One of the best versions of this song I've heard, never knew Leon did it, local Tulsan here, so he meant a lot, especially as a really nice guy! Rest In Peace Leon, Play On!
My husband and I are “Leon lifers”, He was so kind to us as we met thru a mutual friend. He played for our anniversary in Tulsa with his reunion with Joe Cocker. And for my husband ‘s b-day @ the Ozark bar The Horny Toad. We talked in his bus for two hours! He was late getting on stage! Always made sure we had a free table whenever he came to Kansas City. Even got to visit with him at his home in Belle Mead, Tennessee! Ordered bbq flown in from Texas, with his attorney . God we miss him so much. His private memorial service was beautiful . Rest In Peace dear Leon.
Saw him first at Madison Square Garden in Concert for the Bangladesh.. best and first concert for a relief fund with George Harrison. Hooked on him then and forever!
Just saw this and wanted to say how lucky you were. When did you meet him, first? I am a huge fan and loved everything about him. So many people say he was really quiet, so to talk 2 hours, he must have really enjoyed the conversation. Was he funny? He seemed like he could be. Flying bbq in from TX to TN? That seems extravagant, don't they have good bbq in TN. Did you meet his wife or any of his family? Thanks for your story gave us.
Leon was an astounding musician, and through his abilities and his love of the Blues, Country, and Black Gospel, came to pretty much define how Rock & Roll piano was played in the 60's. (see Tommy Tedesco in the Wrecking Crew segment.) By the time of this broadcast, Leon had already recorded w/ Sam Cooke, Phil Spector, The Beach Boys, and many, many others, and he was probably only around 22 at the time. Not having been credited at the time, and because his "superstardom" was so fleeting (he was at one time the top concert draw in the world) most people, ( younger people anyway) don't have any idea who this American musical GIANT was. Ask Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Brian Wilson, Elvis Costello, or Ricky Skaggs. Two Beatles, two Stones,& Eric Clapton among others, were sidemen on LEON'S 1st album! And God bless Sir Elton for reminding the world about "The Master of Space & Time"- their movie, "The Union" is one of the most touching I've ever seen, and is a reminder to us all to remember those who helped make us who we are. So now you young'uns, it's time to do your youtube homework and discover an unsung legend of the 60's.
Oh, I love what you wrote. I try to put comments on videos of Leon, similar to yours, to inform people why he is A National Treasure as our DJ on public radio, called him. It wasn't even just the people he played with or for, but the different genres of music he could play, the instruments he was good at (really good on guitar) and as grade school student, he was put into the HS Band, playing Trumpet. He was talented in the studio, he knew his way around the mixing board, etc. Then he wrote so many great songs too.
He also did early tv commercial work with session singer Jackie Ward, and some guy named Glen Campbell, session guitarist, I believe about 62’, Lady Clairol Hair commercial, “is it true blondes have more fun”
Leon gave so much to the world. His life was music. His heart filled with so much soul. Man, he sure could play that piano.and his voice was spot on. I love you, Leon.
in 1979 i was a part time student/part time shuttle bus driver at the u of texas in austin.....somehow, i got the willie nelson picnic charter....had to go to the red lion inn on 290 to wake up a list of people the dispatcher gave me to take to the picnic....one of them was leon russell...he was totally kind and nice...was a pleasure to drive him, ernest tubbs, johnny paycheck, some of willie's possee along with some of kris kristofferson's.....made three liquior stops during a 50 mile trip.....lots of fun....
Talk about versatile doing Chuck Berry ~ Jerry Lee Lewis Style ~ Hard to believe this is the Same guy who wrote This Diamond Ring ~ Performed with the biggest names in rock & 80's country ~ Never before have I seen him without all the hair & beard Leon is truly an original
Al Kooper, Bob Brass and Irwin Levine wrote This Diamond Ring. Leon wrote She's Just My Style and Everybody Loves A Clown. He did all the arrangements for Gary Lewis early songs and he got his good friends jobs as part of their band. They weren't that good on their own. I am sure Leon liked the money he made and was learning and meeting lots of music industry people but that really wasn't his taste in music. BTW, he also played the nice little guitar solo in She's Just My Style.
