Best Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame induction you will ever see! Leon Russell 2011 - Take 10 mins now! HD

[@rhodesboy2010]

I thought, "Huh, I'll watch this 10 minute clip..." Now I'm crying, and looking up this fascinating Leon Russell catalogue. ❤

[@sherryshelton8477]

Got to see Leon 2nd time 2 months before he passed! 28 years in between. People just don't know and appreciate him! I do!

[@JismIsm-en4kz]

Saw him in concert w/wife Mary - Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, NY - 1975 - 15th row orchestra

[@Mathrox-uu1qh]

One of my brother's best memories was of being in New Orleans sometime in the late sixties or early seventies. He wandered into a bar, early afternoon. There was a man playing piano quietly, just a few customers listening, drinking. It was Leon Russell. Leon could never now how that hour became someone else's cherished memory, but I'll bet he could write a great song about that.

[@Omoloya1]

I have *absolutely* no idea who Leon Russell is... but, like everyone else, I know this man's music. I am crying *real tears.* Thank you, Leon. Thank you, Elton. May your blessings keep on flowin, Y'all.

[@jacobahtone220]

Look on KZbin for his old studio, the church studio in Tulsa. Rebuilt to the way it was when Leon bought it and turned it into a recording studio. Also check out his performances at the Cains ballroom in Tulsa.

[@juliedoss4147]

Back to the Island a favorite all time song!!!! Used to be on every juke box in every bar all over the U.S in the 80s!!! ❤️

[@margotconway8605]

Leon was the original piano man. Saw him live since the 70's @ Hollywood Sportatorium. He was a sexy dude and could he sing and play that piano. RIP Leon ❤ you

[@johndkastel7972]

Elton John just put himself in my Hall of Fame, what a speech, such honest warmth, and I never knew that about Leon Russell God bless both

[@allrequiredfields]

Dude what on earth? I had no idea that people had kind of forgotten about him. I mean holy shit, I'm a musician and his music is way before my time, but its the music that i effectively made of 'my time' and if I ever saw him out and about I mean I would just freak out.

[@kimberlybeeson3613]

Elton had the depth and the heart to pull Leon up and Leon felt that love. Two wonderful artists.

[@stephanbosch225]

Ya I'm sure you'd know.

[@kimberlybeeson3613]

@ I do know. It’s not hard to figure.

[@michaelclare9326]

3 comments in, and already an argument. What have we become..?

[@TomNemmer]

Who is that playing the guitar accompaniment during Song for You?

[@alanriley9621]

​@TomNemmer it's John Mayer

[@depmodealex]

dang...for ELTON to get so choked up over his idol is heartening to see.

[@johneffinger6977]

This is one of THE MOST BESTEST THINGS I have ever found on KZbin!

[@AjoyLehmanfittro]

Thank you Elton John for reminding people about Leon Russell, being from Tulsa , and loving him from the Tulsa perspective, I am so glad I got to see Leon inducted sp into the Rock and Roll HALL OF FAME . I LOVED him so much that inabout 3 bars of a piano rip I knew it was Leon. RIP IN PEACE LEON AND I HOPE YOU HAVE THE BEST BAND UP IN HEAVEN .

[@danielmiller210]

damn why did it take so long to put such a great artist in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but I'm glad he made it

[@78tag]

...that's the bull shit music industry for you - their politics kept him out for too long.

[@Slinger43]

The problem with The Hall is simple, they've done more wrong than they've done right, but at least they got this one right 👍

[@leceillebeckmeyer3195]

What a beautiful intro! I’ve always loved Leon. And Elton John did a fabulous job introducing him. Thanks for this.

[@LawDev-j2v]

Mr Elton John I grew up to your music ❤

[@StephenZimmer-xl8ux]

we went to see him in Quakertown Pennsylvania around this time - I couldn't help but notice his bus outside _ it was so strange to me that he traveled from town to town in that bus - I realized he was so much bigger to me. so thankful I drove there that night to see him.

[@katheyjberry]

Lest we forget, Elton reminded us it was in his early days that Leon Russell gave him a boost. So good to see it came full circle, and to the moment in this video. Yes, hallelujah!

