A SONG FOR YOU | Leon Russell & Friends 1971 | Reaction!!

[@MrRocky27271]

This isn't Leon's "version". This is his song.

[@sitkoh]

Exactly.

[@jenniferworley7115]

Leon wrote this masterpiece. He has written so many great songs. ✌🤗

[@irenelopez3390]

Another favorite is Lady Blue. RIP Leon 🌹

[@nedworcester4395]

Lady Blue

[@Cathidee]

Yes Lady Blue 💙

[@sst3d]

This is Leon’s masterpiece….he wrote it

[@MrLaddieboy1]

This is his song. He wrote it, others covered it. He was a musician and played with many others. He was a song writer. He was a performer. Love him and miss him

[@TexasMagnolia]

Polo, Leon Russell is The Most Important Songwriter in the history of American Music. A must learn about! The writer of so many hit songs. Leon is beyond a Legend.

[@user-tb9dx9mg2njsb]

The OG! the pride of Tulsa Oklahoma ✌🏻❤️

[@kdevinturner8778]

He did the work. He made it.

[@jackieisamay403]

LOVE Leon! So happy to see you react to him. Please don't stop with one song.

[@user-mi7hm1qv5s]

Leon Russell wrote this song. So, it is his original. He was an amazing session musician who contributed to recordings for a huge range of artists. I see in this clip singers Claudia Lennear and Kathi McDonald. He also very obviously had a career as a solo artist. Loved his contributions to Concert for Bangladesh. Was lauded by many as a premier musician and keyboardist - Elton John and Leon Russell produced a duet album shortly before Leon's passing. Truly a quiet giant in the music industry.

[@jimpiretti9764]

You should watch the video of Elton John inducting Russell into R & R Hall of Fame. John fashioned his style after Russell and the list of songs he played on is mind boggling,. Every Phil Specter production, every Beach Boys song, Frank Sinatra's My Way and on and on and on. At the HOF induction Elton reads off the phenomenal history of Russell's playing accomplishments.

[@robertmcglory4919]

This is the most important comment! The R & R induction will make you love Elton John even more, bring a tear to your eye and make you recognize Leon is an absolute legend!

[@intothemystic3374]

Gonna find it, thanks.

[@sst3d]

Yes …a beautiful moment

[@fleursoleil1222]

Yes, Yes, YES!

[@debramulcahy9979]

Love Leon! He was from my hometown; Tulsa, OK. Saw him live many times at Cains Ballroom and Mohawk Park during the 1970’s - 1980’s.

[@cynthiaflanagan3928]

Me too! My late husband was from Tulsa and knew Leon. Did you see Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne at Mohawk Park "No Nukes" concert? It was one of our first dates. Saw Leon every time he came to town too.

[@VIDSTORAGE]

Dwight Twilley was from Tulsa also..

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

Steve and Cassie Gaines of Lynyrd Skynyrd were from up in Miami, Oklahoma, I believe.

[@okpainter9700]

Hey Neighbor ✌❤

[@Monica-sw9ld]

T-town girl here! Leon is so precious to us. He's gone, but his legacy isn't. I grew up hearing his music via my older siblings. I met his daughter later in life. Beautiful woman, beautiful voice, beautiful person. I thought of her immediately when her father passed. 💔

[@historyfan6684]

Leon wrote this song along with MANY other greats. He was an amazing talent and a really great guy. I used to hang out at the Church studio at 3rd and Trenton when I was a kid and my dad played backup guitar for a lot of people. Leon was always really great and funny and always did silly things to make us kids laugh. He would sing silly songs to us sometimes that he would make up on the spot about a bird flying by or a frog on the sidewalk. Really a great guy

[@amyquigg2791]

I grew up in Tulsa and Leon Russell was a freaking LEGEND! I took my mama to see him and Joe Cocker at the Brady, it was our first concert together ❤️

[@tzcomp]

This is Leon's Masterpiece. Ray Charles did a wonderful version and Willie Nelson performs it extremely well. Watch the live version with Leon, Ray, and Willie all together and pay attention to Willie breaking down in tears while Ray sings it. It will bring tears to your eyes.

[@kathleenkarsten5739]

Ahhhh…the piano, and the way it cuts through all the BS of life, and goes straight to your soul! What an instrument! Those beautiful and truthful lyrics delivered by a imperfect, vulnerable man with a raw, gritty voice. Gorgeousness! 🥰

[@martinhafner2201]

Leon's blues piano is so sweet.