Everyone I know accepted him. I think he just was not an artist you could put in a box. He did country and probably lost some rock fans (or they lost him, like I did) Can't believe all the stuff I found out that he played on, or arranged and produced, even some songs I never knew he wrote or cowrote. He always had a studio from his mid 20's on. A major talent for sure.
He was 22 or23 years old here! Think of any 22 year old guys you know. Granted they are wonderful and beautiful...... but seriously, can they Rock n' Roll like Leon!
A couple years ago here on youtube there was an epic video of leon russel playing a grand piano like this one, while singing 'High Heeled Sneakers'....with some hot young girls coming out of the audience on cue, up to the stage dancing and rocking next to leon as he performed. Two girls jumped up and were dancing on top of the piano! It's such a fine video and it's a damn shame it was removed for some petty copyright B.S..
You know, of the several versions of this song recorded way back in the day, this is clearly one of the very best, if not the absolute best. And until this evening in Nov 2016, 52 years later, I had never heard it! (At least not that I remember.)
I think you're right - as old as this version is, I believe it is the best one I've ever heard, and to think that I only happened upon it. Just think about all the incredible music and amazing performances out there that are just waiting to be found - not only by up and coming artists, but by established artists that we know and love like Leon & JJ Cale, and so many others. I saw Leon in the early 1970's in Dallas and have been an appreciative fan ever since - but, now I realize I missed out on his early years. I hope others have shared cause I'm gonna be on UA-cam for the next few hours searching...
Watch Elton John's intro of Leon Russell when Russell was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. He list just "some" of the acts Russell played and wrote for. It reads like a who's who of music. My jaw dropped! I will add this is an outstanding version of Roll Over Beethoven! I also love ELO's version with the violin screeching!
Going through some Joe Cocker songs and came across this. I remember watching Shindig. However, this is the first time I had ever seen or heard this version, and it is great.
@@pabalard Well it wasn't on a record, so if you didn't catch him on Shindig ( he was only on it, the one season) you would not have known he did this. Leon was so great, played on so many other's recordings, wrote some great songs, and was great in concert. I saw him during the Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour and loved his style right then. Saw him, often throughout the 70's. We had great music back then. I happen to live in the Dallas area now.
Does anyone here remember Leon Russell as the long haired bearded guy who was the band leader/ piano player/ guitarist in Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen touring band in 1970?
After acknowledging that this is indeed a stunning version of this classic,I gotta admit that with the vocal turned down,I would have had had trouble placing his youthful face.Man he sure knew his music,didn't he?
Love those inserted girl screams. Lack of audience wasn't a problem. Best thing about Hullabaloo? The Hullabaloo dancers. Check the Hullabaloo version of the Batman theme for a good sampling of what those dancers could do when they had time to practice...
Priceless! I thought it was Jerry Lee Lewis, until I looked at his features more closely.... and of course the voice. Many of us were nerdy looking before we switched to our 70's look. LOL Thank goodness for the Beatles and the British Invasion! My dad would get so upset when he saw the Beatles on TV. He would call them mop-tops, along with some cursing. It did not help when I grew hair down my back. Later if life, I cut my hair short and dad had longer hair then me. It's a funny world:)
There is another side of it. 1964 was the year where segregation were abolished. I white guy singing a 'black' song was actually protest - every one (well almost) felt a new wind blowing.
Actually, before this, white guys played black guys' songs on white radio stations because they wouldn't let black guys play them. No protest. Think Pat Boone and Elvis in the late 50s.
Moonlight Sonata by L. von Beethoven also known as "Quasi una Fantasia". its full classical title is:Piano Sonata #14 in C-sharp minor, I learned on google.
Peter Maxwell yup boy it’s Leon @ 15. He started at 12 years old. In Oklahoma it was a dry state so even teenagers could perform! Spell it right it’s Russell !!!
Leon played on 100’s of recordings as a session musician in the 1960’s. Almost anything you heard on rock radio, you could almost bet your money, that’s Leon on keyboards. Even earlier tv commercials, like Lady Clairol hair commercial, is it true blondes have more fun. That commercial was recorded with session singer Jackie Ward and some guy named Glen Campbell.
One of the best versions of this song I've heard, never knew Leon did it, local Tulsan here, so he meant a lot, especially as a really nice guy! Rest In Peace Leon, Play On!
There was obviously a handsome man under all that hair. What a talent he was!
