Drummer reacts to "A Song for You" & "Roll Away The Stone" by Leon Russel

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  • Опубліковано 9 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 110

  • @emilymartinez6961
    @emilymartinez6961 5 місяців тому +3

    Every time I hear Leon Russell, it takes me right back to high school and l loved high school so thanks for the memories Lee 👍🏻🎶

  • @georgegonzalez1996
    @georgegonzalez1996 5 місяців тому +23

    I saw Leon in 1970. He had the “Mad Dogs” band (check out the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour with Joe Cocker) to this day it’s the largest band I ever saw and to this day it’s up there with my favorite concerts of all time. I LOVE Leon!!!!

  • @hongfang2348
    @hongfang2348 5 місяців тому +24

    Leon was Elton John's hero when it came to playing the piano. And when Leon met with hard times financially, along came Elton with a helping hand. RIP Leon!

  • @janewells5970
    @janewells5970 5 місяців тому +4

    One of the most beautiful songs ever! Leon sings it with such passion

  • @geraldbryden6720
    @geraldbryden6720 5 місяців тому +10

    If you want to be moved to tears find the version of this song from one of Willie Nelson's birthday shows, It features Leon and Willie and the legendary Ray Charles who steals the show. He made Willie cry. truly amazing.

  • @akahina
    @akahina 5 місяців тому +23

    "I love in a place where there's no space and time" may be the best declaration of love ever written.

  • @Jonni1027
    @Jonni1027 5 місяців тому +7

    I’m so glad you did Leon! I saw him live twice in the early 1970s when he’d dance on top of his piano…then I was blessed to see him 6 months before he died and he was mesmerizing!!!❤❤

  • @Scarlet3241
    @Scarlet3241 5 місяців тому +18

    Elton John said that he patterned his piano playing after Leon Russell. You can really hear it in the second track.
    Several years ago, he joined Leon in the studio and they made a wonderful album together and played the Beacon Theater in New York City just across the street from where I grew up.
    I highly recommend you watch the fantastic documentary “The Union” that Elton made about the experience. 🕊❤️🎼

  • @clifton8929
    @clifton8929 5 місяців тому +13

    Thanks, Lee, for playing Leon Russel. I've seen him live three times. He's a great songwriter and musician. He was Elton John's inspiration as a piano player. Thanks for all the hard work
    And great commentary.

    • @L33Reacts
      @L33Reacts  5 місяців тому

      Thank you for watching Clifton I appreciate the kind words. When I get comments like these it makes all the long nights worth it. Leon was a cool cat… and damn could he play lol

  • @dalemcmillan7231
    @dalemcmillan7231 5 місяців тому +20

    Leon Russel..Brilliant musician songwriter and producer. Huge talent!!❤❤

  • @ChuckDrennen
    @ChuckDrennen 5 місяців тому +11

    Leon used to be a member of the wrecking crew. He said once that as he was recording music for other artists, he would write his own melodies and words in his mind, not even knowing how the song was going to end up..

  • @chitownlee
    @chitownlee 5 місяців тому +16

    Delta Lady, Strangers in a Strange Land, Out in the Woods just for starters.

  • @BlakeEdmonds-u8z
    @BlakeEdmonds-u8z 5 місяців тому +7

    Leon Russel's Back to the Island is worth a listen to.

  • @georgegonzalez1996
    @georgegonzalez1996 5 місяців тому +16

    Not only is Leon a great songwriter, singer and piano player. He was also a great producer.
    He resurrected Freddie King’s career by writing/ producing a bunch of great songs.
    Check out Freddie’s version of “Going Down”, there’s been a bunch of versions of this song but Freddie’s version is the definitive one.

  • @sharondavid-melly1498
    @sharondavid-melly1498 5 місяців тому +17

    Leon's exotic universe is always welcome

  • @corawheeler9355
    @corawheeler9355 5 місяців тому +2

    That's a nice pairing of both sides of the wonderful Leon Russel

  • @georgegonzalez1996
    @georgegonzalez1996 5 місяців тому +6

    Now that you are getting acquainted with Leon, check out his covers of Jumping Jack Flash/Youngblood on the George Harrison “Concert For Bangladeshi” album.
    There are many people that played on that record, and they had great performances, but Leon stood tall above the rest of them.
    There was a great reason why everyone wanted Leon to play on their recordings.

