Sun 4/27 @ 8pm
Leon Russell’s storied career needs no recounting for those who are likely to be interested.
He launched it as a roots music-inspired pianist/songwriter/arranger/producer in the ’60s. He rose to the top of the session musician heap when his role in organizing the 1970 Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour for Joe Cocker, whose self-titled 1969 album he’d produced, brought him out of the shadows.
It would take all day to list his songwriting, sideman and production credits for artists ranging from Bob Dylan to George Benson, Freddie King to Elton John, the Byrds to Whitney Houston, interspersed with a lengthy catalogue of solo albums.
Russell’s now 72 and he’s had some health issues. But he’s still on the road with a band that now includes his grandson, and a new CD Life Journey, hot on the heels of last year’s Snapshot. It was produced by the legendary Tommy LiPuma, a native Clevelander who made good in the music business and gave back — he’s the benefactor whose name is on the Center for Creative Arts at Tri-C’s Metro campus.
Russell will be performing at the Beachland Ballroom with New York City singer/songwriter Riley Etheridge Jr. opening.
But as an added treat, LiPuma will chat with Russell prior to the show at 6 pm in a conversation moderated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s director of education Jason Hanley. Russell and LiPuma met in Los Angeles in 1961, and they worked together many times over the years, so they’ll have a lot to reminisce about.
Tickets are $35.