Cher Finally Speaks Up About Leon Russell

When Cher speaks, the world listens—but this time, she’s talking about something (or someone) truly unexpected: Leon Russell. What did the Queen of Pop have to say about one of the most influential yet mysterious figures in rock history? The answer will surprise you. This is one interview you don’t want to miss. So, with that said.

[patrickhite]

A friend was Leon's drummer & he told Leon what a big fan I was of his music...Leon called me on the phone to say thank you..That's what kind of man Leon was...R.I.P. Leon Russell.

[ebranman]

My mother was in love with Leon. His music played loudly in my house in Topanga Canyon throughout my childhood. She got me into the FM Station when I was 16 to see him play with Edgar Winter. Gave the host $100 to get us a seat in front. We had a life size cardboard cut out of him in the house for years. (I wish I still had it.) And a leather top hat just like he wore. I'm now 54, my mother long gone. His music still plays in my home.

[mayormerq-]

I remember an RV trip from Indiana to Colorado with six other friends. I had purchased one 8-track in my life and it was Willie & Leon's ONE FOR THE ROAD album. And what a great album it was...20 timeless classics that they both turned into gold! I think that is the only music we had and it will take me back to 1979 everytime I hear it! Such a blessing we had in such a great musician LEON RUSSEL! Thanks for bringing this forward, GP!

[bethczer]

There will never be another Leon Russell! So glad I got to grow up with his music! Kids today have no idea what they’ve missed. RIP Master of Space and Time!

[davidrice]

I was honored to have an extended conversation with Leon Russell in Louisville KY - I will be forever grateful to be able to have met the man - and make him laugh -

[zvjzik]

I met Leon while working at Downey Dodge in Downey, California back in 1985.
He drove into the dealership in his Apollo Class A Motorhome. We road tested his Apollo to discover his challenge. During that road test we had an amazing conversation about music. I did the repairs and he gave me an amazing cash tip.
I found him to be a soft and gentle man. I found him to be humble. I was honored to be in his presence and work on his motorhome.

[robertsmathers]

In the very early 70s, my life was constant turmoil. Leon Russell's music was solace and comfort for me. I will always be grateful for him and his music.

[CharlesReading]

In 1978 my girlfriend (future wife) and I attended the NAMM (North American Music Merchants)show in Anaheim Ca. Although in her mid-twenties my wife had gone prematurely grey and she had about the same hair color as Leon. Anyway, Gibson had an open bar concert in one of the showrooms and everyone was making a mad dash. As we quickly walked through the door a tall gentleman ran into my wife and nearly knocked her down. While profusely apologizing and asking if she was alright they both realized they basically had the same hair. We had instantly recognized that it was Leon Russell who, in the hurried crowd, had collided with my wife. We chatted for a few minutes, mostly about grey hair and how he needed to ensure she was alright. Truly a gentleman and kind soul.

[BarbaraDoolittle]

I saw Leon Russell at a street concert in Longview, Texas. It was a small crowd at frist and by the end of his concert the street was full and i was at the edge of the stage, I was there when he started and when he ended his daughters where in his band and was GREAT. IM GLAD I SAW HIM PLAY.
leon came up to me and my best friend and thanked us for being there thur the whole concert. I was in awe of him and was talking to him about his big rings he took one off and was showing it to us. He started to walk away and i hollerd at him to give him his ring back and he told me to keep it but I couldn't do that so i gave it back to one of his daughters. I was so honored by his kindness. I started to listen to him in 1972 and still listen to his music. I love him and respect him and his family. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family he is still playing music on the other side.❤

[JDGragg]

