Gold Star Studios was an independent recording studio located in Hollywood , California . In its entire history, Gold Star was one of the most successful commercial recording studios in the world.
68-755: Founded by David S. Gold and Stan Ross and opened in October 1950, Gold Star Recording Studios was located at 6252 Santa Monica Boulevard near the corner of Vine Street in Hollywood , the studio name was a combination of the names of the two owners—(Dave) GOLD and STA(n) R(oss). The studio was renowned for its unique custom-designed recording equipment, which was designed and built by Gold, and for its echo chambers (also designed and built by Gold), which were utilised heavily by producers, most notably, Phil Spector . Many big bands and orchestras recorded at Gold Star. Band leader Phil Carreon and Vocalist Ray Vasquez recorded at
136-478: A Grammy Award. Russell was born on April 2, 1942, the second of John Griffith and Hester Evel (née Whaley) Bridges' two sons at Southwestern Hospital in Lawton, Oklahoma . Russell's mother said he started talking later than most children. She said while he was "watching the birds, and something was going on with the birds", Russell's first words were "What's the matter little birdie, you cry?". Russell's mother said "she
204-654: A beer joint, then 1 to 5 (am) at an after-hours club. It was a hard schedule to do when going to school. I slept in English a lot". Russell said "I got out to California, and they were more serious about their liquor laws. I about starved to death because it was so much harder to find work at my age". Settling in Los Angeles , he studied guitar with James Burton . Russell was primarily a session musician in his early career. During session work he played for and with artists as varied as Jan and Dean , Ricky Nelson , Gary Lewis &
272-417: A concert band and rehearse a 48 date tour. Cocker said he had been told by United States immigration authorities he had to perform "right away" or lose his visa and be deported from the U.S. Rita Coolidge claimed the real reason was due to threats that Cocker would be physically harmed if he didn't comply with an order to tour. Russell had only a week to locate, audition, hire and rehearse a 10-piece band and
340-556: A cover of " The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) ". Russell also played piano on the track. Russell also co-produced and arranged recordings by Canadian folk-rock singer Tom Northcott , including a cover version of Donovan 's "Sunny Goodge Street". In 1968 Russell formed The Asylum Choir , a two-man group with Marc Benno . Benno, a Texan, sang and played guitar and bass. Russell sang and played guitar, piano, and drums. The duo had met in LA. Their twenty-six minute long LP Look Inside
408-608: A major street, is for most of its length at least four lanes wide. Most of the Westside car dealerships are located on Santa Monica Boulevard. After Sepulveda Boulevard , Santa Monica Boulevard passes by Century City and its shopping center , and intersects with Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. After intersecting with Wilshire in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Boulevard continues northeast towards West Hollywood, spanning Beverly Boulevard and Melrose Avenue . At Holloway Drive, in
476-400: A number of music publishing divisions. In 1969, it was reported Russell had been the vice-president of Viva. Russell said the music he created while collaborating with Garrett motivated him to leave. "That wasn't my cup of tea... it wasn't the kind of thing I liked. I was anxious to not do that very much anymore, it just seemed too fluffy". Russell was an arranger and songwriter as well as
544-618: A piano and guitar player in The Shindogs, the house band on the ABC-TV dance show series Shindig! Fellow musicians Glen Campbell , Delaney Bramlett , and Billy Preston were among the Shindogs' alumni. Russell released his first solo record, the single, "Everybody's Talking 'Bout the Young", for Dot Records in 1965. Produced by Russell and Snuff Garrett, the folk-rock, anti-Vietnam war protest song
612-614: Is designated as California State Route 2 , while the full avenue was Historic Route 66 . The western terminus of Santa Monica Boulevard is at Ocean Avenue near the Pacific Ocean. From there until the San Diego Freeway ( Interstate 405 ), Santa Monica Boulevard is a densely urban commercial street. It assumes the designation California State Route 2 between Centinela Avenue at the Santa Monica–Los Angeles border, and
