Fun Fact: Leon was previously a member of The Wrecking Crew. One of the few who went on to a successful solo career, along with Glenn Campbell, because in addition to being talented musicians, they could sing.
1970 The Mad Dogs and Englishman Tour. Joe Cocker was the first name, but it was Leon's project. Cocker had signed to do a tour, but did not prep, a few days before the start of the schedule he asked Leon to help him. Leon in a few days put together the band and arranged the music (much of it his songs) Huge number of people, Leon knew everybody. Many live videos on UA-cam, great live album
I remember hearing Tightrope on the radio one day, same summer Alice Cooper’s School’s Out hit. What an amazing summer that was, driving a bunch of us kids to go canoeing all through the Adirondack Mountains, Fulton chain of lakes, too young to drive yet, but not too young to smoke weed…. Lol
Leon was a musical genius and a treasure.I've been a fan for decades and I'm so glad Sir Elton reached out to him and they worked together on The Union album together. Hopefully that garnered Leon some new fans. Sad that he passed a few years ago.
A song for you, is a must listen, by him, went to go see him one time with my best friend, we were getting ready to light a joint , when we both heard my Mothers scream in the background as he came out on stage, i did not know she was a fan lmao, we sunk way down in the seats to smoke after that lol good memory's
Leon wore his life deeply, inside and out like many of the time. He certainly helped us get onto our part in the great change, still changing... Thank you 🤗
There was a PBS special in 1972 with Leon Russell and Cat Stevens. Leon had the most bizarre performances that I ever saw. Along with him play piano, he had a large woman kneading dough and baking bread, an old black man in a rocking chair reading stories to kids, and other oddities on stage with him. He actually stopped in the middle of a song to light a cigarette.
I think you may be thinking of the Homewood Sessions in 1970 or 1971 from a TV studio in Los Angeles. He chose that venue because it was the first TV studio capable of broadcasting in stereo. He had many fine guests but Cat Stevens was not one of them. There was a guy who looked like Cat who sat on a milk crate occasionally clapping or banging a tamborine, but no guitar or singing. I used to think he was Joe Cocker’s son but was then told he did not have a son. Perhaps they played together in the BBC series of similar vintage, although those 30-40 min shows typically feature one person playing acoustic and singing: Nei Young, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, and many more. Emily did bake a pie in the Homewood sessions. She certainly had time as they came together for 6 unrehearsed spontaneous hours of music, later edited down to what I think is one of the best 60 minutes on UA-cam. Furry Lewis is the blues shouter you mentioned - he was a one-legged street sweeper in Memphis for decades, playing many local gigs but uncomfortable traveling to play. Don Nix was there, featured in 2-3 songs. Claudia Shiffer (sp?) was one of two background singers. Hard to imagine them belting it out for 6 hours. Check this out, see if it is what you meant. It is a terrific concert! ua-cam.com/video/4bwMqliLXZQ/v-deo.htmlsi=UW_7iDhe_eY8oKCI
Check out ‘The Concert for Bangladesh’…Harrison, Russell, Clapton, Starr and Dylan. And, if you haven’t seen it already (I didn’t check), “Yer Blues” by The Dirty Mac. Peace.
The younger dark-haired guy on the keyboards is Dave Hoffner. He was a long time member of Michael Martin Murphy's band and toured with him for years, He co-wrote many songs on several of Murphy's albums. He has also had a long career as a session musician and played with many artists. His music has also been featured in various movies and TV shows such as "The Dukes of hazard" and others. He co-wrote "Lonesome Dove" for the TV Series. He received a National Emmy Award for his and John McEuen's score for National Geographic's "Braving Alaska". A very prolific musician and composer.
Another song from "Carney" you should check out is "Out in the Woods" with an African Chorus at the end..Leon asked " How do you say 'Lost in the Woods' in African" and was told there is no concept of being lost in the forest or jungle, anymore than that you could be lost in your Own Living room...but a Man can become Lost in His Own Mind....and that is what the African Chant at the end of the song means.....
Two birds with one stone: Listen to Dave Mason do ""World In Changes" (it's on the album 'Alone Together) - a GREAT song - made greater by Leon Russell setting the keys on fire!!
I think Leon was uncomfortable with the notion of Tight Rope’s success. I think I read it was the only song he ever wrote because he needed money fast. I love the song but it is a departure from what he often played.
Fun Fact: Leon was previously a member of The Wrecking Crew. One of the few who went on to a successful solo career, along with Glenn Campbell, because in addition to being talented musicians, they could sing.
1970 The Mad Dogs and Englishman Tour. Joe Cocker was the first name, but it was Leon's project. Cocker had signed to do a tour, but did not prep, a few days before the start of the schedule he asked Leon to help him. Leon in a few days put together the band and arranged the music (much of it his songs) Huge number of people, Leon knew everybody. Many live videos on UA-cam, great live album
Mad Dogs And Englishmen is an amazing film- the music is a solid rock epic and the whole vibe! Nothing like it!
Some great musicians live on in constant replay, others like Leon Russell are not so mainstream. Seeking these folks out is worth the trip
Leon Russell was such a great musician, with an unmistakable voice.