[@mottjones2876]

Dude, you just get it. Love the way you can get to the heart of the song/performance without getting hung up on the perfection. Leon is a great songwriter and performer. And pianist. And bandleader.

[@kallsop2]

Leon wrote this song about Rita Coolidge who he was separated from at the time, it was originally recorded at The Church Studio in Tulsa Oklahoma. You need to look up his work with Joe Cocker on Mad Dogs and Ebglismen, his influence of Elton John and Bernie Taupin and there meeting in 1970 in Los Angeles, his work with the greatest group of studio musicians called The Wrecking Crew, and the recording studio and musem The Church Studio. He also performed on whatbis thought to be the first humanitarian concert in 1970 George Harrisons Concert for Bangladesh. He does a great medley of Jumping Jack Flash/Youngblood, make sure you look for the 9:27 minute version.

[@cowboy-o3m]

a most beautiful love song.

[@Reddogg57-w5k]

Hard rain gonna fall , Stranger in a strange land , Blue bird. For starters

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

Stranger In A Strange Land is easily one of my favorite songs of the 70’s. Love all Leon though, can’t go wrong with the Master of Space and Time manning the keys.

[@intothemystic3374]

Stranger in a strange Land is my favorite song by Leon. yes, definitely!

[@jonicrowley7253]

This Masquerade, Bluebird, other classics Leon wrote.

[@charliemorris1942]

Leon was one of a kind. This is my favorite Leon song.❤

[@No1Foghead]

I may be wrong but, but I believe Leon Russell wrote it and recorded it first.

[@No1Foghead]

YES, I’m OLD but, LOVE your channel! TYSVM 🎉

[@wanderer0617]

Yes, Leon wrote it. My favorite Leon Russell song❤

[@beverlyoyarzun3326]

You are not wrong.

[@tiffanyrobinson190]

Yes! Leon Russell wrote MANY MANY great songs for a whole lot of great and famous artists. Some would surprise you. I went and saw Leon Russell and Elton John in concert just a couple years before Leon Russell passed away. He was one of the best concerts I've ever seen.

[@Jonni1027]

@@tiffanyrobinson190I’ll bet that show was great!!! I saw Leon twice in the early 1970s and he would dance on top of his piano, and then finally in Reno 6 months before he passed…he was STILL fantastic, timeless, ageless❤

[@timhall5229]

Leon wrote this, and no one can do it like Leon could. RIP

[@sylvialee1079]

Leon was a rock powerhouse in the 70's. Later on he left the music scene, literally disappeared. Elton John was a huge fan of his and he decided to try and find him. Elton convinced Leon to sing with him again. Leon was then inducted to the RRHOF with Elton giving the speech. It's such a touching, moving, amazing story of admiration and love of a fellow musician. We lost Leon at the age of 74. Check out his songs Tightrope and Lady Blue, they sound much better.

[@jamelle8495]

Leon Russel is a whole gig of poetry. Please keep him in context❤

[@cowboy-o3m]

perfectly said.

[@mikmaqwoman]

Leon wrote this and many many more great tunes...thanx...hope u do more son

[@Caheman1]

Lady Blue is another great Leon song.

[@Monica-sw9ld]

Yes!!

[@violetfemme411]

Listen to him sing Masquerade.💜

[@tracyaulbrook9594]

This was a huge hit in 1971. It was my favourite song back in the day. He wrote many great songs.

[@jimhofman4040]

He was also a great studio musician who played with lots of well known artists. His play touches me emotionally

[@phillipharrison7283]

'Tightrope' is a classic Leon song. So too is 'Masquerade' which was the B side on the single. Also a hit for the Carpenters. 'Roll Away The Stone' and 'A Song For You' A and B sides. All songs of my early memories of Leon Russell. Thanks for the reaction Polo. Please do some more. Cheers ✌

[@tomcurtis8431]

My first concert was Leon Russell at the Illlinois State Fair in the summer of 1971. I was sixteen. He was fantastic.

[@martinhafner2201]

I grew up listening to his songs. And my sister trying to play his songs on piano. She was pretty good, but he had long fingers. Tightrope, This Masquerade, Manhattan Island Serenade, Dixie Lullaby, Magic Mirror, Tryin' To Stay 'Live, Stranger In A Strange Land, Sweet Emily, Hummingbird.

[@gingertunstall7739]

Leon Russel wrote the song. He started as a studio musician and played with everyone from Sinatra, and the Beach Boys, to Joe Cocker. Some great LR songs are Stranger in a Strange Land, Delta Lady, Masquerade, and Crystal Closet Queen.