680-403: Is noted that the south roadway of Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills is a city street while the north roadway of Santa Monica Boulevard is a California state highway, each roadway handling bi-directional traffic. On May 31, 2020, local protests following the murder of George Floyd turned into riots which saw numerous buildings vandalized, looted and burned along Santa Monica Boulevard, with
748-681: The Fillmore East , with Elton John on the same bill. Those performances have been bootlegged. Russell and John appeared on The David Frost Show with Fillmore owner Bill Graham on December 3, 1970. Russell's album Prince of Peace: Radio Broadcast 1970 is a soundboard recording of a concert at Fillmore East in late 1970. Leon Russell and Friends recorded the Homewood Sessions , broadcast as an "unscripted and unrehearsed" one-hour TV special on KCET (Los Angeles) that aired in December 1970 and
SECTION 10
#1732851330848816-636: The Grammy Award for Album of the Year in March 1973. The Concert also became an Apple concert benefit film directed by Saul Swimmer and released in spring, 1972. In 1971, Shelter Records released Leon Russell and the Shelter People and Asylum Choir II (co-produced by Marc Benno) and recorded at Russell's Skyhill Studios. Leon Russell and the Shelter People went on to be Russell's first U.S. gold album. In
884-532: The Hollywood Freeway ( U.S. Route 101 ). The portion between Centinela Avenue and Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica was also originally part of California State Route 2. From Centinela Avenue, Santa Monica Boulevard heads northeast through the wealthy areas of West Los Angeles , Westwood , Century City , and Beverly Hills before entering the decidedly urban West Hollywood . Santa Monica Boulevard, being
952-756: 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 . Russell collaborated with many notable artists and recorded 33 albums and 430 songs. He wrote "Delta Lady", recorded by Joe Cocker , and organized and performed with Cocker's Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour in 1970. His " A Song for You ", which
1020-666: 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. . In 1972, Russell did a concert tour with his Shelter People entourage. One performance was recorded in California at the Long Beach Arena on August 28, 1972, and was released as a three-record set in 1973 as Leon Live . It became his third U.S. gold album. In November 1972, Billboard cited Russell as
1088-555: The Asylum Choir was released on Smash Records. Russell and music producer Denny Cordell established Shelter Records in 1969. The company operated from 1969 to 1981, with offices in Los Angeles and Tulsa. Shelter Records released "Duppy Conqueror", reggae artist Bob Marley 's first American single. In 1972, DC Comics sued the record label for copyright infringement. The Shelter Records logo included an upside down version of
1156-462: The Canadian Sweethearts' ( Bob Regan and Lucille Starr ) first A&M Records recording session with Dorsey Burnette in 1963. The lp Introducing The Canadian Sweethearts was released in 1964. Glen Campbell's 1967 album Gentle on My Mind credited him as Russell Bridges on piano. In 1962 a 20 year-old Russell appeared on Los Angeles TV station KCOP leading The Leon Russell Trio on
1224-578: The Carpenters and The Temptations named an album after the song. Ray Charles ' version earned him the 1994 Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance . "A Song For You" was inducted into Grammy Hall Of Fame in 2018. Russell's "Delta Lady" was first released in 1969 on The Mad Dogs & Englishmen lp, performed by Joe Cocker. Cocker's version changes Russell's original lyric from "I’m over here in England" to "when I’m home again in England" as Cocker
1292-1005: The Champs , Gram Parsons , the Murmaids , the Rockin' Ramrods , Kim Fowley , the Sunrays , The Baja Marimba Band , the Turtles , Bobby Darin , the Cake , the Who , the Monkees , Tommy Boyce , The Band , the Go-Go's , the Ramones , Flamin' Groovies , Blondie , Dan Hartman , Gary Numan , Legs Diamond , Led Zeppelin , Herb Jeffries , the Association , Art Garfunkel , Neil Norman , Leonard Cohen , Bob Dylan , and Maurice Gibb . It
