Musicians React to Leon Russell's Death on Social Media
Musicians and celebrities and mourning the loss of legendary songwriter and performer Leon Russell, who died in Nashville Saturday (Nov. 12) at the age of 74.
In addition to recording hits like “Tight Rope” and “Lady Blue,” Russell also produced and played on recording sessions for Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra and the Rolling Stones. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
“My darling Leon Russell passed away last night. He was a mentor, inspiration & so kind to me. I loved him and always will,” Elton John, who collaborated with Russell on the 2010 album The Union, tweeted Sunday.
Read more tributes below from Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Charlie Daniels, Steven Martin, Chuck Woolery and many others.
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
Charlie Wilson: "It hurt my heart to hear of Leon's passing. He gave the GAP Band our start and took us from clubs to arenas and stadiums. I learned so much from him that will always stay with me. He will definitely be missed and I am blessed to have worked with him. I will never forget Leon Russell & the GAP Band Live in Concert."
Read the obit, then listen to his masterpiece, Song for You. Leon Russell, Renowned Songwriter and Musician. https://t.co/1NoSq2i0e5
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) 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
Just got word that Leon Russell has passed away
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) November 13, 2016
Rest in peace Leon
You left a lot of great music behind you.
RIP Leon Russell - a PROLIFIC talent. @GBguitar the late Ray Charles & I cover Masquerade at 1991 @MontreuxJazz https://t.co/rPDJqU9uuD
— Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) November 13, 2016
Today the world lost a talented singer, songwriter, performer and my musical brother, the great #LeonRussell... https://t.co/W88z4HQZ1d
— George Benson (@GBguitar) November 13, 2016
RIP Leon Russell. #legend #Okie
— nathan followill (@doctorfollowill) November 13, 2016
RIP to the singular Leon Russell, a titan of American music. Another light out in the universe.
— Okkervil River (@okkervilriver) November 13, 2016
"Leon Russell" was far more amazing than you could ever know,and now he's gone, But his incredible Talent lives on in 1000s of records. RIP
— Chuck Woolery (@chuckwoolery) November 13, 2016
Shit. Now Leon. Hate this. What an extraordinary messenger of beauty he was. RIP #leonrussell pic.twitter.com/hJg2iYnYNO
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) November 13, 2016
RIP Leon Russell https://t.co/9kpY2TREw1
— Beth Hart (@BethHart) November 13, 2016
The magnificent Leon Russell amazing musician, true superstar "Long ago and so far away,I fell in love with you..After the 2nd show" R.I.P
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) November 13, 2016
"And when my life is over
— Alisan Porter (@alisanporter) November 13, 2016
Remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singing this song to you" #LeonRussell
More sad news #RIP #LeonRussell
— Ryan Bingham (@RyanBingham) November 13, 2016
Stranger in a Strange Landhttps://t.co/7rk9GzhZ47 pic.twitter.com/7D8qknODyG
RIP #LeonRussell. He will be missed...
— Taylor Hicks (@TaylorHicks) November 13, 2016
I am very sorry to hear about Leon Russell's passing. Love to his wife family. Rest easy, Leon.
— Sara Watkins (@SaraWatkins) 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
RIP Leon Russell.
— Steve Lukather (@stevelukather) November 13, 2016
Truly one of the greats...
RIP Leon Russell . We lose another legend who influenced millions. Listened to your lyrics as a little kid and they've inspired ever since
— Lucie Silvas (@LucieSilvas) November 13, 2016