"Anything Can Happen" - The LeonLifer Story

The story of Leon's core fan group, known as the Leon Lifers, is captured in this Joe Hall documentary shot over a four day period at the first Leon Lifer gathering in Louisville, Kentucky in 2000.
It has been a treasured staple of the Leon Lifers and "required reading" for anyone who wants to know the early history that cemented this family together in their quest to show their love for Leon Russell.

[@getonlygotonly]

Leon Russell was one of the best songwriters in history of rock and roll, writing more than 500 songs and playing piano on more than 1500 recordings the soundtracks of many of our lives through the second half of the 20th century

[@maryforester9122]

Definitely a king amongst musicians! I didn't feel when he passed that they did enough recognition of him as they did to many others.This is a blessing to see. You go Lifers! As for anyone else who is unfamiliar with his music and achievements...Tune in and Turn on! Never got to see him in concert! One of the true misses of my whole life! As one of his forever fans...RIP you incredibly sexy talented man!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@williamharrison2456]

1970 was the year I was introduced to Leon, it was 7/10/1970 at the Eastown Theatre in Detroit, and to this day it was my favorite music experience! I had all those early albums and played them over and over on a stereo system I dropped a $1,000 dollars on that year, mostly to play Leon’s music! I was lucky to see him three times between that year and 1972, and on my birthday on September 28th at Cobo Hall in Detroit, I had bought ten ticket to share with my work friends so they could see this musician I had endlessly been talking about! He played his guitar on top of his piano that night, and literally brought the house down… So I am tonight listening to this video again, as I noticed Steve had shared it, and the Lifer’s are morning the loss of a true Lifer Brother in Johnny Mcdonnell! The Lifer’s are real, the love is real, and the love we have for each other is undeniable ~ Liver love lives and will live on long after I’m gone, so I’m asking you all to come to Carney Fest, so I can shake your hand and give you all a hug, so that all you brother’s and sister’s know you are Love by me🌹🌅❣️ ps Keep the Memories Alive Always 💙🌹🌅❣️

[@williamharrison2456]

music.kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWjHqGWoaZqLsMk&feature=share

[@josephdecarlo1041]

He has been my idol for the last 40 yrs. He was the greatest piano player, band leaders, and composers of all time.

[@cwbard331]

I’ve adored Leon and his music since my best friend turned me on to his first record at the age of 12 in 1970. So I’m a LeonLifer too! Thanks for posting this!

[@andyokus5735]

Leon Russell and his incredible soul inspired me to become a professional jazz/gospel keyboard player. I'm eternally grateful!

[@spaceghost_1]

First of all, I’d like to say this is a great documentary. I love these Leon lifers. I love their honesty I’ve been a member of the church of Leon since 1970 when I saw him be an opening act for The Who when they were performing the full Tommy concert plus their greatest hits up until that time at Anaheim baseball stadium I had already purchased his album for so I knew all the songs. It was a great performance, though nothing like when he perform med with Joe Cocker, Mad dogs, and Englishmen, it was a shortened performance, and later in 1970 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Elton John opened up for him and It was an awesome concert. They performed together on the encore I remember we wore out the grooves on Leon Russell’s albums at parties we used to go to everybody had such a good time listening to Leon Russell

[@patricklockhart1015]

I'll never forget the Christmas of 1973. I got Leon Russell 'Carney' album. I was not into rock and roll until that moment. Leon definitely had an impact on my taste in music. From there I made certain to buy his albums. Leon Russell, Leon Russell and the Shelter People, Leon Live, both Asylum Choir albums (He and Marc Benno), Hank Wilson's Back, Will O' the Wisp, Stop all That Jazz and the list goes on. My only and deepest regret is that I never got to see Leon perform live. He was truly the Master of Space and Time. There will never ever be another Leon Russell.

[@danreiss6866]

Saw him three times and what I always remember was his kindness and humbleness. After every song would be a Thank You! Somewhere in the middle of the concert he would take you to church!

[@eyelavadershine]

Most talented Man Ever Forever… RIP🎶🌎🕯🙏🌱🌹🌱🎼🎤🎻🎶🕯🌎

[@MrEvett-lz1bl]

Been .a Leon fan for 46 years!!! Yep a lifer since freshman in college. I'm 67 years old and rocking still with a ponytail.

