Grammy award winner, Leon Russell has died at the age of 74.
Russel, who died on Sunday at Nashville underwent surgery for a brain fluid leak in 2010, and he suffered a heart attack in July 2016. The rock ‘n’ roll star was reportedly in stable condition, but his 2016 nationwide tour schedule was put on hold and postponed till 2017.
According to the statement released from the family, the wife said; ‘We thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this very, very difficult time. My husband passed in his sleep in our Nashville home. He was recovering from heart surgery in July and looked forward to getting back on the road in January. We appreciate everyone’s love and support,’
While Russell was alive, he released over 30 albums including 2010’s The Union in collaboration will ‘Sacrifice’ singer Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
Leon was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2011.
Leon Russell, the long-haired, scratchy-voiced pianist, guitarist, songwriter and band leader who moved from playing countless recording sessions to making hits on his own, died on Sunday in Nashville. He was 74.
His website said he had died in his sleep but gave no specific cause.
Mr. Russell’s health had incurred significant setbacks in recent years. In 2010, he underwent surgery for a brain fluid leak and was treated for heart failure. In July he had a heart attack and was scheduled for further surgery, according to a news release from the historical society of Oklahoma, his home state.
With his trademark top hat, hair well past his shoulders, a long, lush beard, an Oklahoma drawl and his fingers splashing two-fisted barrel house piano chords, Mr. Russell cut a flamboyant figure in the early 1970s. He led Joe Cocker’s band Mad Dogs & Englishmen, appeared at George Harrison’s 1971 Concert for Bangladesh in New York City and had numerous hits of his own, including “Tight Rope.”
Many of his songs became hits for others, among them “Superstar” (written with Bonnie Bramlett) for the Carpenters, “Delta Lady” for Mr. Cocker and “This Masquerade” for George Benson. More than 100 acts have recorded “A Song for You,” which Mr. Russell said he wrote in 10 minutes.
We pray the soul of the deceased rest in peace.