[@elainemeeker664]

To have lived in the days and time as Leon Russell was magical, about the only thing i can equate to magical. This man and his music helped me through a very troubled time in my life. I purchased Leon's album Carney and played it , what seemed like, around the clock...at a high volume, maybe to drown out some of my suffering. Thank you Leon, you were a friend of mine❤

[@dburton7929]

I’ll never forget seeing Leon perform with Joe Cocker during the Mad Dogs and Englishman Tour. Grand times indeed.

[@mariegoocher4338]

The first concert I ever attended was Elton John when I was in middle school and it was incredible! Didn't discover Leon Russell for at least another decade, but listen to him quite a bit now. So touching that Elton contacted & toured w/ Leon Russell!

[@kahuhinerosemary4984]

I was at that performance at the Fillmore East. Awesome unforgettable experience!!

[@johnrodriguez7645]

When I was 10 years old growing up near South Coast Plaza in 1971 (circa Newport, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana)I was already listening to Elton and Leon. But now as I’m nearing my mid 60s, I can appreciate that time and that place and especially that music….

[@DianeFarrell-nc8sv]

Absolutely astounding! Such great talents and friendships come together. Hallelujah!

[@ingridwheeler3180]

Thank God for Leon Russell ! His music is the greatest gift to us all, amplified by everyone who recorded his songs. He made them all more famous by his heartfelt genius talent.

[@oldguyofarizona8602]

It’s nice to be reminded that the world isn’t full of assholes. Elton has zero to prove to anyone yet he does things like this.

[@eminbc]

So true. And that there are genuine people out there. LR an icon. EJ a man who honored his 2nd chance.

[@FINfinFINfinFINfin]

Wow! This video lived up to the title. What a great tribute by EJ.

[@alexrivera1161]

“A ditch on the side of the highway of life”. WOW! This is the most authentic RRHOF speech I ever heard.

[@MascarasMil]

Not sure how I stumbled onto this today. But this is the video I needed. Thank you Jesus, Elton and JMayer. Wow!!

[@MisterChristian831]

©️®️Someday I'm going to have to listen to that Elton John Leon Russell album. Leon's not new to Me, I knew Leon Russell's music in the 70s. C'mon🙏💃🤠🎶🎤

[@cmadams7]

Weather you know it or not, we have been listening to Leon our whole life’s!

[@AjoyLehmanfittro]

@cmadams7 yes we have

[@syvsinger1]

I'm so glad that I was able to be at a concert of Leon Russell's a couple of years before he passed. He was frail, but as soon as he was seated at the piano he played, sang, and told stories for 90 minutes. It was nothing short of an amazing evening! ❤🎹🎶

[@roger6599]

Two REAL gentlemen. Can you imagine how much a friendship with Elton John would bring into your life. God bless them both.

[@Woodsm.Woodstock..]

❤😂🎉😅

[@bon47ful]

Elton John, what a wonderful intro! God bless you and Leon Russell both.

[@mountainmedium111]

I saw Leon at a tiny bar in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in the 80's. It was like being at a private show! I freeking Loved Leon from the first time I saw him in the 70's! "Back to the Island" has always been my fave! 🎶💫💖💫🎶

[@margotconway8605]

I believe I saw Leon in the 80's in that small bar in Ft. Lauderdale, standing room only and so packed I could hardly breathe but loved it because it was up close and personal. First time I saw Leon was at the Hollywood Sportatorium back in the 70's when I was in high school

[@uwsgrrrl9981]

I’ve seen this video before, but it always brings me to tears. I’ve been a fan of Leon Russell since the late 60’s. When I see photos of him as a young man, he looks so freakin cool. Brings me back to NYC in the 70’s hearing his music on every juke box in every bar in the city. Makes me think of my youth. Seeing Dr. John playing with Leon Russell was a gift.💝

[@jamesedwards2237]

I got to see Leon Russell doing his Back to the Island show, opening for Hank Williams Jr. In the mid 80's. Killer show.