[@rosemaryabbott1020]

He was huge in the seventies. He was a space captain in Joe Cocker’s “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” tour. He held the whole show together. He was from Oklahoma. He was different from everyone else. Find a recording “Jumping Jack Flash/Youngblood” medley. It’s funky but awesome.

[@chrisross-fd3fo]

I wish you had told Polo to check out Rita Coolidge from that tour. Top comments probably more likely to get read She has ,imo,the only version of any song Karen Carpenter does that is sung better..with Superstar..Absolutely beautiful woman who married Kris Kristofferson who passed last month at 88 and was cooler than me my whole life. hes arguably the best country song writer ever.. with 2 that are in talk about best country songs ever that Polo should react to.. Sunday Morning and Loving Her Was Easier.. Neither him nor Rita Coolidge got enough acknowledgement.... They were the c lassy Cher and Gregg Allman lol.. and man she can sing

[@Ducatirati]

This is a magnificent song I asked you 18 mths ago to play this , it's Leon , he's wonderful, VALE Leon Russell ,

[@frankethomas1248]

He originally wrote the song (words and melody) for Rita Coolidge.

[@charliemorris1942]

I was about to comment the same thing.

[@debbywilkins2239]

A Song for You was originally written & recorded by Leon Russell in 1970. Fabulous song but I love to hear Donny Hathaway sing this song

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

Leon Russell composed this song. It is interesting how many “non-singers” could compose such beautiful music. Leon wrote this song for Rita Coolidge. That woman had an amazing voice. My favorite version of this song was sung by Karen Carpenter. An amazing melody for her incredible vocal cords. You might want to look up the song/Leon Russell on Wikipedia to see the dozens of musicians who recorded this song. Willie Nelson, Andy Williams, Herbie Hancock, Amy Winehouse and Peggy Lee. I hope Russell made a boat-load of money off this tune. It certainly has brought joy to so many people in countless walks of life. Have you ever listened to Peggy Lee’s version of Fever? Just a suggestion. Peace.

[@mikmaqwoman]

Leon Russell is a most unique musician and individual I have ever known

[@spellmadam2947]

Leon, Lady Blue and Masquerade, great love songs. Elton John was inspired by Leon

[@Jude_196]

ALWAYS a SPECIAL PLACE in my HEART for LEON RUSSELL!! He's just SO: HIM!!! VERY heart-felt!! LOVE IT!! THANKS, POLO!!!

[@nmockster5363]

Leon’s the composer. It’s his song. He was a masterpiece maker.

[@martintedrow929]

Leon is a legend and his accomplishments and artist that he has worked with is amazing.

[@DavidSanders-r5p]

This was done during “The Mad Dogs and Englishman” tour with Joe Cocker.

[@chriscorbin2059]

Towards the end of his career he was only playing small clubs and appeared at a club in Baltimore. I went and managed to work my way up to stand right in front of him when he asked for requests and I asked for A Song for You which he immediately played. A lot of people don't know he wrote it but I'd been a fan for years and had been trying for years to hear him but wrong place wrong time until that night. To say I was thrilled and it remains a favorite musical memory of mine.

[@rickmts]

The original. Nuff said

[@marvinkatz1159]

Leon, an amazing musician! Google him and you will see an incredible list of giants of the industry that he played on their records. Try "Delta Lady" and "Stranger in a Strange land".

[@Hipfan01]

The Carpenters’ rendition is near perfection

[@barbthompson2374]

The incomparable Leon Russell. A member of The Wrecking Crew. Brilliant.

[@joemoe765]

His song!

[@chrisross-fd3fo]

I love you in a place where theres no space and time..geez Leon save some of the lines for others..Rita Coolidge is a must react..especially Superstar from Mad Dogs and Englishmen..Leons got to be the keyboardist on that

[@RogerWyatt365]

People exclaim about Donny Hathaway's version of this song - and I will say that it is moving and polished. But I have always preferred Leon Russell's (original) version because of it's rawness and emotive qualities. Want more? Try "tightrope" and "stranger In A Strange Land"

[@musicairplanes4884]

Leon was a musical genius. We were lucky to have him in our generation. In life timing is everything. By the way this whole video is well worth the watch. Mini concert in the studio.

[@alaskajam9169]

Saw him several times while he was alive. Awesome.

