Music Deaths: Leon Russell

LEON RUSSELL, 74.  Died November 13, 2016.

Real name Claude Brides.  Played in groups with David Gates of Bread and J.J. Cale.  Studio Musician in Los Angeles.  Co-wrote "Everybody Loves a Clown" and "She's Just My Style" as well as played on songs for Gary Lewis & the Playboys.

Also played on Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, Herb Alpert, Frank Sinatra, Byrds and others.  Was a member of Delaney & Bonnie, Joe Cocker's "Mad Dogs & Englishmen and George Harrison's "Concert for Bangladesh.

Wrote "Delta Lady" for Joe Cocker, "Superstar" for the Carpenters and "This Masquerade" for George Benson.

Had eleven top 100s.  His biggest hit was "Tightrope" (#11-1972), "Back to the Island" (#53-1976). and "Lady Blue" (#14-1975).

I personally really liked his HankWilson album which was him doing country songs.