Leon Russell, the musician and songwriter who worked with artists including Joe Cocker, George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan, died Sunday in Nashville at 74. His website quoted his wife, Jan Bridges, as saying that he died in his sleep. He had suffered a heart attack in July.<\/p>\n
Raised in\u00a0Tulsa, Oklahoma, Russell had a career of more than 50 years playing southern boogie-inflected piano, writing songs, and producing. Among the hit songs he wrote were \u201cDelta Lady,\u201d recorded by Cocker, and \u201cA Song for You,\u201d recorded by Ray Charles, the Temptations, the Carpenters, Amy Winehouse, and Whitney Houston. He played piano on the Stones\u2019 \u201cGet a Line on You,\u201d which he adapted from their \u201cShine a Light\u201d song and had a No. 1 country hit with Willie Nelson performing\u00a0Elvis Presley\u2019s \u201cHeartbreak Hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n
The song \u201cTightrope,\u201d the lead track on his album \u201cCarney,\u201d reached No. 11 in 1972.<\/p>\n
Other notable songs written or\u00a0performed by Russell include \u201cThis Masquerade,\u201d a hit for George Benson,\u201d and \u201cSuperstar,\u201d made famous by the Carpenters.<\/p>\n
Russell performed at the Concert for Bangladesh with George Harrison and Friends and toured with acts including Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, Edgar Winter, the New Grass Revival, Willie Nelson, and Elton John. His piano playing can notably be heard on Badfinger\u2019s \u201cDay After Day.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the 1990s and 80s, he played country music under the name Hank Wilson but returned to the spotlight when he recorded \u201cThe Union\u201d with Elton John in 2010; the making of the album was chronicled in a documentary by Cameron Crowe.<\/p>\n
After performing in Tulsa nightclubs, Russell got his start playing on the road with Jerry Lee Lewis. He moved to L.A. to join\u00a0the famous Wrecking Crew group of musicians when he was just 17, playing on songs including the Ronettes\u2019 \u201cBe My Baby\u201d and can be seen with them on \u201cThe T.A.M.I. Show\u201d concert film.<\/p>\n
He was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter\u2019s Hall of Fame in 2011.<\/p>\n
Musicians quickly took to social media to express their condolences on Sunday. Elton John called Russell a \u201cmentor\u201d and \u201cinspiration.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nMy darling Leon Russell passed away last night. He was a mentor, inspiration & so kind to me. I loved him and always will #LeonRussell<\/a>#RIP<\/a>pic.twitter.com\/u2d1KccCNp<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Elton John (@eltonofficial) November 13, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Another musical giant leaves us today. Thank you. What a week. RIP #LeonRussell<\/a>pic.twitter.com\/Kf6DDSDJn5<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Nils Lofgren (@nilslofgren) November 13, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nLost a friend today. The world has lost a genius, #rip<\/a>#leonrussell<\/a>#masterofspaceandtime<\/a>pic.twitter.com\/Z2WbzJphef<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 HANSON (@hansonmusic) November 13, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
so sick of posting this… #RIP<\/a>https:\/\/t.co\/GVKDGdzw8i<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 frnkiero (@FrankIero) November 13, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nSo sad to hear Leon Russell has passed away. A great influence and songwriter. God rest his soulhttps:\/\/t.co\/xMjBfPkFAV<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Yusuf \/ Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) November 13, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The magnificent Leon Russell amazing musician, true superstar “Long ago and so far away,I fell in love with you..After the 2nd show” R.I.P<\/p>\n
\u2014 Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) November 13, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nRead the obit, then listen to his masterpiece, Song for You. Leon Russell, Renowned Songwriter and Musician. https:\/\/t.co\/1NoSq2i0e5<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) November 13, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
RIP… Leon Russell. For your masterful keyboard prowess and gravelly soulful singing, you will be remembered.<\/p>\n