  • @blitztim6416
    @blitztim6416 5 місяців тому +2

    I’ve heard both songs before. The second track reminded me of ‘All the way from Memphis’ by Mott the Hoople. Who were associated with Bowie. Great track.

  • @UFOS4
    @UFOS4 5 місяців тому +3

    So nice to hear Leon on this channel and surprised that Lee knows of him. I love "A Song For You" and, of course I had tears.

  • @genegarrett3372
    @genegarrett3372 5 місяців тому +14

    Went to college in Tulsa and lived there for several years. Used to see Leon out and about on occasion near his home around Peoria Ave. Knew a couple people who met him. Heard he was a nice guy. Hey George Harrison liked him and that's good enough for me. He played on a few songs in George's 1974 Tulsa Concert.

    • @BrianR.
      @BrianR. 5 місяців тому

      Leon also played a big part on George Harrison's Concert for Bangla Desh.

  • @827dusty
    @827dusty 5 місяців тому

    What a man, and an absolute piano savant. He was also a man of faith, who struggled with things, as we all do,
    but always knew there was a God and creator.

  • @marythacker4802
    @marythacker4802 5 місяців тому +1

    Well, Lee this is so great. Leon is my favorite. Thanks so much for A Song For You and your reaction. RIP Master of Space and Time. I also like Dixie Lady, Lady Blue, This Masquerade and Tightrope.

  • @mikefannon6994
    @mikefannon6994 5 місяців тому +4

    "Master of Space & Time".
    I first saw Leon in 1970, the last time in an old theater/bar just about 6 months before he died. And a few times in between.
    Always the consummate showman!
    Thanks L33.

  • @catscan9
    @catscan9 5 місяців тому +3

    I saw Joe Cocker and Leon at a concert at Denver Colorado when I was 14 years old. I'm 70 now,so Bowie came about five years later. Saw Jimi Hendrix at the same venue. God, I was privileged. God I'm old

  • @lauraallen55
    @lauraallen55 5 місяців тому +9

    I love a song for you! Leon is the best Version for me. Donny Hathaway is my second favorite. It’s pretty damn Good too.

  • @ohfour-seven6228
    @ohfour-seven6228 5 місяців тому +1

    Leon is THE MAN! I got to see him twice, he led the band on Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishman tour, and I saw him by solo when this album came out. Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett had a band, Delaney and Bonnie and Friends. Leon was part of the band, as was Rita Coolidge and the backing band for Clapton's Derek and the Dominos. Clapton played with them as well as Duane Allman, George Harrison and Dave Mason from Traffic. Check out the cut Things Get Better from the album Delaney and Bonnie and Friends On Tour With Eric Clapton. Delaney Bramlett produced Eric Clapton's first solo album and the entire Friends band backed him. Leon was a massive talent, as you heard. Other songs to check out: Shoot Out on the Plantation, Delta Lady, Tightrope, This Masquerade, and he stole the show at George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh for his medley of Jumpin Jack Flash and Youngblood, check out the video it's amazing!!!

  • @conniehorton1981
    @conniehorton1981 5 місяців тому +5

    Leon Russell ❤❤❤

  • @shirleybhs9zd6li5i
    @shirleybhs9zd6li5i 5 місяців тому +4

    OMG. I have been hoping to hear my favorite ANYTHING from Leon Russell. All suggestions in the comments are golden. Thanks Arnie, you've made my day. To say he was a favorite of my beloved's and mine would be an understatement. Great reaction. Blessings all.

    • @ArniePorter
      @ArniePorter 5 місяців тому

      You’re welcome. A huge favourite on mine too who really doesn’t get the recognition that he should today but it’s obvious with how many great musicians played on his sessions how universally respected he was. Unfortunately he was a bad liver health wise and lived a hard life that ended too soon.

    • @shirleybhs9zd6li5i
      @shirleybhs9zd6li5i 5 місяців тому +1

      @@ArniePorter Glad his music lives on in our hearts. Blessings

  • @georgegonzalez1996
    @georgegonzalez1996 5 місяців тому +4

    I would recommend highly that you check out the Mad Dogs concert video. It is amazing.
    There’s also a very interesting story of how Leon put that band together, and how that tour ruined his relationship with Joe Cocker.