My husband and I are “Leon lifers”, He was so kind to us as we met thru a mutual friend. He played for our anniversary in Tulsa with his reunion with Joe Cocker. And for my husband ‘s b-day @ the Ozark bar The Horny Toad. We talked in his bus for two hours! He was late getting on stage! Always made sure we had a free table whenever he came to Kansas City. Even got to visit with him at his home in Belle Mead, Tennessee! Ordered bbq flown in from Texas, with his attorney . God we miss him so much. His private memorial service was beautiful . Rest In Peace dear Leon.
Saw him first at Madison Square Garden in Concert for the Bangladesh.. best and first concert for a relief fund with George Harrison. Hooked on him then and forever!
And God Bless Steve Busch for introducing us to Leon. Now they’re together in Rock & Roll Heaven.
Just saw this and wanted to say how lucky you were. When did you meet him, first? I am a huge fan and loved everything about him. So many people say he was really quiet, so to talk 2 hours, he must have really enjoyed the conversation. Was he funny? He seemed like he could be. Flying bbq in from TX to TN? That seems extravagant, don't they have good bbq in TN. Did you meet his wife or any of his family? Thanks for your story gave us.
@@pamelamoffitt8630 I saw him first during the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour I was still in HS. What a concert!
Leon was an astounding musician, and through his abilities and his love of the Blues, Country, and Black Gospel, came to pretty much define how Rock & Roll piano was played in the 60's. (see Tommy Tedesco in the Wrecking Crew segment.) By the time of this broadcast, Leon had already recorded w/ Sam Cooke, Phil Spector, The Beach Boys, and many, many others, and he was probably only around 22 at the time. Not having been credited at the time, and because his "superstardom" was so fleeting (he was at one time the top concert draw in the world) most people, ( younger people anyway) don't have any idea who this American musical GIANT was. Ask Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Brian Wilson, Elvis Costello, or Ricky Skaggs. Two Beatles, two Stones,& Eric Clapton among others, were sidemen on LEON'S 1st album! And God bless Sir Elton for reminding the world about "The Master of Space & Time"- their movie, "The Union" is one of the most touching I've ever seen, and is a reminder to us all to remember those who helped make us who we are. So now you young'uns, it's time to do your youtube homework and discover an unsung legend of the 60's.
Oh, I love what you wrote. I try to put comments on videos of Leon, similar to yours, to inform people why he is A National Treasure as our DJ on public radio, called him. It wasn't even just the people he played with or for, but the different genres of music he could play, the instruments he was good at (really good on guitar) and as grade school student, he was put into the HS Band, playing Trumpet. He was talented in the studio, he knew his way around the mixing board, etc. Then he wrote so many great songs too.
You’ve probably already seen it, but if not you NEED to find the clip of Leon, Willie Nelson, and Ray Charles together. It’s usually somewhere on YT.
He also did early tv commercial work with session singer Jackie Ward, and some guy named Glen Campbell, session guitarist, I believe about 62’, Lady Clairol Hair commercial, “is it true blondes have more fun”
Leon gave so much to the world. His life was music. His heart filled with so much soul. Man, he sure could play that piano.and his voice was spot on. I love you, Leon.
He was an original talent. Loved his music, loved his style. RIP, Leon.
We long a true original and a helluva piano player and song writer on Nov. 13 2016.
he's playin' at the Pearly Gates for sure...RIP Leon.
in 1979 i was a part time student/part time shuttle bus driver at the u of texas in austin.....somehow, i got the willie nelson picnic charter....had to go to the red lion inn on 290 to wake up a list of people the dispatcher gave me to take to the picnic....one of them was leon russell...he was totally kind and nice...was a pleasure to drive him, ernest tubbs, johnny paycheck, some of willie's possee along with some of kris kristofferson's.....made three liquior stops during a 50 mile trip.....lots of fun....
Almost everyone that met him says that he was really nice and generous. He sounds like he was a sweet man.
R.I.P thank you for all the years of music................
R.I.P. Leon Russell you where one of the greats Sir....
R.I.P. LEON, YOUR MUSIC WILL LIVE ON FOREVER........................
