Leon Russell

Leon began playing piano at age 4

In high school, he was in a band with David Gates, who would become the founder and lead singer of the band, BREAD

He moved from his native Oklahoma to Los Angeles where he began doing session work

He became a first call pianist in the 1960’s, and played on hundred’s of sessions alongside the greatest musicians in the world, a group of players collectively known as “The Wrecking Crew”

John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison played on his first album, “Leon Russell.”

He was guest artist at George Harrison’s benefit Concert For Bangladesh playing a medley of “Young Blood” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”

His first success as a songwriter came in 1969, when Joe Cocker recorded his “Delta Lady”

In 2011, he was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and The Songwriter’s Hall of Fame

This legendary artist passed away on November 12, 2016. He had had heart bypass surgery the previous July.