  • @nancycleary9483
    @nancycleary9483 5 місяців тому

    He was initially from Tulsa,Oklahoma. He lived a few houses away from a friend. He was really talented and gave a lot back to his native state. These are my favorite

  • @dreweasterbrook2003
    @dreweasterbrook2003 5 місяців тому +3

    There is nothing like old friends to make you feel young. Such memories of being with my friends a bit lit and Leon Russell.

  • @georgegonzalez1996
    @georgegonzalez1996 5 місяців тому +10

    Leon was one of the musicians in the Wrecking Crew. He played on a bunch of the early pop hits of the early 60s.

    • @mikefannon6994
      @mikefannon6994 5 місяців тому +1

      Also played in the house band on the "Shindig" tv show

    • @georgegonzalez1996
      @georgegonzalez1996 5 місяців тому +1

      @@mikefannon6994
      I loved that show. There wasn’t too many music shows back the but Shindig was one of the best.

  • @pvank1799
    @pvank1799 5 місяців тому +2

    He has a great medley on the Concert For Bangladesh album. Young girll and Jumping Jack Flash.

  • @chitownlee
    @chitownlee 5 місяців тому +6

    He was the coolest dude ever.

    • @L33Reacts
      @L33Reacts  5 місяців тому +1

      He really seemed to be! Always looked like a cool cat at all times

  • @robinreiley1828
    @robinreiley1828 5 місяців тому +2

    For me, Leon Russell bridged the gap between the Jazz Torch Songs and Ballads of the 40's and 50's and Rock , Rhythm and Blues. His melodies and chord progressions are much more sophisticated than most of the compositions of his contemporaries. His song "Masquerade" is a good example of his talents

  • @lmkeniston216
    @lmkeniston216 5 місяців тому +1

    Mad Dogs & Englishmen has all those folks, it’s an album you need to check out.

  • @arizrich
    @arizrich 5 місяців тому

    I saw Leon back in '73, one of the best concerts ever!

  • @Cheshirecat1956
    @Cheshirecat1956 5 місяців тому

    One of the most beautiful songs ever. Love Leon Russell Stranger in a strange land is excellent too.

  • @kevinpolito1529
    @kevinpolito1529 5 місяців тому +2

    Artists for whom Leon Russell played piano: The Byrds, Aretha Franklin, The Beach Boys, The Everly Brothers, Frank Sinatra, George Harrison, Badfinger, The Rolling Stones, and many, many more.

  • @geraldbryden6720
    @geraldbryden6720 5 місяців тому +1

    Don't forget he was part of the wrecking crew in L.A. and played on and arranged more hits than you can count. Gary Lewis and the Playboys as an example.

  • @mickell241
    @mickell241 5 місяців тому +2

    may i suggest the songs Delta Lady and Stranger in a Strange Land. the second song fits in today even though it is 50 years old... leon russell

  • @cindyp1033
    @cindyp1033 5 місяців тому

    Was lucky enough to see this genius in concert in 2010❤

  • @tcanfield
    @tcanfield 5 місяців тому +2

    I've been a fan of Leon ever since discovering my sister's album "Concert for Bangladesh"(71’) He was a really killed it on that talent-filled stage along with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston & Eric Clapton. Fantastic live album !

    • @slm_766
      @slm_766 5 місяців тому

      I loved that album! L33 you should check it out.

  • @MaureenSiska-bv5oq
    @MaureenSiska-bv5oq 5 місяців тому +3

    A Song for You - one of my favorites. His piano playing is brilliant.

    • @L33Reacts
      @L33Reacts  5 місяців тому

      I totally agree. That song HURT so good lol

  • @wanderer0617
    @wanderer0617 5 місяців тому +6

    Thank you for reacting to Leon Russell! I'm from Tulsa and he went to the same high school as my brothers did. In Tulsa, in the 70s there was a big music scene with Leon, Eric Clapton, JJ Cale, Carl Radle, Jamie Oldaker who was Eric's drummer. My sister's boyfriend for a long time. I was enchanted. My mom bought me Leon Russell piano music because I wanted to play like him.
    Ray Charles made A Song For You famous. Check out Mad Dogs and Englishmen's tour with Joe Cocker, Leon, Rita Coolidge, and so many more. I have their double album live tour.
    Leon was a huge influence on Elton John. EJ said he wouldn't have been the performer he was without Leon. There's a documentary about them and an album.
    This obviously takes me back. Stanger in a Strange Land is another great one by Leon. Thanks, Lee!