1360-587: The Flying Burrito Brothers . As Russell developed his solo artist career, he crossed genres to include rock and roll , blues , bluegrass , and gospel music . In Los Angeles, Russell played as a studio musician on many of the popular songs of the 1960s, including the Byrds, Gary Lewis & the Playboys , Bobby Pickett , and Herb Alpert . He played piano on Phil Spector productions including recordings by
1428-520: The Hell’s Angels lived at Skyhill because of all the cars, motorcycles, and loud music at all hours of the day and night". Russell and his friends referred to the studio as "the home for unwed musicians". Russell's recording studio home featured sound proofing, double walls and extensive wiring. Different rooms throughout the house were used to record various instruments, with a bathroom dedicated for use as an echo-chamber. The first recording session in
SECTION 20
#17328513308481496-454: The Hi-Los and Louis Bellson . Singer-songwriter Johnette Napolitano , co-founder of Concrete Blonde , was the studio's receptionist in the early 1980s. Shifting economics caused Gold Star to close its doors in 1984, as newer technology allowed bands to make their own recordings. Several months after the studios were vacated, a fire destroyed the building. A mini-mall was later constructed on
1564-591: The Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour. The album, recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles featured a number of guest vocalists and musicians, including Marc Benno , Bonnie Bramlett , Eric Clapton , Merry Clayton , Joe Cocker, Greg Dempsey, Bob Dylan , George Harrison , Mick Jagger , Keith Richards , Chris Stainton , and Ringo Starr . The album included two Russell compositions that have become best-selling standards, " A Song for You " and "Delta Lady". Russell explained how he wrote "A Song For You", saying "I
1632-682: The Playboys , George Harrison , Delaney Bramlett , Freddy Cannon , Ringo Starr , Doris Day , Elton John , Ray Charles , Eric Clapton , the Byrds , Barbra Streisand , the Beach Boys , the Ventures , Willie Nelson , Badfinger , the Tijuana Brass , Frank Sinatra , the Band , Bob Dylan , J. J. Cale , B.B. King , Dave Mason , Glen Campbell , Lynn Anderson , Joe Cocker , the Rolling Stones , and
1700-457: The River Flow " and " When I Paint My Masterpiece ", both of which prominently featured Russell's gospel-flavored piano. At the invitation of George Harrison, Russell played piano on Badfinger 's third album, Straight Up in the summer of 1971. Leon performed piano, vocals, bass and backing vocals at the two shows of the war-refugees' benefit ( Concert for Bangladesh ) on August 1, 1971. He
1768-579: The Ronettes , the Crystals , and Darlene Love and in the 1963 A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector album. Herb Alpert said of Russell, "Leon was on several sessions that I produced with the Tijuana Brass. He was always dressed in a suit and tie, with short hair and no beard! This was soon after he arrived in Los Angeles from Oklahoma. We would go through the same routine each time I started rehearsing
1836-703: The Rose Garden , Merle Haggard , Modern Folk Quartet , Buffalo Springfield , the Seeds , Duane Eddy , Jimi Hendrix , Neil Young , the Ronettes , Dick Dale , the Sonics , the Righteous Brothers , Ike and Tina Turner , Jackie DeShannon , William Shatner , Iron Butterfly , Black Oak Arkansas , Joe Cocker , Leon Russell , Fairport Convention , Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass , Jan and Dean , Dr. John , Dick and Dee Dee , Joan Jett , Cherie Currie , Meat Loaf ,
1904-528: The Space Choir which would consist of 10 backup singers. Russell said Cocker, reportedly using copious illicit drugs at the time "was pretty wrecked when we started out". Asking Cocker "Does it sound good to you?" during an audition, Cocker said "It never sounds right to me". "I didn’t know how to take that. So I said, 'Shit, I’ll just do whatever I want'". Russell hired many of the musicians from Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett's band. He both conducted and performed in
