Leon Russell was an American musician, singer, and songwriter who was born on April 2, 1942, in Lawton, Oklahoma, USA, and passed away on November 13, 2016, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. He was known for his unique blend of rock, country, and blues music, as well as his distinctive voice and piano playing style.
Russell began his career as a session musician and played with a wide range of artists, including The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, and The Byrds. He also worked as a producer and songwriter, penning hits for artists like Joe Cocker ("Delta Lady") and George Benson ("This Masquerade").
In the 1970s, Russell released a string of successful solo albums, including "Leon Russell," "Carney," and "Hank Wilson's Back." He also collaborated with many other musicians during this time, including Elton John, with whom he recorded the album "The Union" in 2010.