    • @L33Reacts
      @L33Reacts  5 місяців тому +1

      That’s so funny cuz I’ve reacted to a lot of those folks you mentioned! I’m glad you enjoyed. I think out of those you listed eric and Leon are my favorites so far :)

  • @Peter-oh3hc
    @Peter-oh3hc 5 місяців тому +2

    Simple. Beautiful. Simply beautiful

  • @kristahartmann6712
    @kristahartmann6712 5 місяців тому

    Saw him later in his life at the memorable tiny dive, The Rhythm Room downtown Phoenix, AZ in 2007-ish. Place was SRO, shoulder to shoulder. It was steamy, vibey, and all Leon-lovers. He came out with long, beautiful white hair, using a cane, and wearing a ten-gallon hat in an immaculate white suit... His band was crowded onto a tiny area.
    They torched that place...just burned down. Church on a Tuesday nite.
    I bought the black "Master of Time & Space" tee caused I just had to.
    Later on Elton bought him a deluxe bus to replace that mess he was traveling in.
    I loved Leon. There's a video of his humble funeral with some tremendous singing and music.

  • @dougj7295
    @dougj7295 5 місяців тому +1

    An old Leon, an older Willie Nelson & a really old Ray Charles did Song for You on some award show - very powerful - Leon & Willie just let Ray take the song over. Big Stranger in a Strange Land fan as well as the Mad Dogs & Englishmen concert everyone is mentioning here. All the great musicians turned out for Leon.

  • @Hartlor_Tayley
    @Hartlor_Tayley 5 місяців тому +4

    What a lineup on this track wow

  • @keithschwartz5723
    @keithschwartz5723 5 місяців тому +2

    Every song on the album is worthwhile. Hummingbird gets covered often. Try his version and then try BB King's version of it.

  • @Cheryworld
    @Cheryworld 5 місяців тому +1

    He put together the Mad Dogs and Englishman tour, behind Joe Cocker. Legendary tour, huge traveling circus of musicians, at least 30+, three drummers and a guy hitting bongos, at least 10 back up singers. Horns all over the place. Leon on piano, of course, but sometimes guitar. Multiple videos on UA-cam. He also helped George Harrison on the Concert for Bangladesh, also a legendary concert, probably first giant charity concert. Over a hundred covers done of A song for You. Ray Charles, other great covers.

  • @will-x9c
    @will-x9c 5 місяців тому +4

    Leon couldn't sing but his unsingerly voice was soulful and uniquely his. His piano playing was, yes, sublime. Galaxy class

  • @lmkeniston216
    @lmkeniston216 5 місяців тому +1

    Lee if you just think of A Song for You as a love song, it pretty much works for any romantic partnership, with warts and all. So, a beautiful love song, not a dagger at all.

  • @ShiverHinge
    @ShiverHinge 5 місяців тому

    He has a hell of a lot of soul.

  • @AP-gb3eh
    @AP-gb3eh 5 місяців тому +2

    Elton is a huge fan of Leon and they became great friends

  • @donnabailey8983
    @donnabailey8983 5 місяців тому +1

    I love Leon A Song For You is branded in my Heart. ❤

  • @elizabethbrown6384
    @elizabethbrown6384 5 місяців тому +2

    Stranger in a Strange Land is well worth a listen.

  • @jonholcombe
    @jonholcombe 5 місяців тому +1

    Wonderful artist, fantastic song, and Leon was in The Wrecking Crew. Carol Kaye tells a great story about Leon coming to a session drunk (completely out of character for him). You can find it on UA-cam.

  • @goonbelly5841
    @goonbelly5841 5 місяців тому +2

    When you listen to this album, it's easy to hear the very strong influence Leon Russel had on Elton John.

