LEON RUSSELL'S 'THIS MASQUERADE' INSPIRATION, CARLA BROWN, SHARES FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH LEON, PART 1

An exclusive interview with Leon Russell’s first (common law) wife, Carla Brown. Mother of Leon's firstborn, Blue Bridges. Carla was with Leon Russell when he purchased the Church Studio in the spring of 1972. This is the first part in a 2-part series. Carla is the inspiration of the song "This Masquerade" and was Leon's companion during the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. Video is presented by The Church Studio “Legends.”

Location: Paradise Studios at Grand Lake, Oklahoma
Artists: Carla Brown
Edited By: Grassfire Creative
Interviewer and Producer: Teresa Knox
Photo Credits:
The Church Studio Archive

Thank you to Dr. Rick Huskey, current owner of Leon's lakehouse studio called Paradise Studios in Tijuana, Oklahoma for allowing us to film on his property.

Artists and Places Mentioned in this Interview:
Leon Russell
Mike Bruce
Kay Poorboy
Joe Cocker
Chris Staton
Jimmy (Junior) Markham
Tulsa Fairgrounds
Mad Dogs and Englishmen
Will Rogers High School
Andy Warhol
Central Park
Eric Clapton
Carl Radle

About: Carla Brown was born in Claremore, Oklahoma on March 6, 1947 and died on September 5, 2018. Carla was a Muscogee Creek Nation citizen, the township of Turtle, and the Beaver clan. Carla met Leon Russell in 1969 (although they met years earlier by chance at Will Rogers High School) and had one child together, Baby Blueagle Bridges, born in 1972.

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[roymoulton]

I remember getting, Tickets, for this Guy called, Leon Russell & the Shelter People. At the Free Trade Hall, in MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, where, I lived...There were Not Many people at the Concert.And we got to move down to the front of the Hall. I had Never heard, Any of his Music before that Day. So after, some delay, This Guy comes on Stage, Along with a seemingly, Reluctant !!, Backing group. And he said " Sorry' to keep you waiting ", but we will give you A GOOD And they Surely Did. a great concert, and a Great Night. and a Fabulous Musician. The very next day, I went out and Bought all the Albums that he had released, WHAT A PERFORMER, HE WAS. And I still play his Music Now. at 74.

[cleartruth]

THIS WOMAN IS WHAT YOU CALL REAL - IN CASE ANYONE HAS FORGOTTEN WHAT REAL IS. HILARIOUS - God Bless Her.

[teresaknox]

Really enjoyed meeting Carla and spending the day with her! Her stories were priceless!

[davidthayer]

My sister was in the choir with Leon, David Gates, Anita Bryant at Will Rogers HS. Lots of great memories.

[babyblueagle]

Love it sweet Teresa! I am so very grateful for the kind generosity and loving respect you showed my little mommy. I love any moment I get to hear her voice and see her face! Today is the two year anniversary of her passing... and oh how I miss her! JUST THANK YOU for this!!! As always, sending so much light, harmony, peace, and love!

[TheDriftwoodlover]

What a gift to hear her stories. Thank you so much. She seems like she would have been a great friend.

[MD-lfgt]

Very impressed by this lady. She’s for REAL !!

[ThomasDeLello]

I'm glad to know that Leon was sensible about substances.

[CS-mvnw]

I saw the Leon tour in 1973. To this day, that was the best concert I have ever seen.

[rhannawilliamssimmons]

What an amazing Aunt she was.. She is loved & missed every single day!! I just can’t wrap my head around it being 2 years already 😢
I used to love to hear her stories, I miss her so much 😢♥️

[Jeffrey-efvc]

Blessed to have known and prayed with Carla a beautiful soul indeed!

[evamonks]

Some people are judged as the least, when actually they are the most, to someone!
She seems craggily, maybe that rough was the lure of this music man. I started to know his name after I heard his music, he sang to my soul and still does.
Thank you for sharing her story.
I know that Leon was a friend of mine and hers, thread of life starts
and ends one stitch at a time.

[garylester]

As a huge Leon fan, thank you for this.

[CommercialVehicle]

Thank you for sharing, another piece of the Tulsa music puzzle explained...

[roberttippett]

I saw Russell twice at the Bacchanal in San Diego. At the second show, there was a woman, blonde, who tried, and I think successfully touched him while he was performing. I got the impression he knew her. He stopped the show and left the stage. I met his keyboard player outside before the show; he was sipping on a bottle of something, and stopped to listen to Fables (JLP), as my friend and I were listening on my ‘74 Ford Courier’s amped-up system. Lord I miss those days!

[RiverSt]

This is a treasure to see. Hearing Carla's stories bring a joy to my heart.

[kevinsmith]

Thanks for this. Really interesting to hear her stories!

[bobcox]

Thank you so much for producing and sharing this. I love watching your videos!

[jeffreyschmoldt]

It's cool that you shared Leon was a man upon men

[garychambers]

I wish I could play Piano like " *Leon Russell* " He's amazing!!!! Besides his own songs, he's played on just about All the hit records in the 1960's when he was in that Big studio band
" *The Wrecking Crew* " He played on Badfingers album " _Straight Up_ " he plays piano on their hit record " _Day After Day"_ . from 1972