Talk about versatile doing Chuck Berry ~ Jerry Lee Lewis Style ~ Hard to believe this is the Same guy who wrote This Diamond Ring ~ Performed with the biggest names in rock & 80's country ~ Never before have I seen him without all the hair & beard Leon is truly an original
Al Kooper, Bob Brass and Irwin Levine wrote This Diamond Ring. Leon wrote She's Just My Style and Everybody Loves A Clown. He did all the arrangements for Gary Lewis early songs and he got his good friends jobs as part of their band. They weren't that good on their own. I am sure Leon liked the money he made and was learning and meeting lots of music industry people but that really wasn't his taste in music. BTW, he also played the nice little guitar solo in She's Just My Style.
Oh yes--I saw this years and years ago---and we instantly HOOKED!! Love and miss you Leon.
Wow! This is the first time I've seen him without long hair.
Thanks Leon for your music.God bless you!Mexico City.
Amazingly he wasn't as accepted as others at the time. More talent than tons of others too. RIP Leon.
Everyone I know accepted him. I think he just was not an artist you could put in a box. He did country and probably lost some rock fans (or they lost him, like I did) Can't believe all the stuff I found out that he played on, or arranged and produced, even some songs I never knew he wrote or cowrote. He always had a studio from his mid 20's on. A major talent for sure.
Very talented and poised from the start.R.I.P. Mr. Russell
He was 22 or23 years old here! Think of any 22 year old guys you know. Granted they are wonderful and beautiful...... but seriously, can they Rock n' Roll like Leon!
God bless America and God bless Leon Russell…
A couple years ago here on youtube there was an epic video of leon russel playing a grand piano like this one, while singing 'High Heeled Sneakers'....with some hot young girls coming out of the audience on cue, up to the stage dancing and rocking next to leon as he performed. Two girls jumped up and were dancing on top of the piano! It's such a fine video and it's a damn shame it was removed for some petty copyright B.S..
I know, I saw it and I hope somebody puts it back on but you have to give it a covert name, lol. Kind of makes it hard to find one.
From the same show-Shindig!
ua-cam.com/video/AX_99gtMeXw/v-deo.html
Bless your heart Leon. Thank you.
Wow , I have never heard this , just wow ..................he was awesome
You know, of the several versions of this song recorded way back in the day, this is clearly one of the very best, if not the absolute best. And until this evening in Nov 2016, 52 years later, I had never heard it! (At least not that I remember.)
I think you're right - as old as this version is, I believe it is the best one I've ever heard, and to think that I only happened upon it. Just think about all the incredible music and amazing performances out there that are just waiting to be found - not only by up and coming artists, but by established artists that we know and love like Leon & JJ Cale, and so many others. I saw Leon in the early 1970's in Dallas and have been an appreciative fan ever since - but, now I realize I missed out on his early years. I hope others have shared cause I'm gonna be on UA-cam for the next few hours searching...
I like the studio version by Leslie West and Mountain. Like you, this is the first time I have heard Leon Russell's version. He was superbly talented.
Watch Elton John's intro of Leon Russell when Russell was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. He list just "some" of the acts Russell played and wrote for. It reads like a who's who of music. My jaw dropped! I will add this is an outstanding version of Roll Over Beethoven! I also love ELO's version with the violin screeching!
Going through some Joe Cocker songs and came across this. I remember watching Shindig. However,
this is the first time I had ever seen or heard this version, and it is great.
@@pabalard Well it wasn't on a record, so if you didn't catch him on Shindig ( he was only on it, the one season) you would not have known he did this. Leon was so great, played on so many other's recordings, wrote some great songs, and was great in concert. I saw him during the Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour and loved his style right then. Saw him, often throughout the 70's. We had great music back then. I happen to live in the Dallas area now.
Shindig...shit we're old.RIP Leon
That's what you get when you learn and start playing piano AT AGE 4. He was "The Master of Space & Time!"
Everything he touched was Gold
Leon was the best!!
Does anyone here remember Leon Russell as the long haired bearded guy who was the band leader/ piano player/ guitarist in Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen touring band in 1970?
Thanks never saw this Damn did he look great
♥️So amazing---clean cut young Leon ♥️
He was THE BEST!
Miss ya Leon.
Saw it the 1st time when i was 10.
he was so damn good looking.
Marlene Ful Amen.
@George Rusch He had a fine nose. All my friends thought he was gorgeous.
