Leon Russell

Leon Russell (born Claude Russell Bridges in Lawton, Oklahoma) is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He has been an influential figure in the music industry for over five decades, beginning in the 1950s as a session musician and bandleader. Throughout his career, he has worked with a wide range of artists, from Jerry Lee Lewis, the Beach Boys, and Phil Spector to Elton John, Bob Dylan, and Eric Clapton.

Russell's standout albums include his debut solo album, Leon Russell (1970), Carney (1972), and his best-known album, Shelter People (1971). Some of his most popular songs include "Tight Rope," "This Masquerade," "A Song for You," and "Lady Blue."

An interesting fact about Leon Russell is that he was a session musician on more than 6,000 songs in his career. He also had a major influence on the music of the 1970s and is credited with helping to create the "Muscle Shoals Sound" of southern rock.