Leon Russell in Iowa City

Leon Russell

Supporting Act: Alexis StevensLeon Russell is a music legend and perhaps one of the most accomplished and versatile musicians in rock 'n roll. In his distinguished and unique 50-year career, he has played on, arranged, written and/or produced some of the best records in popular music. He has collaborated with artists including Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, The Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye, and many more. Russell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2011.

Born in southwest Oklahoma in 1942, Leon Russell began piano lessons at age 4. He was playing in Tulsa nightclubs at the age of 14. After graduating from high school, Russell's band, The Starlighters, went on the road with Jerry Lee Lewis. He left Tulsa at the age of 17 for Los Angeles where he began playing in the clubs and eventually became one of the best session musicians in Hollywood.

Russell co-founded Shelter Records and released his first solo album in 1970. It included Beatles George Harrison and Ringo Starr, Rolling Stones Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, and Klaus Voorman. The album contained classic Leon songs, 'A Song For You', along with 'Hummingbird', and 'Delta Lady'. Shelter Records also became the home for many other artists such as Freddie King, Don Nix, J.J. Cale, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Gap Band, Dwight Twilley and Phoebe Snow.

As a songwriter, Leon's songs have hit the charts across all genres and have been covered by a diverse range of artists including Ray Charles ('A Song For You'), B.B. King ('Hummingbird'), The Carpenters ('Superstar'), and Joe Cocker ('Delta Lady').

Russell has been a constant collaborator throughout his career. In 1971 he joined George Harrison for two performances of the Concert for Bangladesh at Madison Square Garden in New York to raise money for refugees. His "Jumpin' Jack Flash/Youngblood" medley was considered the highlight of the show by some. The album won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. In addition, Russell co-hosted with Willie Nelson, the first of Willie's 4th of July picnics. Leon has continued to be a regular performer at Willie's picnics through the years. He joined Willie on tour and they teamed up in 1979 for the country album, "One For The Road", which included the song "Heartbreak Hotel" that won a Grammy Award in 1980. Lastly, Leon and Sir Elton John released, "The Union", a duet album in 2010. The single "If It Wasn't For Bad" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

Leon continues to write songs, record, and thrill audiences on his non-stop tour across the U.S. Leon's son Teddy Jack, and daughters Sugaree and Tina Rose have previously been in his band and toured with him. His bass player, Jack Wessel, has been in his band for 29 years.

Categories: Concerts & Tour Dates