I'll miss you, but ever be grateful that we had the opportunity to sit down together last fall at a small nightclub in Harrahs Casino State Line, Nevada. You sang that night especially for me and I loved it. It was marvelous to listen to your stories about the people you had met in the long musical journey that brought you to this time and place. I felt reminded of the journeys of my life and grateful that music, especially your music, has been a part of it.
Through the many twists and turns of life we encounter some strange folk and are the better for it. I, Mr. Bridges, am better for the time I have spent in your melodies and lyrics.
Farewell Claude, Leon, Hank, Godspeed on your journey.
NITRO WILBURY ~
ReplyDeleteI never really knew much about LEON RUSSELL but I sure knew his songs through the covers. Songs like 'TIGHTROPE' and 'MASQUERADE'. The latter which I always really dug starting with the first time I heard the George Benson recording of it.
I watched that video tribute. Pretty cool. And of course I knew he was a member of the Wrecking Crew because... TRT.
And BTW, I'm "super"-thrilled about my upcoming December 1st BOTB contest. It's going to have a twist to it, and one of the featured performers will also be a former member of the Wrecking Crew.
Put on some Leon, have a glass of wine and pretend it's the Harrah's nightclub all over again.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
I'm sorry. I'm glad you got to hear a song just for you that night.
ReplyDeleteI am unfamiliar with this artist, but I appreciate you sharing. Leaking brain fluid? Yikes!
ReplyDeleteWatched the four minute video too. Some really interesting information there. Thanks for sharing that too.
I didn't know much about him outside of the aforementioned TRT prior to today, but that was a great video. RIP to a true legend.
ReplyDeleteThat must have sure been a great moment to meet him and chat indeed.
ReplyDeleteLeon Russell was an all time great. (Takes off hat, bows head)
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute, FAE. Leon Russell was someone I remember, too, but never heard him perform, unfortunately. Another musician gone, too many too soon.
ReplyDeleteIt blows my mind how many artists are dropping lately, but I suppose I just wasn't aware of them when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteAnother great talent gone.
ReplyDeleteLeon's music used to get played a lot in my circle of friends and I continued to listen in the decades following those crazy days of aimless young manhood. He definitely paid his dues in the music business.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
FAE -
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you were blogging again, so I am glad I saw your comment on StMcC's BOTB.
Leon was always a favorite with me. He was THE favorite of a college GF I had. She was a pianist and practically worshipped him. I enjoyed your blog about him a while back, and took to heart your suggestion that we go hear all these old masters before they are gone. I looked for a Leon concert in my area... but alas, none came. But I saw an 82-year-old British blues master John Mayall last week, and he was pretty excellent. In two weeks Jon Anderson, Rick Wakeman, and Trevor Rabin (the best of YES) is on the calendar and I'll be there. Brian Wilson will be in concert in January, and I'm planning on hitting that one when he comes. You were right: these guys are a dying breed.
I am SO glad you got to see him before he left us.
You know it's a good song when it feels like it has been sung just for you.
ReplyDeleteObviously a talented musician who touched many lives--he will be missed by many friends, which includes you.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for stopping by. Right now, i''m out of town for Thanksgiving. When I get back home I'll be stopping by for a visit.
ReplyDeleteI am a little late to the party, but that weekend was quite a double whammy, with Cohen followed by Russell.
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of both, but "Carny" is one of my favorite albums of all time (and I have a lot of them), and I have been playing it a lot these last couple of weeks.
That's neat you got to sit down and actually talk to him-the stories must have been amazing!
Larry
What a lovely tribute. Thank you for sharing.
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