1972-511: The Sunset Junction neighborhood of Silver Lake . The south roadway of Santa Monica Boulevard, often called Little Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills, runs parallel to the state highway (north) roadway of Santa Monica Boulevard from the city's west limit to Rexford Drive. After Rexford Drive, Little Santa Monica turns east, becoming Burton Way. Burton Way merges into San Vicente Boulevard at its intersection with La Cienega Boulevard . It
2040-481: 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". Performing while underage in clubs and bars, Russell assumed
2108-405: The chambers was through a series of 2 ft (0.61 m) by 2 ft doors, and the opening was only about 20 in (51 cm) wide and high. Gold Star was responsible for what is believed to be the first commercial use of the production technique called flanging , which was featured on the single " The Big Hurt " by Toni Fisher , written and produced by Wayne Shanklin, who also originated
Gold Star Studios - Misplaced Pages Continue
2176-670: The company's South Hollywood–Sherman Line and Sawtelle Line as well as the Owensmouth Line and San Fernando Line which served the San Fernando Valley . Leon Russell 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
2244-559: The era when AM radio was the dominant broadcast medium. The studio was the venue for hundreds of chart-topping recordings by scores of leading pop and rock artists including Ritchie Valens , Eddie Cochran , Hugh Masekela , the Chipmunks , the Champs , the Cascades , Bobby Troup , Phil Spector , Ray Vasquez , Darlene Love , Donna Loren , Delaney Bramlett , Liza Minnelli , Brian Wilson , Sonny & Cher , Dobie Gray , Billy Strange ,
2312-408: The facility in the 1950s. In the mid-1950s, aspiring pop star and future record producer Phil Spector began hanging out at local studios, including Gold Star, hoping to learn about recording. He eventually gained the confidence of Gold Star's house producer-engineer Stan Ross, who took Spector under his wing and taught him the basics of record production. In the early 1960s, Spector used Gold Star as
2380-402: The flanging technique. This was done by placing his thumb on the "flange" of the recording tape reel during vocal playback, which caused the flanging effect when mixed in with the original vocal track. Another of Gold's innovations was a small transmitter that allowed him to broadcast mixes so that they could be picked up on a nearby car radio, which was especially important to recording artists in
2448-512: The lessons of Phil Spector and Brian Wilson to create rich, bold pop far greater than the sum of its parts". The track reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 . Two years later, Garrett and Russell started Viva Records. Russell was the record label's initial A&R representative as well as producer for many of the label's recordings, including The Shindogs' 1966 "Who Do You Think You Are / Yes, I’m Going Home" (Viva V-601). Viva Records also had
2516-535: The middle of West Hollywood, Santa Monica, now north of Melrose Avenue turns to run east. In West Hollywood, between Doheny Drive and Fairfax Avenue along Santa Monica Boulevard, bronze name plaques are embedded in the sidewalks as part of the West Hollywood Memorial Walk . The original southern end of California State Route 170 was at the intersection with Highland Avenue . Santa Monica Boulevard merges on its eastern end with Sunset Boulevard in
2584-878: The most visible destruction being at the site of the popular Japanese-themed restaurant Sake House. Wexler's Deli co-owner Mike Kassar stated to Eater that "Basically every food and beverage establishment for ten blocks got trashed". Metro Local line 4 and Santa Monica Transit Line 1 serve Santa Monica Boulevard, with the latter serving the boulevard in West Los Angeles and Santa Monica. A portion of West Hollywood-operated The PickUp operates on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. The Metro B Line serves an underground station on Santa Monica Boulevard at its intersection with Vermont Avenue . The Pacific Electric operated Red Car interurban trains and streetcars over Santa Monica Boulevard until 1953. The street hosted
2652-548: The music. He would sit at the piano and he would always say, 'I don’t know what to play'. And I would say, 'Just wait and see if you feel something, and if you don’t it’s okay. I just like your energy at the sessions'. Well, he would always chime in with something special and affect the groove in a very Leon Russell way that was always unique. Leon was a wonderful musician and had a major effect on all of my recordings. His touch can be heard on many Tijuana Brass records, including "Whipped Cream" and "A Taste of Honey". To top it off, Leon