  • @KristianHurasky
    @KristianHurasky 5 місяців тому

    What a great couple of tracks! I'd never even heard of Leon Russell and now I'm definitely going to check him out more. 👌

  • @Kahneisha
    @Kahneisha 5 місяців тому

    LEON is a Rocker. He played backup on lot songs. The Brits THEY GREW UP near each other.

  • @GracielaLowther
    @GracielaLowther 5 місяців тому +2

    You might like his album Will O' the Wisp great song writer many artists did his music Superstar is also his song done by many

  • @Fuphyter
    @Fuphyter 5 місяців тому +1

    A Song For You is a masterpiece ❤

  • @johncollier9280
    @johncollier9280 5 місяців тому

    Early 1970's 'n I'm in San Francisco for the day. I wanna go to a concert 'n Leon Russell is in town. So just by chance I saw him live that night. The album you featured is so great...packed with incredible songs. Imagine havin' these backin' musicians for yer first album! But he was already legendary as a kid from Oklahoma who ventured to L.A. 'n made it big as a top session musician. The Carpenters version o' A Song For You is essential.

  • @Kahneisha
    @Kahneisha 5 місяців тому

    Leon played with the "Wrecking Crew" on lot of 50's 60's

  • @cindyp1033
    @cindyp1033 5 місяців тому

    Yes! The first one gets me every time 😭 You needed to end on a high note❤

  • @Kahneisha
    @Kahneisha 5 місяців тому

    Leon & Joe Cocker on "Bird on A Wire" live at LA Forum playlist forever.

  • @SnoopySnoops1
    @SnoopySnoops1 5 місяців тому +3

    'Roll Away The Stone'

  • @Lexwell_Lavers
    @Lexwell_Lavers 5 місяців тому

    "I'm gonna make you play the piano like Leon Russell, like Liberace, like St John the Apostle" - Bob Dylan's song My Own Version of You. Leon ❤. Check out Leon's song Tight Rope.

  • @LSorr3
    @LSorr3 5 місяців тому +1

    back to the island

  • @davidburton9136
    @davidburton9136 5 місяців тому

    Ringo plays on "Shootout on the Plantation" on the same album, I think. It's a great song too...based on something that actually happened, if I remember my rock history. You might want to check it out, or "I Put a Spell on You", or "Delta Lady", or "Dixie Lullaby". All great songs.

  • @ArniePorter
    @ArniePorter 5 місяців тому

    Great choice for a first song Lee. Probably my favoutite LR song but it’s definitely a sad one. He wrote it for his girlfriend folk singer Rita Coolidge and the instrumentation and arrangements with that horn coming in near the end was sublime. I bought this album when it first came out and every song is great. Before this album, Leon was known as a session musician but this album catapulted him onto the scene. Great to know all the people that contributed to Roll Away the Stone a lot of whom appeared on George Harrison’s solo album All Things Must Pass that same year. I definitely hear Bowie’s 70’s music in the song too.

  • @sjd5750
    @sjd5750 5 місяців тому

    Leon's "Out In The Woods" is a favorite of mine, off his "Carney" album.

  • @damonhines8187
    @damonhines8187 5 місяців тому +1

    Diametrically opposed songs, totally. Both absolute 🔥🔥🔥.
    Leon and Bonnie wrote 'Superstar', a monster hit for the Carpenters.
    Lots of rock royalty from both sides of the pond. Understandably so.
    'Song for You' one of the first and most favourite tunes I internalized when preparing to begin busking life in '77.
    How 'bout 'Stranger in a Strange Land'? Eh? There's a good lad.
    Cheers, enjoy your weekend.
    ✌🏼😉🎶🔥❤️🍁❤️✨️🕊

  • @jlb6
    @jlb6 5 місяців тому +2

    Continue to suggest Delaney and Bonnie - I’m Going Home. AfterBlinf Faith Eric Clapton joined the group along with Leon . Tedesci Trucks cites as an important influence.

  • @hongfang2348
    @hongfang2348 5 місяців тому

    This original is my fav version of Song for You. He puts so much soul into it. For polished excellence, The Carpenters have an excellent cover.

  • @rghilino6734
    @rghilino6734 5 місяців тому

    Leon was a special piano player and Wrecking Crew member.