[@spiri1920]

His song he wrote it , the artist is in the building

[@shirleyharrison5746]

Leon Russell wrote this song. I still have the vinyl album. My absolute favorite song of Leon's. It's so personal, the melody loses you in it's beauty. His voice is perfect and his mastery of the piano makes me listen with eyes closed, slight smile. He had a medical issue with his hand when he was a child and it was difficult to play the piano, but Leon mastered it and wrote this beautiful song. A Song For You 💗

[@cadiehl1]

Leon is an amazing artist. One of a kind.

[@riverrunner-7]

We used to live down the road from him out in the country here in Tennessee. We did a detail on his car and delivered it to him. Strange compound out there. He played the piano for us. Always loved his music 💕

[@patfowlkes9105]

Leon was great. I still listen to his music regularly. Another favorite is "Lady Blue," covered by others, but his.

[@judihicks2716]

Please delve into his story as well as his catalog. One of my favorite musicians ever. When he died I cried for days. Such a beautiful human ❤️

[@stephenreiner1523]

Leon Russell, Ray Charles and Willie Nelson. To much talent in this regard. Love this song. A tribute of sorts to Rita Coolidge released in in 1971

[@margaretgerhold5922]

I love unique voices so Leon Russell has been a favorite of mine forever.

[@WakeUp-p6h]

You should check out the version with Leon (just before he died) playing with Ray Charles and Willie Nelson (Live!) he was Homeless for many years apparently and Elton John plucked him from obscurity/poverty not long before he died and pushed him back into the public consciousness as Elton John said Leon was VERY Kind to him when he was starting out! - Tragic he passed away just after being pulled from poverty, but Great that when he died he was appreciated again! The rendition of Willie Nelson, Ray Charles and Leon is particularly Great because it wasn't long before Ray Passed away and Ray was clearly singing it in tribute to Willie, even though three were on the stage Ray Took the chunk of the performance from the middle onwards! Willie gets visibly choked-up in the song when Ray takes the lead.. ITS A MUST WATCH!

[@lindafoster2141]

Now you are talkin!!!!

[@PCH847]

There were so few musicians like Leon Russell. One of my favorite stories is Elton John talking about he was nerver nervous the first time he played with Leon and it was simply because leon was what Elton John aspired to be like. I just find that story so fantastic. One of the biggest performers of my generation showing worship for he wanted to emulate.

[@judyyurchuk4904]

Its nice to see someone finally checking him out...he's soooo good❤🎶

[@markharbin9945]

Love LR he was a fantastic song writer an amazing musician 😮

[@Unclesmokey314]

Known this song all of my 52 yrs walking this terra forma... Thank fucking heavens for Leon Russell... it's a wonderful deeper dive. you know more than you know... 😉

[@Unclesmokey314]

#6fifty5 liked

[@Rickhorse1]

WRITTEN by Leon Russell. Covered by many, many artists...one of the best love songs ever written.

[@karenpowell6063]

Leon was a brilliant song writer, and a fabulous performer as well .

[@rayj1011]

Leon was a part of the legendary Wrecking Crew, the group of session musicians who played on thousands of pop and rock songs of the '60s and '70s. He was also a talented songwriter who wrote this song.

[@827dusty]

Leon wrote, recorded, and performed this. This clip is from a longer PBS film called Leon and Friends. You can find and watch it on KZbin free. It is an amazing video. About an hour long. So good and very unusual, it gives an inside look at this genius artist and epic pianist, Leon Russell. He is an icon right there with Elton John, Joe Cocker, and The Beatles.

[@cindyOkieGirl]

Leon wrote this song. It is a masterpiece. He also wrote "This Masquerade" and "Superstar". He is from Tulsa, OK and he is buried in a cemetery near my home. "And when my life is over, remember when we were together, we were alone and I was singing this song to you" is on his tombstone. F Do a deep dive into his background, it's too long for me to write here, but it is amazing! Musical genius, worshipped by Elton John!!

[@realcoolbreeze]

I love Donny Hathaway s version. His daughter s too. This is raspy different. The 2 versions are iconic to me. I grew up with these songs. Different styles, excellent artists. The song s so great that noone can sing it bad. RIP to these 2 great artists.

[@michaelcripe395]

My first concert 🎶 1973

[@jdlawbooker3938]

Great findings. I never heard the original artist on this one either. I went to a websearch part way through recognizing the song like you did and yes he wrote the song for us.

[@stevefoulston]

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 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 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 a Grammy Award. Peace out.

[@rosieb949]

Honey. First of all, listen to the album...just listen. Ok, maybe that's all....just listen...he's just great. Love his writing.