2720-493: The name "Leon Russell" from a fake ID card he used to enter clubs even though he was a high school student. At the time, Oklahoma was a "dry" state, so teenagers were able to perform in clubs that ordinarily would have only been open to those over 21 years of age. Although still in high school, Russell performed at area supper clubs, bars and nightclubs with his group "The Starlighters" (Russell, J.J. Cale , Leo Feathers, Johnny Williams, and Chuck Blackwell). Blackwell said Russell
2788-572: The record was produced by Gary Paxton and first released on Paxton's G.S.P. Records label. In the mid-1960s, he wrote or co-wrote songs, including two hits for Gary Lewis and the Playboys: " Everybody Loves a Clown " (which reached the Billboard Top 40 on October 9, 1965, remaining on the chart for eight weeks and reaching number 4) and " She's Just My Style " (which entered the Billboard Top 40 on December 18, 1965, and rose to number 3). Russell
Gold Star Studios - Misplaced Pages Continue
2856-635: The right side, so my piano style comes from designing stuff I can play with my right hand". Russell said the condition helped him become "very aware of the duality involved in our plane of existence here". Russell also had a limp caused by the same condition that was once thought due to polio. He 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". Both of Russell's parents played upright piano, and when he
2924-586: The rock 'n' roll show Stepping Out . Airing at 11:00 at night, the live broadcast often aired multiple times per week. He was in the 1964 concert film T.A.M.I. Show playing piano with the Wrecking Crew sporting short, dark, slicked-back hair, in contrast to his later look. In 1962 a 20 year-old Russell once again collaborated with David Gates, releasing the 45 rpm single "Sad September / Tryin’ To Be Someone" which featured session guitarist James Burton . Credited to David & Lee and later to Dave & Lee,
2992-421: The same year, Russell played on recording sessions with B. B. King, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan. Russell helped the blues guitarist Freddie King revive his career by collaborating on three of King's albums for Shelter Records during the early 1970s. During those same years, Russell profited from what was then called the "country and western" market by recording and performing under the moniker Hank Wilson, and
3060-646: The site. On March 11, 2011, Ross died of complications following an operation to correct an abdominal aneurysm . He was 82. Santa Monica Boulevard Santa Monica Boulevard is a major west–east thoroughfare in Los Angeles County , California, United States. It runs from Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica near the Pacific Ocean to Sunset Boulevard at Sunset Junction in Los Angeles . It passes through Beverly Hills and West Hollywood . A portion of it
3128-533: The studio was an August 1965 Glen Campbell session. Russell’s Skyhill Studios was often used by up-and-coming artists to record demos to attract recording companies' attention. Russell was hired as an arranger and producer in 1967 by Lenny Waronker , then a junior A&R representative for the Reprise and Warner Bros. record labels. Russell's early work for Waronker included arranging and producing Harpers Bizarre 's 1967 debut album Feelin' Groovy which featured
3196-451: The tour, playing either piano or lead guitar. Singer and former Ikette Claudia Lennear , who performed during the tour, said Russell had the unique musical talent of being able to fuse together "white gospel and Black gospel". After watching the Mad Dogs & Englishmen concert film, Elton John said of Russell "There are some people who are born to be leaders of musicians and he is. It
3264-462: The touring band. Through this group, he met George Harrison and others with whom he would work over the next couple of years. Russell was the co-producer, arranger, a songwriter and performer on Joe Cocker’s 1969 LP Joe Cocker! Russell wrote the song "Delta Lady" on the album. The album reached number 11 on the Billboard 200. In March 1970 Russell was hired by Joe Cocker to help quickly mount
