Who Is Leon Russell? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Leon Russell was born on April 2, 1942, and passed away on November 13, 2016. He was an influential American singer-songwriter and musician who made significant contributions to rock, country, and blues music. His compelling songwriting ability and distinct blend of musical styles earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim throughout his prolific career. Russell's legacy continues to resonate with new generations of musicians and fans alike.
| Occupation | Rock Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 2, 1942 |
| Age | 74 Years |
| Birth Place | Lawton, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 13 November, 2016 |
| Died Place | Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, U.S. |
Popularity
Leon Russell's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his lifetime, Leon Russell stood at approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighed around 200 pounds (91 kg). His commanding presence on stage was matched by his unique sartorial style, notably his long silver hair and signature sunglasses, making him one of the most recognizable figures in the music industry.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Leon Russell's personal life was as vibrant as his music. He was married twice; his first marriage was to Mary Elizabeth, which lasted from 1961 until 1975. He later married Janet Lee and together they welcomed two children. While his romantic relationships have not been a focal point of his public persona, his deep connections with family shaped much of his life's narrative. At the time of his passing, Russell shared a close bond with his family, which included his children and grandchildren.
Russell's mother said that he started talking later than most children. She said while he was "watching the birds, and something was going on with the birds", his first words were "What's the matter little birdie, you cry?". His mother said she was "shocked, because he never spoke".
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Leon Russell's estate is estimated to be worth approximately $600,000 to $1 million. This figure is reflective of his illustrious career and ongoing royalties from his extensive discography, which includes classics such as "A Song for You" and "Tightrope." Despite his passing, Russell continues to generate income through album sales, streaming services, and licensing agreements.
Russell recorded the song "Get a Line on You" at Olympic Studios in October 1969, with contributions from Mick Jagger (lead vocal), Ringo Starr (drums), and probably also Bill Wyman (bass) and Mick Taylor (guitar).
It was shelved until 1993, when it was issued as a bonus track on the 24K gold re-release by DCC Compact Classics (DCC Compact Classics GZS 1049). The Rolling Stones included the song, under the title "Shine a Light" on their 1972 album Exile on Main St..
Career, Business, and Investments
Leon Russell's career spanned over five decades, marked by groundbreaking collaborations and genres-bending albums. He was a session musician before establishing himself as a solo artist, collaborating with prominent names in the industry including Elton John, Joe Cocker, and Bob Dylan. His ventures included songwriting, producing, and even acting, showcasing his multifaceted talent. In addition, Russell was involved in various business endeavors, ranging from music festivals to merchandise, which contributed to his financial success.
Leon Russell (born Claude Russell Bridges; April 2, 1942 – November 13, 2016) was an American musician and songwriter who was involved with numerous bestselling records during his 60-year career that spanned multiple genres, including rock and roll, country, gospel, bluegrass, rhythm and blues, southern rock, blues rock, folk, surf and the Tulsa
sound.
His recordings earned six gold records and he received two Grammy Awards from seven nominations. In 1973 Billboard named Russell the "Top Concert Attraction in the World". In 2011, he was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Social Network
Leon Russell's music remains celebrated on various social media platforms. His official Instagram and Twitter accounts continue to engage with fans, sharing memories and honoring his contributions to music. Furthermore, several tribute pages and fan accounts uphold his legacy, fostering a community of admirers who continue to share his story through digital avenues.
An injury at birth damaged his second and third vertebrae, causing a slight paralysis in the right side of his body, most notably affecting three fingers on his right hand which caused Russell to favor his left hand and develop his signature left-hand-dominant piano playing style. He said "My chops have always been sort of weak...
I have damaged nerve endings on the right side, so my piano style comes from designing stuff I can play with my right hand". He said that the condition helped him become "very aware of the duality involved in our plane of existence here". He also had a limp caused by the same condition that was once thought to be due to polio.
Russell said "I felt like the world had cheated me big time" but added "If I hadn't had the problem, I probably wouldn't have gotten into music at all and would have been an ex-football player, selling insurance in Des Moines".
Education
Leon Russell's musical education was informal but deeply impactful. He began playing piano at a young age and was largely self-taught, developing a unique style influenced by a wide array of genres. His experiences working as a session musician and performing live were pivotal to his growth as an artist. While he did not attend a formal music school, Russell's extensive real-world experience is evident in his rich body of work.
Russell attended Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His classmates included Elvin Bishop, Anita Bryant, and David Gates. Russell's first record appearance was in 1957 age 15 years old, when he played piano on "Jo-Baby", a song written by 16 year-old Gates.
Originally attributed to "The Accents" it was released on the Tulsa-based Perspective Sound label then re-released a year later and distributed nationally by Marty Robbins on his Robbins Records record label under the band name "David Gates & The Accents". Russell collaborated later with Gates after high school in the band The Fencemen.
Russell credited his awareness of the precursors of American soul music to a homemade AM crystal radio. He was offered a chance to tour with Jerry Lee Lewis after graduating.
Explaining his decision to not attend college, Russell said, "I figured this was my chance to eat in a lot of restaurants and travel around, play some rock and roll music, which I decided was easier and better".