[@deepfreezevideo]

Check out The Best of the Leon Russell Festivals DVD. ntsc1984.wixsite.com/mysite-1/product-page/leon-russell-out-of-the-deep-freeze-dvd 1972, Long Beach and Charlotte, Leon will TAKE YOU THERE.

[@Barb2700]

Well, Mr. Evett, I'm your girl! Hahaha! Seriously, isn't this great? I, too, fell for Leon and LEON bigtime when I was a preteen...12 year old going thru her bro in law's record collection in 1970 or 71. Im 59. (I noticed the most interesting album cover on Joe Cocker's MD&E and once I heard Leon's voice, I was totally hooked and knew the face on the cover just had to go with it! I saw him everytime I could in dallas and fort worth and a couple of times in Nashville. I met him and was allowed to hang out backstage with my camera onstage several times in the 80s, due to his gratefulness for a photo album of pictures I took and made for him. he was awesome and generously kind. Last time I saw him was the last time he performed in Dallas, June 2016, before the heart attack in july. He passed away on Nov. 13, 2016-- it has almost been a year and we're still grieving. I believe he gave us music that made us better people. If you like telling and hearing of Leon experiences, you oughta join the facebook LeonLifer page. i'm Barbara (with 2 last names) on there. hope to see ya there. whats your fave song?

[@GLD-hopeful]

I can feel the love in this and it's so wonderful. That special day with Leon, was obviously, incredible. I was unaware of this fan club/family until stumbling upon this video. What an awesome group of internet friends who came together in person. I saw Leon in concert in 1971 at age 15 and was enamored with his music throughouty younger years. I stood in line for hours for a ticket to see the Bangladesh movie. I'm 65 now and still listening to Leon's music.

[@georgettabarton4248]

Leon Russell and Willie Nelson are angels of God! Their sincere love of their fellow man make them a healing balm for their fans. You can feel their concern for you!

[@markmiller5253]

You sure got that right. It was my love of Willie's music that turned me on to Leon Russell's music and life. Leon graduated from the same highschool I did,. So I was familiar with his name all of my life. I didn't know just how much he accomplished and how blessed his talent was. I never cease to be amazed everytime I Google his name. I have come to realize just what a musical genius he was in the studio and stage.

[@danreiss6866]

Words of wisdom by Leon, "If you treat your woman like you treat yourself everything's going to be alright ,going to be alright". Never be another like him. What a talent. Saw him three times. Feel blessed for that.

[@melodymakermark]

Sounds like something Jimmy Two Times from Goodfellas would say.

[@ebrena1876]

I loved him in George Harrison's concert singing in Beware of Darkness. He had the most beautiful eyes and his voice-wow

[@kimmyray1234]

BIG BIG LEON RUSSELL FAN...This has truely touched me ! Peace ✌ ❤ love @ human kindness.... kim-n-Carolina

[@sheilawhited4116]

My 1st concert was at Blossom Music, Akron, Ohio in the early 70’s. It was BB King & Leon Russell. I have been a Leon Russell fan ever since & I am now 70. There is a Leon Russell song for every emotion or life experience. Man, he was sexy to just look at. ❤️ Amazing musician, writer, & performer.

[@Michelle-nr1bm]

His song writing is Leon giving a piece of himself,from his heart and soul to those who listen and appreciate his art and creativity...love this Oklahoma man!

[@kathywatkins555]

KAT Went to see Leon in Atlanta. I was 17. He blew me away. He was so sexy beautiful eyes. His voice his style and the gospel he could preach. I could feel his spirit inside me. I am 65 now and still I can feel Leon's spirit Everytime I hear his voice. I loved him. Always been my #1. He was the best in my life time no one can't ever take his place. Been with me over 60 yrs. Not a week went by that we didn't sing several songs together. I will miss him. Today we were sitting on a high way in a broken van and I do wish I could see him again.

[@xraided18700]

Oh wow I didn't know this existed. My mom was a Lifer and I was fortunate enough to be able to go with my parents to Louisville for this. If any Lifers happen to see this just want you all to know that Leon and the Lifers were truly a gift to me. Alot of my memories of getting to see my mom let loose and have fun was when she was around you guys.

[@deepfreezevideo]

Your Mom was Dana Jo, am I correct? If so, of course we remember you, all of you. And we miss you guys so much.