3332-691: The venue for most of his " Wall of Sound " recordings. It was also used for many important recordings by the Beach Boys , including portions of their 1966 LP Pet Sounds , the international #1 hit " Good Vibrations ", and recordings for the aborted Smile project. The studio was known for its echo chambers. According to Gold, who designed the chambers after years of research and experimentation, they were built in an area of about 20 ft (6.1 m) × 20 ft and were complementary trapezoids 18 ft (5.5 m) long. The walls were thick, specially-formulated cement plaster on heavy isolation forms. Entry into
3400-463: The well-known Superman logo. Shelter Records obscured the logo with an overstamped black rectangle in response to the lawsuit and later settlement. Later versions of the logo replaced the Superman artwork with a scrawled letter "S" inside an outline of an egg. Russell performed as a member of Delaney & Bonnie and Friends in 1969 and 1970, playing guitar and keyboards on their albums and as part of
3468-455: Was "...especially good at playing Erroll Garner -style jazz during dinner, but then, after everybody got through eating, he'd break into Jerry Lee Lewis ". Russell also backed groups in Tulsa including Ronnie Hawkins and The Hawks , often until early morning, after having worked through the night. Russell said "I worked six or seven nights a week till I left Tulsa at 17. I'd work 6 to 11 (pm) at
SECTION 50
#17328513308483536-484: Was British. Bobbie Gentry performed the song under the title "Delta Man" on her 1970 album Fancy . In 1970, Russell played piano on Dave Mason 's album Alone Together , notably on the song "Sad and Deep as You". The song "The Letter" performed by Joe Cocker with Leon Russell & the Shelter People peaked at #7 on the Hot 100 on May 30, 1970; this was Russell's first hit song. In November 1970, Russell performed at
3604-443: Was Leon I was watching. He had the feel for that music. Joe was an amazing singer. But you could tell it was Leon's band". Russell purchased the top hat and Holy Trinity basketball jersey shirt he wore on the tour at a used clothing store near his Skyhill Studios in Los Angeles. He explained "I’m an actor - I was just trying to make a show". Russell released his 1970 solo album, Leon Russell on his Shelter Records label during
3672-456: Was a "mentor" and an "inspiration". They recorded their album The Union in 2010, earning them a Grammy nomination. Russell produced and played in recording sessions for Bob Dylan , Frank Sinatra , Ike & Tina Turner , the Rolling Stones , and many other artists. He wrote and recorded the hits " Tight Rope " and " Lady Blue ". He performed at The Concert for Bangladesh in 1971, along with Harrison, Dylan, and Clapton; for this he earned
3740-459: Was a regular performer at Gilley's Club , a honkytonk in Pasadena, Texas , made famous by the film Urban Cowboy . 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
3808-445: Was a true gentleman with a special talent and he was a person that I had a great feeling for". In 1962 Russell played piano on Walter Brennan 's lp Old Rivers , produced by Snuff Garrett. Garrett said "I could talk style with him (Russell) and he'd do it. I'd name a record. I'd go, 'I like the piano on this... and he'd go, 'Okay', and do the piano part... I fell in love with his playing". Credited as Russell Bridges, he contributed to
3876-529: Was also widely used by music, film, television, radio and Broadway artists including Frank Loesser , Ben Weisman , Johnny Mercer , Sammy Fain , Bob Sherman , Dick Sherman and Dimitri Tiomkin and it was the recording ‘home’ of the pioneering ABC-TV prime-time pop show Shindig! . Donna Loren , a cast member of Shindig! , recorded there early in her career on the Crest label. Jazz artists who recorded there include Gerry Mulligan , Chet Baker , Oscar Moore ,
3944-491: Was co-written by Russell, T. Lesslie (Snuff Garrett) and J. J. Cale. In 1965 Russell built his first recording studio, Skyhill Studios inside his 2,900 sq. ft., 4 bedroom home at 7709 Skyhill Drive in the Hollywood Hills . Russell had seen and worked in similar home recording studios owned by Les Paul , Ernie Kovacs and others. He hired fellow Tulsan J.J. Cale as his in-home studio manager. Cale said "the neighbors thought
