Legendary 'Musician's Musician' Leon Russell Passes Away Aged 74

Leon Russell, a veteran session musician, solo performer and songwriter who worked with some of the world's best-known performers over a decorated, decades-long career, has passed away at the age of 74.

Russell's wife, Jan Bridges, broke the news of his death in a statement posted to his official website, explaining that the legendary instrumentalist had passed away in his sleep at home in Nashville on Sunday 13 November (US time), while still recovering from heart surgery he underwent in July.

"We thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this very, very difficult time … We appreciate everyone's love and support," Bridges wrote.

According to Russell's wife, the experienced performer was planning to get back on the road in January, having played his last show, in Nashville, on 10 July.

Leon Russell was born Claude Russell Bridges on 2 April 1942, and earned broad recognition and renown for his formidable talents as a pianist and songwriter. The list of artists with whom he would collaborate over the ensuing years is a who's who of mid-to-late-20th-century icons, including the likes of Joe Cocker (for whom he wrote Delta Lady), Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, three-fourths of The Beatles (Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison), Frank Sinatra, Eric Clapton, Gram Parsons, Willie Nelson, Glen Campbell, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Barbra Streisand and Elton John, among several others.

After several decades of lifting up the music of others (as well as crafting a sizeable solo catalogue, starting with 1970's self-titled debut), it was with Sir Elton that Russell attained his broadest acclaim, for a double album released in 2010 titled The Union, which hit a career-high of #3 on the US charts. 

The UK icon expressed his grief on Twitter this morning (AEST), writing, "My darling Leon Russell passed away last night. He was a mentor, inspiration and so kind to me. I loved him and always will #LeonRussell #RIP".

Indeed, despite being better-known for his session work, Russell was a prolific songwriter in his own regard, his well-known 1970 tune A Song For You having been since covered by more than 40 artists, including some notable takes from Donny Hathaway, Carpenters, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Temptations, Herbie Hancock, Simply Red, Zakk Wylde and more. He was also the man behind well-known songs such as Hummingbird, Lady Blue, Back To The Island, Tight Rope and This Masquerade.

He was formally recognised for his contributions to Western music in 2011, when he was inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and the Songwriter's Hall Of Fame.

A multitude of famous peers have come forth to express their sadness at the news of Russell's passing, including Booker T. Jones, who described his late friend of 50 years as a "generous trailblazer … who rescued me and remained a gentleman throughout Hollywood's trials", as well as Yusuf (Cat Stevens), Sheryl Crow, Ringo Starr, Paul Stanley, Gregg Allman and the members of Hanson, among others.

For further reading about the life and works of Leon Russell, see his official website.

My darling Leon Russell passed away last night. He was a mentor, inspiration & so kind to me. I loved him and always will #LeonRussell #RIP pic.twitter.com/u2d1KccCNp

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) November 13, 2016

RIP my friend of 50 years, generous trail blazer, Leon Russell, who rescued me and remained a gentleman throughout Hollywood's trials.

— Booker T. Jones (@BookerTJones) November 13, 2016

You will be missed friend. RIP Leon Russell #leonrussell #tweet pic.twitter.com/CPNxyyIWXb

— Gregg Allman (@GreggAllman) November 13, 2016

So long, Leon Russell. You played your heart out and we will miss you. Thank you for sharing your divine talent with us. #LeonRussell

— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) November 13, 2016

RIP Leon Russell. A brilliant songwriter, pianist and bandleader. Too many moments of greatness to list. @RollingStone @UltClassicRock pic.twitter.com/1dVmcUlR0o

— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) November 13, 2016

God bless Leon Russell peace and love to all his family peace and love

— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) November 13, 2016

Tearfully listening to the our friend #LeonRussell amazing music. Sad day. -ISAAC #MasterOfSpaceAndTime pic.twitter.com/HIuY6poTSW

— HANSON (@hansonmusic) November 13, 2016

So sad to hear Leon Russell has passed away. A great influence and songwriter. God rest his soulhttps://t.co/xMjBfPkFAV

— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) November 13, 2016