Leon Russell Is Dead

ORIGIN
Leon Russell was an American musician, singer, songwriter and record producer. He recorded over 30 albums and wrote such hits as “A Song for You”, “Delta Lady” and “Superstar”. Russell was born Claude Russell Bridges on April 2, 1942 in Lawton, Oklahoma. He’s an alumnus of Will Rogers High School in Tulsa.

CAREER
Russell started out playing the piano at a young age. During high school, he played and recorded with fellow student, David Gates. The duo gained early exposure performing locally in various Tulsa nightclubs. Russell moved to Los Angeles in 1959 where he found work as a session musician. He eventually became a member of the Wrecking Crew. In addition to the piano, Russell developed his skills an arranger and songwriter. He co-wrote the 1965 singles “Everybody Loves a Clown” and “She’s Just My Style”. Both singles achieved top 10 status on the Billboard Top 40.

Russell released his debut single “Everybody’s Talking ‘Bout the Young” in 1965. His self-titled debut studio album was released 5 years later in March 1970. The album was produced by Shelter Records and featured musicians John Lennon and Ringo Starr. The lead single “A Song for You” has since been covered by artists like Ray Charles and Willie Nelson. Russell worked alongside Elton John on the album The Union (2010). It peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200. The lead single “If It Wasn’t for Bad” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

Russell was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2006. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011.

PERSONAL
Leon Russell died on November 13, 2016 at the age of 74. No official cause of death was given. He reportedly died quietly in his sleep at his home in Nashville, Tennessee. Russell had suffered a heart attack back in July 2016. He had since undergone bypass surgery. Russell was 5ft 9in tall and had a net worth of $600 thousand. He was married to first wife ‘Mary McCreary’ from 1975 to 1980. They had two children, Tina Rose and Teddy Jack. Russell wed second wife ‘Janet Constantine’ in February 1983. They had three daughters, Sugaree Noel, Coco and Honey.

Leon Russell Bio, Net Worth, Height