- Music
- 14 Nov 16
Elton John is among those paying his respects to the Wrecking Crew legend.
There was more sad news on Sunday when it was announced that Leon Russell had passed away quietly in his sleep in Nashville. He was 74.
“We thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this very, very difficult time,” says his wife Jan Bridges. “He was recovering from heart surgery in July and looked forward to getting back on the road in January. We appreciate everyone’s love and support.”
The quintessential musician’s musician, who started out in the ‘60s as one of the legendary Wrecking Crew cabal of session players, Russell is described by Elton John as “a mentor, inspiration and so kind to me. I love him and always will.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer played with everybody from Elton, Joe Cocker and Bob Dylan to The Rolling Stones, George Harrison and Willie Nelson.
“A brilliant songwriter, pianist and bandleader,” reflects Kiss’ Paul Stanley. “Too many moments of greatness to list.”
Leon's songwriting credits include 'A Song For You', ‘Delta Lady’, ‘Hummingbird’, ‘Lady Blue’, ‘Back To The Island’, ‘Tight Rope’ and ‘This Masquerade’.
My darling Leon Russell passed away last night. He was a mentor, inspiration & so kind to me. I loved him and always will #LeonRussell #RIP pic.twitter.com/u2d1KccCNp
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) November 13, 2016
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A SONG FOR YOU - Leon Russell & Friends (1971) https://t.co/kjdIfRjGg7
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) November 14, 2016