Artist News

Leon Russell dies

By | Published on Monday 14 November 2016

Leon Russell

The wife of Leon Russell has confirmed that the musician and songwriter died at his Nashville home yesterday. He was recovering from heart surgery that took place earlier this year, but had hoped to be well enough to tour again in 2017.

Best known as a pianist, though he also played guitar and bass, Russell performed on The Beach Boys’ ‘California Girls’, produced and played on recording sessions for the likes of Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner and the Rolling Stones, and toured with artists including Edgar Winter, Willie Nelson and Elton John.

He had successes with his own recordings, in particular ‘Tight Rope’ and ‘Lady Blue’ in the 1970s and, in amongst other achievements in a varied and accomplished career, wrote Joe Cocker’s ‘Delta Lady’ and, in 1969, put together Cocker’s ‘Mad Dogs And Englishmen’ tour, which spawned a documentary film and a hit album.

Confirming his passing, his wife, Jan Bridges, said last night: “We thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this very, very difficult time. My husband passed in his sleep in our Nashville home. He was recovering from heart surgery in July and looked forward to getting back on the road in January. We appreciate everyone’s love and support”.

Elton John, who also released a collaborative album with Russell, called ‘The Union’, in 2010, was among those paying tribute online yesterday, writing on Twitter: “My darling Leon Russell passed away last night. He was a mentor, inspiration and so kind to me. I loved him and always will”.



READ MORE ABOUT: