Lawton Oklahoma's Leon Russell, born in 1942, began playing piano as a child, and by the time he was 14, Leon was perfoming in the Tulsa club scene, with friends J.J. Cale and and Chuck Blackwell.

By the early 1960's, Leon had moved to Los Angeles, and was soon participating in the L.A. recording scene. He played on records produced by Phil Spector and Herb Alpert.

Some artists he recorded with include The Byrds, Gary Lewis, The Tijuana Brass, Glen Campbell, The Beach Boys, The Righteous Brothers, and Most of the artists using Phil Spector's "wall of sound."

In 1969 he formed a backup band for Joe Cocker, called Maddogs and Englishmen, with his piano being the focus of this large band. A live double album became a huge hit, propelling Leon on a solo carreer.

His songs "Delta Lady" and "A Song For You" garnered plenty of FM and AM airplay, and "A Song For You" has been covered by many artists including Aretha, Rita Coolidge, The Carpenters, and Luther Vandross.

This 70s rock pianist also began producing and perfoming with other artists including Eric Clapton, BB King, Badfinger, Edgar Winter, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and George Harrison. He is featured in the 1971 film A Concert For Bangeladesh, performing with Dylan, Harrison, Clapton and Billy Preston.

He also produced records for his Shelter Record label, including Freddie King's "Going Down."

George Benson established himself as a singer as well as a top jazz guitarist with his cover of "This Masquerade," charting in the top 10.

Elton John and Leon Russell collaborated on their 2010 album The Union.

Leon Russell passed away in his sleep November 13, 2016. He was 74.