[@xraided18700]

@@deepfreezevideo Yep that's my mom. Hopefully I'm remembering correctly but you're Jeffrey right? If so I think I remember you stopping by our house one time when you were passing through. My mom sure did love all of you Lifers and and being one brought her a ton of happiness.

[@deepfreezevideo]

@@xraided18700 We love her and we still love all you guys and think about you all the time. I hope life is treating you well, especially right now with things being as they are.

[@artsahobby123]

Cause were alone now and I'm singing this song to you. And that's what he sang to me and I was alone with him. Best Pianist I ever met and enjoyed his company and will never forget Leon Russell.

[@mozdickson]

...got my first Leon record at 12 (1973), saw him live at 13...always been there (e.g. with JJ and Joe as well as solo)...I think I now now what I am. Stranger in a Strange Land (off Shelter People) - I can't love a song more. Peace!

[@robertphillips5889]

ChLynn thanks so much for your warm response to my post. I watched the Leon Lifer film and tapped in to the down home vibe of the gang. One of my early fascinations was his ability to shift genres so effortlessly. Tommy Tedesco”s son made a documentary called the Wrecking Crew, and I had just finished a door opener by Dave Magowen about the Laurel Canyon music scene in the late 60’s. Instant Karma I remember Leon talking about Little Richard inspiring his leaving his job at the Safeway Store to go out and play some Rock n Roll music. Leon was a Force of Nature,

[@agtake12]

Recently went through an Elvis, Johnny Cash phase. Now...You got it Leon Russell. This boy from Boston missed him when he was here some years ago and am so sad to hear he's not with us. Peace

[@j.fiscel6921]

This is truly amazing... God Bless Leon and all of us who have loved him and will continue too! This is at the time when he was 58 years years old and he has since passed at 74. Thanks for the extra time for all of us...

[@alandavison8258]

Excellent video. Lot of life lessons, and heartfelt feelings of love.

[@patriciaclark5428]

I was introduced to Leon in 1972 with his Carney album. It was life changing and I've been a loving fan ever since. I'm now 64.

[@onepunchgeorge9251]

My parents were Married in the Church that later became SHELTER STUDIO! I was born in1958. Do I only know how to make you cry?

[@dannycampbell6223]

What a lovely film, I enjoyed it very much. I know a few of the contributors as my late Father was Ambrose Campbell and I spent many happy days hanging out with Leon, and Dad, they were truly great friends and obviously enjoyed each others company immensely. Dad shared a story while the three of us sat drinking a beer one sunny afternoon in Tennessee about when they both went to Nigeria, Dad wanted Leon to meet our family in Africa and was very excited about the journey, unfortunately upon arrival he was bitten by a mosquito with a grudge (as he put it) and spent the whole trip in a sick-bed while Leon partied every night, Leon argued that he did 'check' on Dad (admittedly) at irregular intervals but his thoughts were "with Ambrose at all times". Dad was still understandably mortified that 'Africa' had been so cruel noting "I was born in that country yet that damn mosquito bit me, why would he do that" followed by something unintelligible in Yoruba.

[@railwaystationmaster]

WOW People power ! Moved to tears by this, what dedication from total strangers and what a phenomenal human being Leon Russell was , the relaxed genuine love flowed and he helped hit along , quite extraordinary .

[@venitaclark3490]

LEON LIVE! seen it in person the absolute greatest.

[@deepfreezevideo2]

facebook.com/deepfreezefilmsDVD/

[@lindabaker5124]

I have always loved Leon's music I have Hank's back album when it came out . But I first "discovered" him when they did the Mad dogs and Englishmen tour

[@jacquelinejeenmetelica2506]

I have always done it my way, too. He is truly my Brother. I am blessed He was in my life for Smack in 1973. Oklahoma when The High Time Girls Visited Tooting Spirit in Flesh, Michael Metelica Rapunzel. Joe Cocker met us at my Dad's House in Leyden Massachusetts

[@j.fiscel6921]

I think a Leon Lifer is a fan of all the types of music Leon did, no matter the style. When Leon was in town you went to see him and you knew you were seeing a musician that had played with anybody and everybody! A guy that filled a 20,000 seat stadium the first I saw him and filled a 400 seat concert hall a year before he passed. And the most important thing is we play his music a few times a week to this day.