I remember hearing Tightrope on the radio one day, same summer Alice Cooper’s School’s Out hit. What an amazing summer that was, driving a bunch of us kids to go canoeing all through the Adirondack Mountains, Fulton chain of lakes, too young to drive yet, but not too young to smoke weed…. Lol
Leon was a musical genius and a treasure.I've been a fan for decades and I'm so glad Sir Elton reached out to him and they worked together on The Union album together. Hopefully that garnered Leon some new fans. Sad that he passed a few years ago.
A song for you, is a must listen, by him, went to go see him one time with my best friend, we were getting ready to light a joint , when we both heard my Mothers scream in the background as he came out on stage, i did not know she was a fan lmao, we sunk way down in the seats to smoke after that lol good memory's
Leon had so many great songs
"Stranger in a Strange Land"
"Out in the Woods" is my favorite from "Carney." Freaking love that song! Leon was special!
I havent heard the first one before. I love it. Definitely listen again.
Leon wore his life deeply, inside and out like many of the time. He certainly helped us get onto our part in the great change, still changing...
Thank you 🤗
Love me some Leon! He provided some excellent tunes to the soundtrack of my life.
Out In The Woods is Good ♥ Regards mike
There was a PBS special in 1972 with Leon Russell and Cat Stevens. Leon had the most bizarre performances that I ever saw. Along with him play piano, he had a large woman kneading dough and baking bread, an old black man in a rocking chair reading stories to kids, and other oddities on stage with him. He actually stopped in the middle of a song to light a cigarette.
I think you may be thinking of the Homewood Sessions in 1970 or 1971 from a TV studio in Los Angeles. He chose that venue because it was the first TV studio capable of broadcasting in stereo. He had many fine guests but Cat Stevens was not one of them. There was a guy who looked like Cat who sat on a milk crate occasionally clapping or banging a tamborine, but no guitar or singing. I used to think he was Joe Cocker’s son but was then told he did not have a son.
Perhaps they played together in the BBC series of similar vintage, although those 30-40 min shows typically feature one person playing acoustic and singing: Nei Young, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, and many more.
Emily did bake a pie in the Homewood sessions. She certainly had time as they came together for 6 unrehearsed spontaneous hours of music, later edited down to what I think is one of the best 60 minutes on UA-cam. Furry Lewis is the blues shouter you mentioned - he was a one-legged street sweeper in Memphis for decades, playing many local gigs but uncomfortable traveling to play. Don Nix was there, featured in 2-3 songs. Claudia Shiffer (sp?) was one of two background singers. Hard to imagine them belting it out for 6 hours.
Check this out, see if it is what you meant. It is a terrific concert! ua-cam.com/video/4bwMqliLXZQ/v-deo.htmlsi=UW_7iDhe_eY8oKCI
Thank you, Ceecee and Lee! Great two songs. It was good to hear Tightrope again!
Check out ‘The Concert for Bangladesh’…Harrison, Russell, Clapton, Starr and Dylan. And, if you haven’t seen it already (I didn’t check), “Yer Blues” by The Dirty Mac. Peace.
Carney had This Masquerade on it, which George Benson had a big hit with.
Love his pianer playing
The younger dark-haired guy on the keyboards is Dave Hoffner. He was a long time member of Michael Martin Murphy's band and toured with him for years, He co-wrote many songs on several of Murphy's albums. He has also had a long career as a session musician and played with many artists. His music has also been featured in various movies and TV shows such as "The Dukes of hazard" and others. He co-wrote "Lonesome Dove" for the TV Series. He received a National Emmy Award for his and John McEuen's score for National Geographic's "Braving Alaska". A very prolific musician and composer.
Leon's Sweet Home Chicago on his Asylum Choir II album is pretty sweet.
Another song from "Carney" you should check out is "Out in the Woods" with an African Chorus at the end..Leon asked " How do you say 'Lost in the Woods' in African" and was told there is no concept of being lost in the forest or jungle, anymore than that you could be lost in your Own Living room...but a Man can become Lost in His Own Mind....and that is what the African Chant at the end of the song means.....
Leon looks just like he did shopping at the grocery store in Tulsa
Leon was the man
Leon playing live with George Harrison on Beware of Darkness is the coolest video and great song too
'Shootout on the Plantation' changed everything about my thoughts about Mr. Russell. For the better.
Magic Mirror is, in my opinion, the best song on this Carney album.
Magic Mirror, if we only could, see ourselves as others would. " Thank you Leon "
L33 , it’s Pop Tart , love how you get the message right away
"The Masquerade"
Loved his hat. ❤😊
Stranger In A Strange Land is his best song
❤❤❤ lyrics 💗💗💗 tightrope
Two birds with one stone: Listen to Dave Mason do ""World In Changes" (it's on the album 'Alone Together) - a GREAT song - made greater by Leon Russell setting the keys on fire!!
You re very in tune to composition
I always thought that this song (Tightrope) had a real Paul McCartney flavor to it.
sweet mulletville
It just makes me sad seeing Leon old and not well.
I think Leon was uncomfortable with the notion of Tight Rope’s success. I think I read it was the only song he ever wrote because he needed money fast. I love the song but it is a departure from what he often played.
Seems a little odd to have 2 great piano players and the keyboard guy plays that decending chord progression.