@George Rusch, It might have taken two..... JAJAJA
handsome man and a gteat voice lomg or short hair love. him soul soul soul💝
After acknowledging that this is
indeed a stunning version of this
classic,I gotta admit that with the
vocal turned down,I would have
had had trouble placing his
youthful face.Man he sure
knew his music,didn't he?
RIP Master of Space & Time...
Rock and Roll at its finest
Leon always had that detached demeanor when he performed.
Great song slash,
LEON RUSSELL WAS NEVR THAT YOUNG - LMAO!
BBBUUUTTT - LEON RUSSELL WAS A GREAT MUSICIAN - WE MISS HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!
RIP Leon!!
🎩🎶🎶🎹🎹 So young here 😊
Leon looked a bit different in those days compared to his appearance today?.............Love it.
before the acid
I think most anyone does, after almost 50 years. lol
Leon Russell, RIP
Incredible !!!
the shindogs from shindig!
Awesome!
Go Leon baby!
Dig that 'Fur Elise' intro Daddy-O!
wow!
Love those inserted girl screams. Lack of audience wasn't a problem. Best thing about Hullabaloo? The Hullabaloo dancers. Check the Hullabaloo version of the Batman theme for a good sampling of what those dancers could do when they had time to practice...
the band is integrated way before everybody else.
Priceless! I thought it was Jerry Lee Lewis, until I looked at his features more closely.... and of course the voice.
Many of us were nerdy looking before we switched to our 70's look. LOL
Thank goodness for the Beatles and the British Invasion! My dad would get so upset when he saw the Beatles on TV. He would call them mop-tops, along with some cursing. It did not help when I grew hair down my back. Later if life, I cut my hair short and dad had longer hair then me. It's a funny world:)
That's a funny story. I don't think Leon was nerdy looking for 64. Some of the other guy's in this video were though.
So very cool
Wow. Flippin wow.
Hey... that's my grandma dancing in the background
Which one? The actress, Teri Garr was a dancer on Shindig.
WOW!
omg!!!!
Roll away the stone.!
w(°ｏ°)w
Rest in Heavenly Peace Leon
❤️🎹🎩🎶♥️
Una verdadera joya !!!
This reminds me of John belushi skit as Beethoven on SNL.
went to leon's grave two years ago, 5 foot high tombstone in the shape of a baby grand piano
wow
The worst thing about 2016... We lost Leon..... But then, maybe not
Kimberly Whistler his music lives on thru George Benson,& many many others! Even Usher sings this Song for You. Leon’s signiture composition!
Classic Leon Russell eye roll. 2:14
well you gotta start somewhere. Mad Dogs and Englishmen are waiting for you! love
i recognize the voice, but who is the kid playing the piano ?? amazing video i have never seen before
hahaha. he look strange without his long hair
Leon russell
Without all the hair, he kind of reminds me of Mickey Gilley.
There is another side of it. 1964 was the year where segregation were abolished. I white guy singing a 'black' song was actually protest - every one (well almost) felt a new wind blowing.
Actually, before this, white guys played black guys' songs on white radio stations because they wouldn't let black guys play them. No protest. Think Pat Boone and Elvis in the late 50s.
what's the classic song in the start ?
Moonlight Sonata by L. von Beethoven also known as "Quasi una Fantasia". its full classical title is:Piano Sonata #14 in C-sharp minor, I learned on google.
brihev1 thank you
sheeet, boy this leon russle ?
Peter Maxwell yup boy it’s Leon @ 15. He started at 12 years old. In Oklahoma it was a dry state so even teenagers could perform! Spell it right it’s Russell !!!
i know it's leon
Did he play the Beatoven intro or was it dubbed!???! Move over Jerry Lee;!!
He no doubt played it. Leon was legendary on the piano.
Leon played on 100’s of recordings as a session musician in the 1960’s. Almost anything you heard on rock radio, you could almost bet your money, that’s Leon on keyboards. Even earlier tv commercials, like Lady Clairol hair commercial, is it true blondes have more fun. That commercial was recorded with session singer Jackie Ward and some guy named Glen Campbell.
ELO is still the best.
.
He could always make women scream!!
Too bad about those canned screams.
RIP Leon !
WOW!!!!
wow