[@als3243]

That was such a wonderful and heartfelt introduction by Elton John. And I love Leon Russell. We played his albums in the natural food restaurant i worked in. It brings back so many excellent memories of my youth. We had the BEST music of any generation.

[@maryjvanderwerken3192]

Saw them at Fillmore East!!! Unforgettale!!! 💙🎶💙

[@JulieBurnes]

I cried when I had to pawn his cd in Houston

[@LoraDanna-c5z]

There's no one better than Leon Russell

[@parlarson8149]

Angelina Elton John KZbin

[@jettyprice179]

This makes me cry.We went to see Leon in concert in Fayetteville Arkansas shorty before he passed and he talked onstage about how Elton brought him back ....❤❤❤❤

[@lordofthehouseofstormcrows8615]

Leon was a national treasure. Grossly underrated, he might be one of the greatest American musicians to ever live.

[@theoone2829]

Recently took a tour of Muscle Shoals studios. Finding out about so many artists whose names I was unaware of. Made think of all the musicians whose music I loved and didn’t even know the musicians who created it.

[@trsdarrin]

I always come back to this video. I've watched it at least 30 times over the years. It really grounds me.

[@PaulWagner-z2r]

I saw Leon Russel at a small venue in Western Massachusetts.15 or 20 people were there. It was magical. Rip

[@PRODUCEDBYKEV]

I didn't know who Leon was until The Temptations did A Song For You in 1975. It made me go look him up and I've been appreciating him ever since.

[@Dwayne-mb2uj]

When I look at this I think how lucky I was to live in LA and meet half of these people Elton John mentioned .My Dad was in the IATSE and got to be a stage hand for many of these people as well.

[@marylousaunders3069]

Leon Russell was my first concert in 1972.. Loved him in The Concert For Bangladesh

[@markmatulef463]

One of my first concerts, Leon and Mary Russell at the Kiel Opera House.

[@hotplug56]

I had my special moment in the Summer of 1973 to stop at a 7/11 ouside of Tulsa to meet Leon Russell. I was driving to Chelsea, OK and noticed an old Rolls Royce in the parking lot. I walked in to buy a coke and met Leon at the counter. He could not have been more pleasant as we shared thoughts on a recent concert in Witchita KS.

[@WendyPollock-w8z]

Deep from the heart, thank u Elton, for putting Leon Russell on the Pedestal he deserved!! I remember back in 1960's & listening to the Beatles! The background piano music stood out so beautifully, thought to myself; whose that playing??? I'm so elated that he (Leon, & Elton too) achieved the "Greatness " that they both deserved!!! And, thx you God too, for blessing us with 2 remarkable human beings & to allow the opportunity to express it!!! Amen.

[@JamesPink-j2k]

John Mayer plays the most respecttful, subserviant fills and solo. Beautiful!

[@bobbyfaulkner6702]

Ya just cannot hate Elton! A stellar musician himself giving honor where honor is due!!!! As well I've seen leon perform live many times it was beyond a special event and a treat to watch a master like that at work!!

[@billmitchell3329]

Leon Russell set the standard of greatness!

[@MelissaThompson432]

I was one of the lucky ones who got to see him when he was "driving around in the bus playing gigs." He was mostly doing shows close to home, not doing meet and greets, but he had some fabulous musicians and other acts with him-- not well-known, but definitely smoking. I got quite a few autographs that night. It was pleasing to see that he was still at the center of great music being made, still in there making his own.

[@Aurabora54321]

Hold on to those autographs. They are for the ages.

[@MelissaThompson432]

@Aurabora54321 for real.

[@johnreas9216]

Leon playing & singing at the Concert For Bangladesh still gives me goosebumps. He’s magnificent.

[@AjoyLehmanfittro]

@johnreas9216 yes I loved The way he did Jumping jack flash.....got a sweet young thing hearing that Okie twang....

[@MakaiMauka]

The break in his voice after John Mayer’s solo and the nods to Meyer at end are like a torch being passed, Leon Russell’s way of blessing the new generation. Mayer’s hand over his heart is the reverence of a new generation to a true pioneer and a truly great soul in music. Eltons’s beautiful tribute, and this magical performance said it all. Magnificent! Thank you!

