you did a fantastic job on presenting Leon Russell to world if no one's ever seen him he was a great man a great piano is and I've been I remember when Elton John and them got together I'm getting old myself but I still rock and roll I'm just traveling through time and space too

Thank you so much for sharing this.... Carney is one of my all time favorite albums !!! Rock On brother....RIP LEON 🙏❤️🥀🥀

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome Todd. Thanks for stopping by!

Such a beautiful talent ~ such a beautiful soul. A Song for You remains my favorite but there are many that I love too. Thanks again River Doc ❤

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome Gypsy!

You sure are picking some great artists to cover! Leon is another personal fav, with Carney and Hanks Back are my fav records. A great session man, songwriter and music influencer. I just loved everything he did! Thanks for covering him! Peace

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks for putting this together. Always loved Leon’s music. My personal favorite is Back to the Island. I escaped to the shore after a heart wrenching breakup and this song helped ease the pain!

@RiverDocs

2 ай бұрын

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

There's cool, and then there's Leon Russell cool

thanx.. didnt really know much about LEON.. but a song like THIS MASQUERADE is something totally amazing coming from a man..

Rip Leon

My introduction to Leon was the seminal Leon Russell And The Shelter People album. He had a hit in Australia with the single A Hard Rain's A'Gonna Fall, his tremendous cover of the great song by Bob Dylan. I saw him live in 1973 in Brisbane and that was one of the concert highlights of my life! Leon played a red Gibson ES-355 that night and I credit seeing him with that incredible guitar as a big influence in forming my obsession with that model. Y'know, every article I read in the early 1970s in every magazine, be they music mags or industry mags like Guitarist or Keyboard Player, or whatever, all gave his age as around 48. His hair was already greyish-white in the early 1970s too, by the way. If those articles were to be believed . . and I see no reason why they shouldn't be believed . . then he was not 74 when he died, as his bio reads, but was actually around 91 when he passed away. I dunno why they changed his bio to reflect that.

@chlynn13b92

22 күн бұрын

Those writers were crazy. He didn't look 48! He was born in 1942 so you can do the math. 🙂

@arthurblackhistoric

22 күн бұрын

@@chlynn13b92 . . This has nothing to do with maths. I simply stated what was around in the music press back in the early 1970s. A few years later, when Leon was in his Hank Wilson years, he toured Australia. They interviewed him on one of the current affairs programs, and the interviewer commented on his apparent age, noting that his hair and beard were almost completely white. He was asked outright how old he was, to which he jokingly responded with: "Ah'm gettin' younger ever' day". The lady reporter pressed Leon for a definitive answer and he said, straight-faced, but at the same time barely able to suppress that cheeky grin: "Ah'm 38". He looked to be at least 60 by that time.

@chlynn13b92

11 күн бұрын

@@arthurblackhistoric Well my point partly is based on the fact I don't think he looked old. I saw him through the 70's and his face didn't have an older man look. It's just that most people seem to associate grey or white hair with looking old. Plus he covered up much of his face with hair.

@arthurblackhistoric

9 күн бұрын

@@chlynn13b92 . . My original comment was to simply quote what I saw written in just about every music publication in the early 1970s. I still wonder why they all insisted he was 48 when he would actually have been no older than 28 in those days, if his bio is accurate. I re-connected with Leon about 15 years ago via Reverbnation. I became a "Leon Lifer" via connection with his website.

Always loved Leon Russell's music on piano,electric guitar and synthesizer. Got to see him in one live performance at La Berge casino in Lake Charles, La. He died shortly afterward. R.I.P. Leon you are sorely missed

These artists should pay you a stipend. Ha!! Since watching this I have rebuilt my 70's-80's era Leon Russell library digitally... I had completely forgotten just how much soul that man possessed.

@RiverDocs

3 ай бұрын

lol. This is my payback to them for all the great music they gave me to grow up with and still listen to today. Leon had more soul than a 2 ft tennis shoe ;-) Thank for watching!

Lady Blue changed my Life

Nice clip - btw Leon wrote all the songs on the Carney Album

Hey. I was 14 when Carney came out. Love him.

Great songs Masquerade was perfect in famous love songs ❤

The coolest tombstone for an ORIGINAL GANGSTA of my era ❤ A remarkable dude!! Leon Russell 🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎙

I love this guy, and his music 🎶❤

That was a magnificent tribute to a beautiful, if troubled soul. Leon touched so many lives with his incredible talent, including mine, even though we never met. I became aware of Leon Russell through his and Mary McCready's "Wedding Album"; a friend of my dad had that album and played it from end-end for me. I was mesmerized then and remain so to this very day. "Lady Blue" competes with "A Song For You" as my all-time favorite love song.

