If you don't know Leon Russell, you don't know "rock"....(read on)

Leon Russell was one of the most influential musicians of a generation. One could make an argument for "the most", but I'll let other musicologists debate that.

Let's just say that anyone that thinks of only Tightrope, and Lady Blue are missing the big picture surrounding Leon. This piece won't in any way be a definitive biography. Those are easy to find, and well worth reading. My intent here is to give you an appetizer, an invitation to listen to some music with which you may not be familiar. Some collaborations that will blow you away.

Prince Rogers Nelson was "Leon-like" in that he mastered many instruments, wrote prolifically, and was a musician's musician. That's the best analogy I have. If the analogy surprises you, it's likely because Leon didn't spend lots of time in the pop music scene, he wasn't often on the pop charts, and could be dismissed as "the guy with the hair" as sort of a fringy sideman that the masses might see on "Midnight Special". But that would be badly missing the point.

Leon’s influence started with the the Wrecking Crew session musicians in LA, (Carl Radle, Carol Kaye, Glen Campbell, Dr. John, Barney Kessell, Jim Gordon to name just a few). They were the engine behind so many of the 60's AM rock hits. This is where Leon honed his skills as not just musician, but as future band leader and composer. For a treat, watch "The Wrecking Crew" documentary.

The hits Leon later put out himself, almost pale in comparison to the hits he wrote that others performed, and the collaborations he had. He recorded on Beach Boys albums, wrote songs for Gary Lewis. He wrote “Superstar” with Bonnie Bramlett of Delaney and Bonnie (Carpenters made it a hit, but if you want to hear that song’s best version, listen to Rita Coolidge on Mad Dogs and Englishmen); This Masquerade (George Benson); Hummingbird (BB King if you haven’t heard this.you have to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQgLS3uJj0I ); was in Phil Spector's “Wall of Sound”.  Leon played with, and collaborated with progressive rock's best. But true to his Oklahoma roots, he also collaborated with country music's best. Check out Willie and Leon, and Hank Wilson's Back (his treatment of Hank Williams songs).

When Joe Cocker’s band fell apart days before an American tour, Russell created Mad Dogs & Englishmen, a big, loud band that included three drummers and a 10-member choir. (1970 double live album). This band epitomized the big ensemble collaboration bands of the 60's and 70's. Another iteration of this concept was George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh. Leon played an integral role in this ensemble band as well. (Listen to his verse in Beware of Darkness. It’s haunting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3D68KWfZOo ) Leon's masterpiece on this album is the Jumpin' Jack Flash/Youngblood medley. Listen all the way through, or better yet get the boxed set. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICr9lfWq3yY The recordings are a wonderful representation of many iconic rock artists. As you listen to Jumpin' Jack Flash, think "Prince at Superbowl halftime". That's how rock fans reacted to Leon's performances at the Concert for Bangladesh. We knew Leon...but mygod...this was on a whole other level!

In 2010 Leon recorded an album with Elton John. It was highly acclaimed. But that's not the whole story. Elton John idolized Leon as a young musician, and musical role model. This last collaborative effort was taken on by John as a way of paying back to Leon, who had been having hard times. Musicians LOVED Leon.

So, what to listen to for a good dose of "Leon"? I'd start with Leon Russell and the Shelter People (album). Pay particular attention to Leon's gospel and rock infused roots. Stranger in a Strange Land is a good example. Musician (and actor/comedian) Steve Martin said recently "read his obituary, and then listen to Song for You." For my money….the Leon Live (3 record set) may be his best representation as pianist, band leader, and even singer.  The Jumpin Jack Flash/Youngblood medley is awesome.  Delta Lady, Mighty Quinn, Stranger in a Strange Land. Of Thee I Sing...several of these assured to raise goose bumps.  

As a classically trained musician turned garage band rocker, and sometime keys player, I thought Leon was as good as it gets in my h.s. and college years. It wasn't so much one specific song as it was his inspiration. The soul he would infuse into an arrangement, the musicians he would put on stage together, and his sensibility of diverse genres and also diverse musicians to perform those genres. Leon influenced so much of the music that is being performed now….but I think he’s little bit lost in the shadows of music history. As Elton John put it, “Leon is the master of space and time.”

So do yourself a favor, study Leon a bit, you'll simultaneously learn a piece of rock history, and you'll have found an earlier version of the "Prince; the music genius" phenomenon.

P.S. Yes, I know this has little to do with LinkedIn and trading business knowledge. I simply hope that you can simply derive some pleasure from a brief music exploration.