I''m a Tulsa boy and met Leon and have experienced THE most tremendous and fabulous years of ALL of music history that will NEVER be repeated. It can't and it won't, and I mean globally around the world by ALL the musiacns of the time. When Leon was inducted into the Hall Of Fame in 2011, Elton read off a list of just SOME of the musicians and albums Leon played on, one mention was Leon played on EVERY Beach Boy album they ever made! The celebrity audience was floored and gasped. i.e. "A Song For You" has been cut 129 times by other I met Leon 3 times and noted he was a man of very few words, BUT when he spoke, it entered you and you can never forget the few words he said. When inducted into the Hall Of Fame after the year Elton and Leon recorded "The Union" album, when Leon accepted the award he said quote; "Elton came and pulled me out of the ditch of the highway of life" unquote, as so many had forgotten him. I was in tears. If that didn't affect your vagus nerve, something is deeply wrong with you! Music is what feelings sound like and if you don't "get it", you'll never get it. If you can watch every documentary about Leon Russell you find, from Tulsa and Shelter Records he developed back to when he was a part of the Wrecking Crew (Studio Musicians) in LA of which was much like Muscle Shoals in Alabama. Tulsa was and is a magical place for talent. For 10 years Tulsa was Eric Claptons second home as he was very close to Tulsa's JJ Cale, who collaborated on so many songs. Eric loved Tulsa's drummer Jamie Oldaker of which has a Gold Album hanging on his wall for "461 Ocean Boulevard" with Eric. Tulsas Gus Hardin was a CMA Award-winning artist who was tragically killed in an auto accident in 1997 so I created her memorial page on Facebook which all these musicians cherished her from Vince Gill, Garth Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, David Gates, Elvin Bishop, Roy Clark, and the list goes on-and-on so see Wikipedia AND there is a Wikipedia page for what is known as the "Tulsa Sound" and including the GAP Band. Excuse me for those I failed to mention as the list is just too long to post. But Leon had a piece of all their hearts and they gave him theirs. you are no longer a "Stranger In A Strange Land" rip and we miss you deeply.

[redheadedone]

Worked with Leon and his daughters. They could not have been nicer❤ My boss, like many were intimidated by him. Think it was because he was naturally a quiet, deep in thought, man. I found him easily approachable and kind. Appreciated him sharing his family with me❤There was nothing intimidating about him. We got along well and chatted for a few hours throughout his time at our venue. His daughters were adorable and beautiful!❤ Was sweet when he shared his wife and I had the same name too❤😊

[WilliamCogswell]

I have listened to Leon Russell since I was 16. He was a master at everything. To this day I listen to the blue album and Leon Russell and the Shelter people. Two of my all time favorite albums. I will never forget the true connection he has to music. RIP Sir.

[ChuckHodge-crrc]

I grew up in Tulsa graduating from Nathan Hale in 1976. I remember seeing him driving his Rolls from time to time while cruising down Peoria around Woodward Park near his mansion. I was there in Tulsa at the raceway during his annual birthday party concert featuring the Shelter People, I was standing directly in front of the semi trailer flat beds that made up the stage. Him in his white floppy hat playing in his incredible style and playing almost all of his incredible songs. I still have one of the Shelter People Tambourines I was able to wrestle from the crowd as his crew tossed them out into the crowd. Probably the best concert I ever attended!!! Rest in Peace my Brother your music enriched my life beyond words!!!

[jorishines]

I immediately fell in love with his music the first time I heard it and still listen to him now (at 73 years old).
I was driving to get groceries one day and the marquee at Brassy's night club in Cocoa Beach announced that he would be there on that night. I saw his 2 big motor coaches parked around back so I drove back there hoping to see if I could see him.
Sure enough, there he was taking a drink out of the spigot next to the 2 stage doors, wearing overalls! I stopped and got out and shouted " Alright, Leon !!" and he looked and smiled real big and waved back, and it just felt like a magic moment, and I was dumbstruck as I got in my car and left.
I went to the concert that night and I must have annoyed some folks near me with my yelling and carrying on. But I always felt that he was a true music master, and wonderful composer who had real stage presence. I miss him and his smooth piano plinking. Thank God we still have his recordings.

[williamharrison]

There will never be another Leon Russell, as the industry has changed so much, they can try ~ Long Live Leon’s Memory 🎩🎹♥️🌹🌅❣️

[andreajensen]

" i loved you in a place where there's no space and time." RIP Leon

[jimcrawford]

I had the privilege of seeing him perform on his last birthday. What a great gift he was.

[bazgolin]

I got a guitar for my 9th b’day 5 months after the Beatles’ Ed Sullivan debut. A few yeas later, my sisters asked for a piano (promising to take lesson). That last 5min. Shortly thereafter, the Leon Russell album came out. I would sit at that piano and bang out guitar chords to Delta Lady, Pieces Apple Lady, Prince Of Peace - that album opened me up to a whole lot of music and more Leon. I got to see him with Freddy King when I was about 17. He was musical magic with an instrument, with that voice and his amazing songwriting. Glad to see others who remember him fondly. 🎶🎹🎶🙏🎶

[intuitivemedium]

I adore Leon Russell, back in the day, and still do. ❤

[pedenmk]

Hats off for Mr Leon Russell. I love music and so did MR Russell. Thanks for sharing