4012-507: Was featured performing a medley of the songs " Jumpin' Jack Flash " and " Young Blood " and singing a verse on Harrison's " Beware of Darkness ". Bob Dylan surprised Russell by asking him to play bass for some of Dylan's portion of the concert; Russell and Harrison sang harmonies on the chorus of " Just Like a Woman ". The Concert for Bangladesh benefit album released in late 1971 was a major critical and commercial success. The release topped album charts in several countries, and went on to win
4080-555: Was four years old Russell's mother heard him picking out the melody to "Trust and Obey", a hymn he had heard at church. He then began piano lessons in Anadarko , a 38-mile (61 km) trip to and from the family home. While still taking piano lessons, Russell learned the alto saxophone and cornet in his elementary school band. He then learned to play the baritone horn. After impressing the Maysville High School band director, Russell
4148-514: Was hired by Snuff Garrett and together they formed a production company, Snuff Garrett Productions in 1964. Russell was a production assistant, arranger and creative developer for the company. Russell played on many number-one singles, including " This Diamond Ring " by Gary Lewis & the Playboys. Russell also acted as Garrett's arranger and conductor of the Midnight String Quartet 's debut album Rhapsodies For Young Lovers . The album
SECTION 60
#17328513308484216-496: 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
4284-796: Was in my studio in Hollywood and actually I was trying to write a standard. I was trying to write a blues song that Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles both could sing... I wrote it in 10 minutes. It was for a specific occasion. And I went in there and wrote it very quickly... that happens sometimes. Sometimes they're very quick. It's almost as if one is not writing them, you know? Like they're coming from another place". "A Song for You" has become one of Russell's best-known songs, with versions released by more than 40 different artists, including Elkie Brooks , The Carpenters , Ray Charles , Billy Eckstine , Donny Hathaway , Peggy Lee , Carmen McRae , Willie Nelson , Freda Payne , Helen Reddy , and The Temptations . Both
4352-602: Was invited to join the high school marching band while in the fifth grade. Russell said he learned to fake a classical piano style, saying "I studied classical music for a long time, maybe ten years, and I realized, finally, I was never going to have the hands to play that stuff. It was too complicated. I invented ways to play in a classical style that was not the real deal". Russell attended Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma . His classmates included Elvin Bishop , Anita Bryant , and David Gates . His first record appearance
4420-486: Was later re-broadcast several times on the Public Broadcasting Service . Also in December 1970, Rolling Stone magazine carried an interview with Russell. It opened with a characterization of his sound as "those driving, lurchy, churchy rock and roll songs". Russell produced some tracks for Bob Dylan in March 1971 when Dylan was experimenting with his new sound. The sessions produced the single " Watching
4488-451: Was named to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018, has been recorded by more than 200 artists, and his song " This Masquerade " by more than 75. As a pianist, Russell played in his early years on albums by the Beach Boys , The Ventures , Dick Dale , and Jan and Dean . On his first album, Leon Russell , in 1970, the musicians included Eric Clapton , Ringo Starr , and George Harrison . One of his early fans, Elton John , said that Russell
4556-432: Was planned as a solo Leon Russell lp, but was instead marketed as a Midnight String Quartet production. Russell and Al Capps arranged Brian Hyland 's 1966 single " The Joker Went Wild ", written by Bobby Russell (no relation to Leon). Russell also played xylophone and bells on the record. Jason Ankeny of AllMusic said "Russell's evocative arrangements lend 'The Joker Went Wild' much of its appeal, however, channeling
4624-491: Was shocked, because he never spoke". Russell said he "was born with 'spastic paralysis', now called cerebral palsy ". An injury at birth had 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. This 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
#847152