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Leon Russell: Master of Space and Time
Leon Russell was an influential singer-songwriter, arranger and producer who blazed a bright trail across the music industry. After a successful career as a top session player (and part of LA’s renowned “Wrecking Crew”) Russell performed and/or arranged on an impressive list of the top recordings of the ’60s, including sessions for the Byrds, Jan and Dean, Ricky Nelson, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Delaney Bramlett, Doris Day, Elton John, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Ike & Tina Turner, Barbra Streisand, the Beach Boys, Willie Nelson, Badfinger, Frank Sinatra, the Band, Bob Dylan, J. J. Cale, B. B. King, Dave Mason, Glen Campbell, Joe Cocker, the Rolling Stones , Flying Burrito Brothers and many more. He even played piano on the novelty smash hit “The Monster Mash.”
His session work connected him to a wide range of artists and was followed by a stellar career as a performer and band leader. His distinctive style fused gospel, rock and country into high-energy, pulsating piano performances. He was also influenced by evangelical preachers, and this would surface later as Russell would often transform into a faux preacher in his live performances. For all his on-stage bluster, Russell was an introspective person, prone to bipolar episodes and suffering from acute stage fright.