[@jefferyhaas690]

That makes YOU a definite Leon Lifer for sure :)

[@JamZorro]

FAN-tastic Story! This man has moved and touched many... His music & legacy live on

[@rellrheeannaRN]

💕💕💕Leon lifer sending blessings as you have blessed me

[@martyjansing2675]

My favorite Leon story as told by Cher...while a member of the Wrecking Crew Leon showed up late for sessions for an Aretha Franklin album. Leon was drunk. He made his way across the room being careful not to make any noise. Once he made to his piano Phil Spector spoke up and asked Leon if he knew these two words, "self-respect"? Leon closed up his piano climbed on top and held up both hands with middle fingers extended and asked Phil if he knew these two words, "fuk you!!!". He then climbed down and made his way across the room being careful not to step on anyone rolling on the floor laughing and left. He never returned.

[@karenr.sternberg1920]

It's a bit more embellished than Cher tells it on film.

[@martyjansing2675]

@@karenr.sternberg1920 I'll have to go back and try and find that video unless you have a transcript. I thought that was pretty close. In the meantime give Leon and JJ at Paradise Studio a listen.

[@eyelavadershine]

Believe you!!!💋🎶

[@deepfreezevideo]

@@karenr.sternberg1920 and the funniest part is Leon sitting down for Denny Tedesco later and saying "that whole Cher story about my horrible drunk that day is absolutely accurate" with a bit of a sinister sub-zero cool grin on his face. Oh Leon, you were a wonderful musician AND a very funny guy on top of that.

[@imageskj1]

Saw my first Leon concert in 1973 in San Antonio. From 8 tracks to streaming he's always been playing in my life. ♥️

[@rellrheeannaRN]

Cried at the beautiful Oh God you are our blessing in you we love you

[@kimmyray1234]

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh LEON! ❤

[@willnewton1370]

Great post of Leon's varied career, Saw him many times over the years

[@robertphillips5889]

This is so cool, I too have been a Leon fan since Asylum Choir, I first saw him in 72 in Houston, at The Concert for Bangladesh. I went for George and Eric, but damn Leon tore into Jumping Jack Flash Young Girl and sitting in a dark theater it was like the Ed Sullivan Show the first time I saw the Beatles. Someone mentioned going to a Mad Dogs & Englishman Show to see Cocker

[@robertphillips5889]

and Leon stole the show. I finally got to see Leon on the Stop All That Jazz Tour and he blew the roof off. I was a veteran concert goer, but I had never seen such a show. In the 80's I saw him and Edgar Winter in Sacramento. I moved to Bakersfield in the 90's and found out Leon came to Bakersfield every year for our Fair. Just him and his piano he still was the Master of Space and Time. The past few years he carried a cane and finally stopped Touring. It made me sad to lose him RIP Leon. I am 67 so 43 years a Leon fan, then last year I found out about The Wrecking Crew and I knew why Leon was so versatile. This makes me so happy to find fans like myself. We miss you Leon

[@chlynn13b92]

Robert I love your post and he actually has many fans. I have loved him since I saw him live in the Mad Dogs and Englishmen show. But he toured right up until he had his heart attack. He was out in CA. because he played organ with Booker T during a show, I think it is Simi Valley something. I am going to post the FB sites you all can join where it is like a big Leon Love Fest.

[@robertphillips5889]

Chlynn13 B Thanks for your message

[@robertphillips5889]

Thank you for writing and those web sites, I just watched the tail end of this video and was happy to see Leon still had so many fans. I have a Leon story you might enjoy, I mentioned in my first piece I was lucky in that Leon played at a our County Fair, every year. We have the rodeo arena for flavor of the month artists and the Budweiser Pavilion for a more intimate setting. On this particular year Bruce Hornsby was touring on his big release My group had met up near the Pavilion to see Bruce and I saw a sign it just said Leon Russell. Without a thought I told my group I would see them later and I got a good seat. Leon Tore it up and about 30 minutes my wife and two friends joined me. She had been telling them about Leon so we all rocked out with Leon. He did say he was going to do another set and when I told them I was staying for the next show they were happy and quite taken with Leon. Waiting for Leon I told them Bruce is filling the seats at the arena; but I bet he knows of Leon. Sure enough after his first song Leon bought out Bruce Hornsby who after his gig had asked Leon if he could sit in.. It was like Leon had shifted gears and he smiled and played about 45 minutes with Hornsby playing his piano as hard as he could. Turned out he was a long time Leon fan and last year I discovered he had played with The Grateful Dead for a time.