  • @mimig3904
    @mimig3904 5 місяців тому

    Leon was a musician's musician. My favorite albums were Carney and Mad Dogs & Englishmen with Joe Cocker.

  • @garyrausch1184
    @garyrausch1184 5 місяців тому +1

    The Carpenters did several versions of Leon Russell songs all very nice, they fit Karen's voice

  • @mikeengle6839
    @mikeengle6839 5 місяців тому

    He did a live pbs performance. Him and his friends

  • @mikekane9881
    @mikekane9881 5 місяців тому

    A dagger through the heart it is.

    • @L33Reacts
      @L33Reacts  5 місяців тому

      That shit hurts man 😂😂

  • @johnlillis1161
    @johnlillis1161 5 місяців тому +1

    hey Brother give a listen to Leon Russell Lady Blue great great song thanks

  • @rebeccamachen5688
    @rebeccamachen5688 2 місяці тому

    You have hit upon something high; very High! .....might find it interesting that I can explain; therefore validate your feeling of "a dagger through the heart". Leon Russell has height of power, unknown by most. His sound alone reaches chambers of heart flow beyond transcribing. See how you caught on to what Leon describes? Straight to the heart. Harm in sufficient amounts can cause that "flood of love" he brings to dishevel; bringing pain. Thus one can explain this as a dagger as you have. Know that Leon Russell's height has started the quite literal meltdown of all harmful outside invasions upon someone's person. I lived this near identical to you, except I was harmed until I doubled forward upon hearing my hero! To follow shall come Leon's "harm-killer", (I am serious) and vibration restores even further than before wound ever arrived. Regardless, Leon touched and healing's coming! Allow this song's rhyme one high soar next time you hear. Your appreciation shows what height of sound you, yourself are surely composed of! Wow! Your friend, Rebecca Ann Grubb

  • @jlb6
    @jlb6 5 місяців тому

    Became familiar with many vintage country classics from his hank Wilson back. I think came up with the name from a combination of Hank Williams and Hank Thompson. Tomorrow mornings Sunday, and I will be feeling low. So hey bartender one more round and a six pack to go. Classic and forgotten Thompson

  • @willfromyadkinville
    @willfromyadkinville 5 місяців тому

    this is music royalty! obviously he did it best but Karen Carpenter had me in tears!

  • @spazimdam
    @spazimdam 5 місяців тому

    Thank you Lee. Leon was great no doubt. Actually I really like A Song For You. Is sorta melancholy, but quite beautiful. Personally I loved his album Carny the best. It has a song about love lost called Manhattan Island Serenade. It's not as much of a knife in the heart as Song For You and is quite beautiful. Also it has Magic Mirror, which has been covered many times. And If the Shoe Fits which is a light hearted tune about a dude from Rolling Stone magazine who expects a bit too much from musicians. Great songs!

  • @mikeengle6839
    @mikeengle6839 5 місяців тому

    Leon is the Mad Dog of Mad Dogs and Englishmen. Joe Coker is the Englishman

  • @leeannies-tears369
    @leeannies-tears369 5 місяців тому

    I hope you'll dive deeper into Leon ❤ "Tight Rope" LOL No, but really... He's got to be on the top 5 best pianists of modern music through out past 100 years!, in my book. He does a stage performance with Glenn Campbell... And, WOW. So impressive 🔥

  • @user-tb9dx9mg2njsb
    @user-tb9dx9mg2njsb 5 місяців тому +1

    Tulsa’s greatest!

  • @Kahneisha
    @Kahneisha 5 місяців тому

    Others on that Album great. Hummingbird has killer Saxaphone. Delta Lady is killer.

  • @samm3607
    @samm3607 5 місяців тому

    If you have time, look up a performance he did with Glen Campbell. It's quite long and you can see his piano playing.

  • @erolbulut2584
    @erolbulut2584 5 місяців тому

    Mott the Hoople does a great version of 'Roll Away the Stone'.

  • @mikeengle6839
    @mikeengle6839 5 місяців тому

    Tulsa Sound

  • @leonardsfriend5821
    @leonardsfriend5821 5 місяців тому

    Elton John’s “Your Song” is not this song.