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

Yeah, the melody on this Live studio performance was a little off to my ears if compared to the original album version.

[@MissChristine-wo6vp]

Leon Russell - one of a kind. One of my favorites back in the day. Wrote lots of great songs. That setting is SO Leon Russell - no fuss, just real folks, no interest in celebrity or image.

[@intothemystic3374]

Love you choose songs from the 70's. Request a patreon to suggest to Polo to have a listen to Dave Mason. His solo album (after leaving Traffic (Dear Mr Fantasy)) is entitled Alone Together. Particularly the song, "shouldn't have took more than you gave". I think Leon Russell is on piano for that track. Curious about the guitar (Stratocaster??). 70's vibe. Takes me to another place in time.

[@inlovewithuify]

So beautiful. Thank you. 🙏

[@billpudim5067]

He was one of the Wrecking Crew.

[@gdmyers47]

Leon was a member of the group of musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew," starting, I believe, in the early 1960's, and wrote several popular songs, including this one, covered by others. He was quite a fixture in the rock/popular music scene during the 60's and 70's. Notably, he co-wrote "Superstar," sung by the Carpenters and Luther Vandross, among others, for example.

[@cindysmith7125]

Our hometown boy!

[@treydog317]

Leon wrote many great songs that were covered by many other artists. My favorite is BB King’s version of Leon’s song “bluebird”

[@blackprix]

Leon Russell wrote this song and everybody covered it, including Donnie Hathaway and I love his version as well👏👏👏

[@karenj3611]

As many versions of this song have been made, Karen Carpenter and Ray Charles most notably, the original is still my favorite. Leon is the real deal. RIP

[@stefanieclarke7600]

Leon Russell wrote this song and he has the best version. Love my Leon!

[@Ruth-en1yv]

Please review his song "Lady Blue"... Thank You...

[@gulfgal98]

Leon Russell wrote this song along with many other well known songs. He was also a legendary producer and the man behind bringing together the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour for Joe Cocker. At the time this song was written, Leon and Rita Coolidge were together. Leon wrote Delta Lady for Rita and some say he wrote this song for her too. Leon's musical career spanned many genres, including country, where he recorded albums under the pseudonym, Hank Wilson. He had such a long, varied, and incredible career. IMO, Leon Russell was one of the great musical geniuses of my lifetime. Sadly, Leon died in 2016.

[@JefferyJaynes]

I 've got the same kind of reaction, I've always loved Leon Russell for some reason but can't tell you why. It just wouldn't be the same without him. Thanks for the reaction.

[@Ruth-en1yv]

Have you ever listened to Allen Stone? His song "Unaware" Live from his mother's living room is Phenomenal! Please review it, you won't be disappointed!

[@wookie-c4q]

Check out Leon’s “Back to the Island” 🌴

[@brooksboyd1959]

Always loved this song!

[@TerriKnight-x3s]

Loved Leon in the early 70’s.

[@jlb6]

The Wrecking Crew was the informal studio band behind a ton of la music from the sixties-seventies. Leon was a contributor. Joe Cocker Mad Dog and Englishman, Clapton, Delaney and Bonnie, George Harrison. Leon was everywhere, and is a songwriter and pianist. Just before his death, he teamed up with Elton John for a big tour. John and Leon were both prominent keyboard artists. Heck out Tightrope

[@yoursoulknows6444]

Leon Russell and this song, along with Delta Lady, bring back so many memories of my high school bast friend - who passed away only 5 years after graduation... Leon Russell and Jesus Christ Superstar (the original with Ian Gillian performing as Jesus) were her favorites 😥

[@AjaxCaper]

❤ I love Leon's heartfelt emoting, and I am *SO* glad for this period of time when if you were a talented writer, or a talented enough musician, the radio still made you a star. Otherwise we would have not heard a lot of beautiful songs. And back then, long lists of people, some already famous, covered other people's songs, and if the cover was good it got radio time, also. One of the best examples is Leon's song, This Masquerade, covered by The Carpenters (a radio hit) and my favorite version, by master guitarist/stylist, George Benson (black; also a BIG hit for him). i agree the most beautiful version of This Song For You, is Donny Hathaway's. And hear George Benson's cover of Masquerade. (Karen Carpenter's cover is sweet. Her brother Richard did great arrangements, and great song writing himself, not to leave him out )

[@denisej1329]

"Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms". Leon's one of my favorites.

[@rickpetersen1745]

Leon is the songwriter,musical composer and the first to record it. In other words the OG.