[@chlynn13b92]

Bruce Hornsby actually made an album with Leon. Anything Can Happen. Here are a few articles. This one I believe might be where you are talking about. www.jambase.com/article/summoning-vulgate-bruce-hornsby-talks-funhouse-fest-leon-russell-noisemakers A review on the album and I believe there were some minor clashes over this lp, you know, it happens with 2 big talents. www.allmusic.com/album/anything-can-happen-mw0000279640 and here is Bruce's tribute to Leon. glidemagazine.com/176051/bruce-hornsby-plays-tribute-leon-russell-rouses-piano-via-solo-arizona-performance-show-review/ You know Leon jammed with Jerry Garcia, Doug Sahm and some others at the Armadillo World HQ, a fabled place in Austin. Just type in Doug Sahm, Leon Russell Jerry Garcia and all kind of links ( a few you can download the concert, not the greatest quality but still these are legendary musicians ) I like Hornsby but I love Leon. Thanks for your story!

[@lindabaker5124]

I am crying now and jealous I am 67 and didn't have internet back then

[@bigtime474]

Im also from Tulsa Oklahoma. I worked for Super Chief Productions spreading the word for a show out by Jay Oklahoma. My job was riding my Triumph all around Tulsa putting up posters, hitting bars . Id ride up to a likely bar,Staple a poster to the door,walk in, order a beer, ask if i could leave a stack of flyers id leave and staple a poster on the inside of the door.

[@CarolAnnePeskin]

LeonLifer? Oh hell YES! From the very beginning! And I just turned 77 years old earlier this month...❤😊🎉

[@debralyman135]

Leon love forever

[@rayfoley8329]

Lotta love for Leon

[@chlynn13b92]

If you want to talk with like minded fans of Leon there are several FB sites that discuss his career, music, post photos, etc. One is Leon Russell's Music , 2) Leon Russell Just put those in the search on Facebook and they should come up. They are closed groups which means you send a request to join, then you will get an acceptance back and be part of the gang.

[@richeaton7436]

1st time - Monster Mash(I was 5. lol) 2nd - Bangladesh Movie(stole the show) 3rd - Live with New Grass 5-6 more times, over the years LPs owned - Bangladesh(side 4 worn out), Carney, Hank Wilson, WotW Thanks, Leon. You and JJ, RIP

[@deepfreezevideo]

Did you ever get a chance to watch "The Best of the Leon Russell Festivals" DVD?

[@richeaton7436]

@@deepfreezevideo No, but I'll look for it. Thanks. Fav video on YT. JJ in Leon's basement '79. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5KrqYOfbsmAbdE

[@cynthialynnvalerino6411]

Awesome 🤗

[@bobsillas3553]

you got to know we heard the same music saw the same movies watch the same tv the same sports you are not the only one

[@teresapuppo1388]

Stupefacente

[@nelgstuart3442]

I used to think Jerry Lee Lewis was the best rock n roll piano player in the world. Not any more.

[@murph3001]

Why do you need a winner ___ where's the contest

[@charlotterogers8733]

Wow what a complication ❤

[@James_Bowie]

At 5:16 ... Darrell Mahone could be Leon's twin! Incredible likeness.

[@mosesmoses2000]

Rod Stewart, Leon Russel a snapshot in time with alot ofneat 15-16 year old kids and the scene before Led Zeppelin took over...

[@mosesmoses2000]

Leon Russel, Joe Cocker, George Harrison Biafra, quite a period...

[@onepunchgeorge9251]

Joseph.Testify brother! I'm from TULSA SO I Know of what I speak.😎

[@deepfreezevideo2]

Do not proselytize on this page. This will be the only warning. MA_BO's comment was removed for that reason.

[@grandpaobvious]

Thank you.

[@roxannehale1386]

The first part was kind of creepy. But how do I join?. Great mini documentary of the Master Leon.

[@deepfreezevideo]

Creepy? That was supposed to be funny. PS: If you love Leon's music you're already a Lifer.

[@dianasaba805]

18:59 💙

[@stevenlight5006]

I bought this c d .

[@marvinmock6505]

Drove by his house twice a day when working in Tulsa in the early 70's!