@RiverDocs

7 сағат бұрын

Thank you!

Thank you for this video. I saw him at some of Willie’s picnics.

@RiverDocs

5 ай бұрын

You're welcome.

I love you in a place where there is no space and time

Really well done, Doc! Thank you for the glimpse of a master.

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome Fresh. Appreciate it!

That was my first taste of Leon when the carney album was released in 72 I really liked his style of music, it was different than the rock in roll music I was accustomed to back then. I played that album over and over. Thanks for the video. I always learn something. 😊

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

Same here with the Carney album. You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

Great show tonight on Leon Russell

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

Well thank you!! Appreciate y'all stopping by to watch!

That was just superb😢😊❤

A great insight into a fascinating and talented musician.

@RiverDocs

3 ай бұрын

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

I still have a Blue Thumb.Everything he's ever done is what I like."Well,I'm lost in the night,the icy wind is howlin' out your name,and desolation lingers like a fog. The fire is growing dimmer in the wind . Now I'm out on a limb The moon has gone behind the clouds again and I can't stand to live another day Bluebird why did you go away Oh a little bluebird why did you go away won't you tell me Bluebird why did you Bluebird why did you go away

I remember hearing Tight Rope back when I was in 11th grade in Guthrie, OK. It became and instant favorite of mine, still to this day.

I COME FROM A LITTLE TOWN IN FNQ QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA . AT THE PICTURERS I SAW MAD DOGS AND ENGLISH MEN WITH LEON RUSSELL ON GUITAR. AFTER THAT I KNEW I HAD TO LEAVE TOWN FOR THE CITY AND BECOME A ROCK GUITARIST.

River Docs you always have some info i didn't know! loved the idea of getting a monkey!

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

That was a funny story!!! lol..thanks!

Grazie per questa pillola garbata ed illuminante. Il nostro adorato si merita tutto il rispetto e l'amore che ancora gli vengono tributato. ❤

Another winner RD! I think Tightrope is my favorite Leon tune. That song quote on his gravestone got me in the feels! Good job, man! Thanks!

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

Thank ya Ferd! Appreciate you watching!

One of the greats for sure!! Cheers Doc!!

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

He sure was. Thanks for watching Ben.

Lady bluuuuuue 💙💙💙💙

Thanks for this great video about a wonderful musician and lovely gentleman.

@RiverDocs

6 ай бұрын

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it

Windsong ❤

Very well done my man 👏

@RiverDocs

25 күн бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Very nice!

@RiverDocs

24 күн бұрын

Thanks!

8:55 I’ve heard of several Rock Stars/Musicians who suffered from stage fright. Joe Walsh would drink before a show to calm his fears. Jimmy Page always had a bottle of JD handy... and by 1976 he’d picked up an H addiction. Same with Johnny Winter, Rod Stewart, Ozzy and many others I’m sure.

Lady Blue is my favorite ❤

thank you for your great content and especially thoughtful presentation of all your subjects. Carney was my first introduction to Leon Russell as well, one side hope the other fire …

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome. Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it!

Great doc. One of my favorites LR songs is one he co-wrote with Bonnie Bramlett originally titled "Groupie (Superstar)" that was a huge hit for The Carpenters. They cleaned up the lyrics a little and just called it "Superstar". A version also appeared on the album "Mad Dogs and Englishmen", sung by Rita Coolidge

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

Very nice review in such a brief time.

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Appreciate it!

Thank you for that , very nice well done.

@RiverDocs

Ай бұрын

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it

Nicely done !

@RiverDocs

Ай бұрын

Thanks!

Nice job.

@RiverDocs

3 ай бұрын

Thanks!

I guess the song line,,The best that you can hope for, is to die in your sleep. when the dealing's done,that's how I hope to go. Another good one ,Thanks R/D

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome Dennis..Thank you for your support!

Elton John has the highest in taste..Leon Russell..bless both of them..😊❤🎉

My favorite LR song has to be ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’

Phil’s(?) Barber Shop ...that’s great...

I had Carney on 8 track too!

did a track with howie coleman on piano,a great pianist really puts y song on another level..

@RiverDocs

Жыл бұрын

Yes it does. Thanks for watching Chloe!

Stranger In A Strange Land