[@ThomasHonles]

I'm going to add one more credit to Elton's long list. Elton is a very very good public speaker! Really enjoyed his talk about Leon Russell.

[@susanphillips1495]

I've been seeing Leon over 25 yrs. If I am within two hrs of a show, I'm there. Have all his music. My heart

[@michaelphillips8453]

Good to know Elton was there for Leon

[@pamelaholder6085]

I loved your music Leon! Thank you Elton for your kindness and for making it right for Leon. ❤

[@vegasdano7569]

Now that was one hell of an interdiction. To a pioneer of rock n roll music. Amazing 👍🏼🙏🏼🕊️ RIP to a legend. Great job sir Elton 👍🏼

[@robertsheed8962]

Leon Russell u beaut a magic Man still turning folks on to your music😎❤️

[@merryaijlman7833]

This is my favorite Leon Russel song. No one sings it like he does. ❤😊

[@jaycossey850]

Such a wonderful and unique--truly unique--musician. Jumpin' Jack Flash at the Concert for Bangladesh with George Harrison, Eric Clapton and friends. Priceless.

[@RichardCharles-RCJH]

I got to see Leon (the first time) in NYC, in either late '70 or early '71. This was just a bit after Mad Dogs and Englishmen. He played all the songs from his first solo album, Delta Lady, Roll Away The Stone, etc., and the songs from the soon to be released Shelter People album. It was nothing short of fantastic!!! Had all the heavies in the band ... Carle Radle on bass, Chuck Blackwell on drums, Don Preston on guitar, Jim Horn on sax, Claudia Lenear and Kathi McDonald on vocals... what a night ~

[@rellrheeannaRN]

Leon beyond brilliant I sobbed watching it as did putting on Mad Dogs and the Englishmen"go out in the noon day sun" Bless your Heart Elton a lovely Southern phrase. The man is a legend!!!

[@montewright111]

Saw Leon in a TINY club called the Towne Crier on a first date with my now wife of 30 yrs. LEON RUSSEL played like six pianists playing at once and sang like no one else. Such a monumental talent rarely exists.

[@hazeleyes6725]

Omg this is precious. I saw Leon Russell in a little bar in Stuart FL called The Caboose. Like 1977. I was maybe 21 & out with my 2 sisters. I will never forget it. It was a perfect dark noisy little place and it was magic . He sang this song and Lady Blue and he stared right through me I swear it was spiritual! Amazing artist. I feel blessed and love him still.

[@JuliaDilliard]

Was living in Austin Tx in the early 70's & Leon Russell played one of the clubs a number of times. Didn't realize how fortunate we were.

[@artnouveau7633]

There was a lot of good music around Austin, then it's my hometown

[@Jr-sn7qd]

A song for you sung by Ray Charles gives me goosebumps. Thank you Elton for reaching out to a lost soul and making him feel whole again. I really love you both.

[@scophile]

He wrote it.

[@AjoyLehmanfittro]

@@scophile what's amazing is the fact that he played in the studio s with so many great people.

[@kittenfuud]

Oh that was so sweet. I loved Leon the first time my friend's dad played his records when I was 14. I'm 64 now and this brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for isolating this and uploading. RIP Leon. ❤

[@tomrogerlilleby2890]

I got to know about Leon Russell in the wake of him collaborating with my hero Geoge Harrison on the "Bangla Desh" benefit concert - and he instantly became another musical hero to me. I've sifted through all his records to make a "best of" compilation on my "Spotify" account - and that personal compilation is one of the best I've ever made - and the most durable, that I can return to over and over without getting tired of it ! It looks to me that you have a great artist if you can create an personal "Album" if you can fill it up with only songs that you really like. With Leon Russell it quickly became an Double Album ! I love his earliest albums the most - and "Carney" is an absolute all time favourite !

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

We oldersters have the Best music. I know many personally. Feeling blessed.

[@Dave-po2mz]

Leon Russell. What a mesmerizing performer. Watch his studio session with Glen Campbell, he could hang with anybody.

[@stephenhenion8304]

I saw tons of shows back in the day, but Leon was never available... He exemplifies the magic of the 60s and 70s!!! Such a heartfelt acknowledgment of his contribution and depth of talent!!! GO LEON!!!

[@JasperCatProductions]

Leon Russell is my favorite artist. My daddy would listen to music with me. I was 5, we would lay in front of his stereo and he’d let me pick what we played. I always wanted Leon. No one sounds like Leon, I had the joy to see him in concert 3 times. I can’t wait to get to heaven to see my daddy and hear Leon again.

[@michelle-cl1du]

Leon, you were never forgotten! Loved, respected ALWAYS!

[@REBBEORNOT]

Amen, Michelle

[@johnsutyak]

I last saw Leon at Lockn' 2015 where he joined the Tedeschi Trucks Band along with several other artists from the original Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour including Rita Coolidge for a replay of that tour. He was amazing, strong voice so poignant on songs that he led vocals on. By far the most amazing show I have seen because of him. The show is now a documentary, wish it was easier to find on streaming outlets. Bless him for sharing his life, creativity and talent with us.

[@ryanellis4474]

Elton did a good deed to rescue Leon. God Bless him for that. I will pray for America. Please pray for me.

[@patriciatarkington8914]

I had such a crush on Leon Russell when I was just a kid.

[@user-ok1be5cz8i]

Me too

[@78tag]

That is understandable - being of the same era as Leon I have to admit I was pretty envious of his whole thing.

[@DavidJones-ey6ie]

Leon and Elton are both masters

[@ComradeStiv]

Give me true human benevolence and authenticity and I crumble to pieces; every .. damn .. time. It's only unfortunate it took so bloody long before the The Man was inducted. About the 6 min mark this went directly in my special 'Break Down Inspirational & Noteworthy' playlist and saved to mp4 as a precious keepsake 🙏 🙌 ✨

[@karenweaver134]

I have been a dedicated Leon Russel fan from day #1 . Simply the BEST! ❤

[@kennycab3374]

Could only imagine how beautiful of a duet with Russell on piano and singing, with Willie Nelson on guitar and singing would have been.

[@viewdemonde]

What a wonderful testament to the humble genius of Leon Russell. 👏❤️

[@eminbc]

Humility, yes a beautiful rare thing. The opposite is hubris. Popular nowdays. sigh...

[@PatriciaBalthasar-iw5bl]

Thank you Elton want a great education. This was well said your covered alot of his accomplishment. This was a long time in waiting. Always my favorite Always, Always. Your my straight bother. Miss You Leon,but your music will always be with me. Thank You for sharing your gift of music. ❤

[@allenbourne2458]

Just now seeing this video for the first time, and what a wonderful tribute to Leon, thanks to Elton John. Kind of like another incredible Okie songwriter and musician, JJ Cale, who was also on the side of the highway of life but continued to be resurrected loved by Eric Clapton. There must be something in the Oklahoma water to produce so many incredible musicians.

[@myralhf]

Leon so gifted from a young age. So much emotion in his music...whoa. Last time I saw him in concert was in Portland around 2010 at Roseland...such talent for his love of music. So grateful for Elton gif tof support even for Princess Di. Leon and his great music will be in my heart and sould forever!

[@glenramo]

What a great tribute to a superstar.I was blessed to be at the Filmore for 2 Mad dogs and englishman shows and the concert for Bangladesh.SONGWRITER,PERFORMER PAR EXCELLENCE THANK YOU LEON

[@triplet3023]

OMG! I have goosebumps seeing and hearing this. I have no idea when it was filmed and do not care. What a phenomenal singer, pianist, writer. The guitarist is an amazing instrumentalist too! Goosebumps! It is so nice to put a face (faces) behind songs you have heard before. Elton you showed the respect you have for him, the love and the respect - that is worth so much more than wealth (if you don’t have any of that). 😊❤

[@ronnyparker]

Beautiful, Life is so good. Thanks for all of these, love Mayer and Leon, my heart is lifted.

[@caterina38]

Wow, Elton wearing his heart for all to see and hear. 5:30 true love that is so so short Lenny Cohenanother great. Elton&Len got to spend an iconic year together::What a gift between brothers “bless your heart “

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Bless your heart Caterina 💞

[@johnjmccluskey1]

Man I forgot how much I love Leon Russell. When that live album came out I listened to nothing else for months!

[@Peter-sk5vg]

Elton is a real good heart as is Leon. Great people

[@JSees]

That was such a touching tribute from Elton. I loved Leon Russel and saw him around 1972 or 73 in Dayton, Ohio and then again in 2013 I think in Scottsdale AZ. He was still rocking. He was mesmerizing and so much in the 70s.

[@beckyscott4026]

I got to see them BOTH, TOGETHER - Piano to Piano in Boston at one of the coolest shows ever, produced by T Bone Burnett. Most incredible show ever (with so many others like Elvis Costello, Jeff Bridges, Gregg Allman)

[@WendyPollock-w8z]

Wow, we're u lucky!!!

[@jodylowe8476]

I'm not crying. You're crying.

[@chrisbreedy2314]

Yes I am-huge Fan of both since 71❤

[@pappyreeves6988]

Yep, its me, I'm sobbing 😢

[@yru435]

You were correct, this was so nice to see. RIP Leon Russell

[@rjwh67220]

His Hank Wilson’s Back was such a milestone!

[@jeanhawken4482]

How many nothing people have lived of these two wonderful artists. This is kindness and talent at work.

[@AllieEllafaire]

I miss my favorite Leon ( Redbone 2nd) so much….sang lots of his songs in several bands back in the day even got to sit with him and sing this and a few other songs with him after a concert in NOLA around 45 years ago….🐸

[@robertmartin730]

Me too!

[@lonneblodgett4902]

Oh Leon, humble treasure from the start/ musical genius,lyrics we will forever sing.🎶 ❤

[@kiely]

Leon Russell was also only one of the Wrecking Crew to tell Phil Spector to F off

[@christlopherbrandimarte4520]

Gen Z Gen X , Millenials, and countless others, have no idea who this genius is. A damn shame. And God Bless Elton for such a wonderful tribute, a wonderful recollection for such a talented forgotten legend of ALL genres of music. I have so much more respect for Elton after his fabulous journey after 38 years of not having spoken to Leon. He saved Russel's life, resurrected the talented juices that encompass a musical genius. I personally was unaware of how far back Leon's accomplishements were. Russel worked with the best, as he achieved the best. And Sir Elton, your tributorious words of wisdom on Leon's behalf were to be cherished as much as his career. Two greats respecting one another. A generational talent and fine ode for a wonderful musician who achieved the pinnacle of his profession. I am remiss in admitting that this is the first time I saw this footage, albeit 13 years after the fact. God Bless both Leon Russell and Sir Elton for all of the great music you both were/are a part of .

[@turnsufficient4971]

Not correct - plenty of us know who Leon Russell is. The intro sentence in your comment is lame and was completely unnecessary. You're not making yourself any better by taking a shot at different generations. You clearly don't even know the time frame years of generations. 🤡

[@mintyfresh79]

Gen x knows who the master of space and time is.

[@JanetJameisun]

1974 Toledo Ohio Sports Arena, Leon Russell took the stage. He was wearing his top hat, long hair, best concert , those were the days, had a big crush on this man, wonderful memories!

[@cristianovia]

A song for you is a GREAT song!

[@jamescampbell9533]

Leon and JJ were just two Tulsa kids who loved the music but hated the music business. They ended up in LA from necessity but finally came home when they got all they could stand.

[@tomcarl8021]

Tulsa, and Oklahoma, has produced many outstanding musicians. I wish more people knew that.

[@JSees]

Jimmy Webb was an OK boy.

[@jamescampbell9533]

@ Jesse Edwin Davis too. Lots of Oklahoma people in the music industry.

[@sarahjackson9731]

Love this video ! Grateful I encountered Leon " back in the day"