Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Leon Russell to perform
NEWTON — Leon Russell, legendary musician, songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, returns to the Newton Theatre on Thursday, March 26.
In his 50 year career, he has played on, arranged, written and/or produced records in music, pop, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, standards, gospel, and surf.
As a session and touring musician, arranger, producer, singer, songwriter, pianist, guitarist, record company owner, and bandleader he has collaborated with hundreds of artists, including Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, B.B. King, Rita Coolidge, Gram Parsons, Barbara Streisand, Ike and Tina Turner, Ricky Nelson, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Dean Martin, Marvin Gaye, Dave Mason, Delaney and Bonnie, The Monkees, The Ventures, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, The Rolling Stones, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Everly Brothers, The Righteous Brothers, and more.
Leon’s career began in his home state of Oklahoma, playing in Tulsa nightclubs at the age of 14. After high school Leon's band, The Starlighters, went on the road with Jerry Lee Lewis. At 17 he left for Los Angeles where he began playing in clubs and eventually became one of the best session musicians in Hollywood, working with the top producers and musicians in the business. As part of an elite group of studio musicians called the Wrecking Crew, Leon played on hundreds of hit records in the 1960’s.
He built a recording studio in his home where he co-produced, arranged, and played on Joe Cocker's second album, Joe Cocker! in 1969. He organized and led Cocker’s huge 11 member band for the famous Mad Dogs & Englishmen U.S. tour in 1970.
Leon founded Shelter Records with partner Denny Cordell and released his first solo album, "Leon Russell," in May 1970. It included classic his songs, "A Song For You," "Hummingbird," and "Delta Lady." On the album were George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Rolling Stones Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton and Klaus Voorman.
Leon's album "Carney," released in 1972, would be his best seller and included the single, "Tight Rope." Billboard Magazine named him the top concert performer of 1973. At the height of his popularity as a rock star, Leon released a country music album, under the name Hank Wilson.
As a songwriter, Leon's songs have hit the charts across all genres and have been covered by a diverse range of artists (Ray Charles, B.B. King, The Carpenters with Superstar). George Benson won the Record of the Year Grammy in 1976 for his cover of Leon's song, "This Masquerade," the first song in music history to hit #1 on the jazz, pop and R&B charts.
Leon co-hosted with Willie Nelson, the first of Willie's 4th of July picnics and he has continued to be a regular performer over the years. Leon joined Willie in 1979 for the country album, "One For The Road," which went Gold. Their song "Heartbreak Hotel" won the Grammy in 1980 for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
In 2010 Leon released an album with Sir Elton John produced by TBone Burnett. The single "If It Wasn't For Bad" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
Leon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and given the Award for Recording Excellence in March 2011. In June of the same year he was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.
Leon continues to write songs, record, and thrill audiences on his non-stop tour across the U.S. Leon's musical style is still resonating with his lifelong fans and is inspiring younger listeners who are discovering his music.
Tickets for Leon Russell are $49 for premium seating, $39 for orchestra and $29 for balcony. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the box office at 973-383-3700.
The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton.