Leon Russell & Friends 1971 -Honky Tonk Woman

[@stuckinfreeport1]

No one can deny that 60's 70's rock n roll was the best music ever

[@jjjjjj-sd6yr]

Listen to the "music" of today, and you just have to wonder how people were ever this talented.

[@robertkennett4622]

They had an attention span of greater than 20 seconds.

[@markmcmyn8967]

No kidding!

[@unclewalt1]

And yet, for some reason, all of you miserable people are focused almost entirely on the music you hate (even though you're not familiar with 95 percent of the music being made now) instead of the stuff you like. This is like a bunch of people are at a party talking about why they like "The Godfather," and you come bursting in to say, THAT MOVIE 'WHITE CHICKS' IS SO TERRIBLE COMPARED WITH THE GODFATHER, DON'T YOU THINK?"

[@J3189-b5p]

Okay, buddy, prove me wrong. Tell me the name of two groups today who are as good as Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, Santana, or The Doors. I would seriously love it if you could.

[@unclewalt1]

@@J3189-b5p You're just missing the point entirely. The point is that even thinking this way is droolingly, fingerdraggingly stupid, and it betrays a deep miserableness on the part of the people who do it. The late '60s and early '70s was the peak of popular music, likely to never be matched again. But why are you complaining (constantly, millions of you, under all these videos) that the era passed? The music is all still there, and lots of great music was made before and after that era -- so much that if you let yourself scope some of it out, you'd find tons of stuff you'd like (assuming you actually like music at all) and never reach the end. Why do you people insist on making it a contest? I'll tell you why: because you're unhappy, terrified, and resentful. It has nothing to do with the music itself, and everything to do with that. You happened to be in your youth when this music was popular. So what? What's so important about that era being "better" than other eras? Why is it even a discussion, outside of just observing the fact of it? Whom are you even arguing with about it, and what would it look like if you were to "win" this argument? Foghat at No. 1 again, or...? Ask yourself: "Why am I so upset over the music 14-year-old girls are listening to now?" There's no good answer to that. Only very grim ones.

[@lindabaker5124]

The woman dancing with the rolling pin was Sweet Emily his personal assistant and very much a part of Leon and his friends

[@rosedi2255]

Thanks for the info. Always wondered who she was.

[@hardifier1234]

What great memories of a wonderful genre of hopeful and happy times

[@frankiebutler2894]

@@rosedi2255 Leon wrote song “ Sweet Emily” for her. Her father owned a bar in Tulsa, & at his death, she continued bar, (I read this), & always had a lasting friendship with Leon. I think she was responsible for a lot of management jobs in entertainment.

[@rosedi2255]

@@frankiebutler2894 Thank you very much. Wonderful that he let her be on the show. Shows how large hearted he was.

[@nancyscottartprojects7848]

Linda, what became of Claudia and Emily?

[@Bombeni]

Ah such sweet memories. I grew up & live in Tulsa, Leon's hometown. We used to get loaded & drive around his house; sometimes we'd hear live music. We always wanted to scale the fence but were too paranoid (that's what pot does for ya). One time, I swear, we were driving around there at night and a cop comes outta nowhere and stops us. The pot smoke was pouring from the car. He opened glovebox found the bag & threw it on the seat & said to get rid of it, then walked away. The 70's, so sweet.

[@lorrainejohnson337]

Good 👍 ole 70's

[@tradrjk]

Ice tribute

[@johngilmer6782]

Dallas- Ft Worth cops in 70s would make you dump bag out and take empty bag with you.

[@stobbinsboy]

Yeah we had the fat Indian cop in Albuq who was known for being cool. He just made us toss it. Part of the local drug lore of the day.

[@williamveres2737]

He was a Honky Tonker Cop!

[@Viracocha88]

When I see clips like this it makes me wish it could be 1971 forever.

[@thomasbest8599]

Been there ,too

[@27kjh]

Ya…

[@ethimself5064]

The 60s and 70s were very special

[@truenorth3740]

Fuck no I was drafted 71

[@ethimself5064]

@@truenorth3740 Dud you know that 100,000 Draft Dodgers were welcome in Canada amd near all stayed when they were allowed back. You remember - Hell no we won't go?

[@mrmaddawg40]

Claudia Lennear Blows my mind. How Beautiful she is!! She is the inspiration for the Stones song Brown Sugar......Smokin Hot!!!!!!!!!

[@DeekaTV]

Actually the person behind Brown Sugar was his 1st baby mama Marsha Hunt. Look it up

[@chrisdonovan2053]

"The identity of the woman who inspired the song has been debated for years. Singer and novelist Marsha Hunt, mother of Jagger's first child Karis, claims in her autobiography Real Life that she is the inspiration for "Brown Sugar." But backing singer Claudia Lennear believes the song is based on her. "Around the time 'Brown Sugar' became a hit for the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger and I were always seen together in restaurants and nightclubs in Los Angeles," Lennear told the Express. "That’s why people thought the song was about me, and Mick later confirmed that it was."

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

Here ya go: Mick Jagger wrote the lyrics. According to Bill Wyman, it was partially inspired by a black backup singer named Claudia Lennear, who was one of Ike Turner's Ikettes. She and Jagger met when The Stones toured with Turner in 1969.

[@armandbourque2468]

That smile, the voice, the everything.

[@ClayBlasdel44]

Yes and some woman's massive butt kept blocking my view of Claudia

[@cantarooots]

This is so ridiculously badass. That dancing lady is priceless :) Leon is the man.

[@smokingstoking7357]

It ain't over until the fat lady sings

[@davidharris9451]

My people!!

[@mirosuni]

@@davidharris9451 Ditto!!!

[@jarkieconqueso]

She's dancing with a rolling pin! WTF! LOL

[@wolfbecker5977]

Who is the big lady?

[@Theloverealm]

Leon is the man, forget the mean hearts, their hearts are sick and ill with meanness, Leon and these folks are beautiful, bless you

[@StefanEngler-rb8lu]

🤘

[@lemurianchick]

The Internet never ceases to amaze me. There seems to be endless videos from the past that I have never seen before.

[@peterericson8170]

But this one might be one of the utmost coolest ever, right? :)

[@williambain2646]

I couldn’t have said it better myself. Just when you think you have seen everything from the 60s and 70s.

[@tlynch1218]

Especially when you got to see it live!!!​@@peterericson8170

[@johnamiller4046]

Who in their right mind can't enjoy music like Emily? Dance like Noone is watching. Let music move you. She is pure joy and Leon knew it. I love it and Emily's joy is infectious.

[@omiller666]

Leon Russell the most cool person in music plus great hippie vibe so much love back in those days truly miss them!❤

[@judecreek2]

I saw photos of Leon's 65th birthday party and in one, sitting next to him is none other than Sweet Emily! Talk about a friendship that's lasted through the years.

[@Leocadia333]

This makes me so happy; the Pure Joy of Leon and these people is contagious.

[@stonesrocknrollmusic7262]

R.i.p. Leon Russel. Phenomenal performance.

[@KittyGrizGriz]

@@SS-bw4ls Joe Cocker is in a class all his own; phenomenal-singer~artist who made others songs “his own”.

[@TomBrown-z3q]

Leon, you will never be replaced. You are an icon.

[@kenjordan9479]

I watched this when it was first broadcast. Thank you so much. And folks please support public TV, they have given us more than you can imagine.

[@michaelmakes1225]

They stopped giving years ago, now they just take, fat salaries and propaganda

[@halfranklin4590]

I also saw it on PBS. What an incredible show. As I remember, Sweet Emily was actually baking on the set. Good times!

[@LindaMaeMullins]

❤

[@capricosm8086]

Back up singer Kathi McDonald in red dress is astonishing with Claudia Lennear...what a powerfull duo !!!

[@davidweiner5468]

No one ever better than those two ladies

[@nancyscottartprojects7848]

Ahhhh, Claudia Lanier.

[@ptzbrgmike6472]

So glad I had a chance to see him in 1974.

[@mslindafreeman]

Thanks SweetEm for the laughs, your generosity and kindness to those you loved and the cooking sessions we had along the way You will be missed by many! There will never, ever be another Emily. Rest in Peace Beautiful Lady

[@Bustoff55]

Amen to that darlin

[@KittyGrizGriz]

Dancing With Abandon!!💕

[@uncleswan3896]

in 1971 that's an original Gibson Explorer from 58 or 59!!!

[@bowtie1231]

I brought a Explorer in late 1958. They were made out of Koa wood. The close up does not look like Koa wood. Also the first two were made with with an abalone "G" in the head stock The rest were made with "Gibson" on the head stock.

[@uncleswan3896]

@@bowtie1231 the original explorers were made out of korina (African limba) or mahogany according to every guitar historian that I've read, is that what you mean?

[@bowtie1231]

@uncleswan3896 Yes. If there anyway to attach a picture I can send you some. I traded it back to the music store for $100 in 1961 Danny Gatton was a close friend of mine and the guy who brought it (Johnny Watson) came in to where Danny was playing and ask if he knew me. The next day Danny and I were on the way to his house and he let us take the guitar back to my home. (at this time, 1975, the value was about $5000-$6000) I tried to trade my '65 Corvette to him but he was not interested. Danny and I changed out the pick up covers (new gold). I think Johnny ended up selling it to someone in Chicago for about $85,000 (I think in the 80's) I heard that it went to Japan sometime in the late 80's or early 90's. George Gruhn says today one is worth $500,000. My was one of 2 prototypes that had the Gibson "G", so could be worth more.

[@lfader]

​@@bowtie1231The '58 Flying V Korina also upwards to 1m. 💰 I was in Norm's rare guitars w Joe Bonamasa doing a '58 Korina deal the vibe made me to nervous had to get out of the store 🏃💨💨💨 ... 🤣

[@Tara1823]

I've been a big fan since I was about 5 yrs old because my Mom and sister would always listen to Leon and they even watched this "Leon and friends when it originally airede in 1971.

[@andyjenkins4665]

Oh my word Sir Leon, really miss your southern drawl crooning with the shelter people. still keeps me smiling RIP.

[@jabirujoe]

Best concert I've ever been to.......Leon Russell and the Shelter People........and 35 years on I'm still in love (or is that lust) with Claudia Leaneer............. she's just drop dead gorgeous...............

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

If it wasn’t for Leon’s voice and piano, I’d never even know he was there at all! Love the bodacious women getting down!👍❤️🎹

[@rogerwilliams5382]

Barely see glimpses of him. Leon Russell was definitely one of the all time greats. I sure miss the music of that time. These old videos are good stuff.

[@thefalcon9536]

In 1970 I was standing in a drizzly night St. Louis Missouri Kiel auditorium. Trying to panhandle money to get in to see Leon .. roadie seen me standing. Crazy thing. He said pick up a guitar and follow me. I got to sit on stage and watch Leon perform, epic, once in a lifetime there are only 1,500 to 2,000 people total ,it was like a party

[@StefanEngler-rb8lu]

Freakin Awesome! ❤🤘

[@blkcat6184]

I lived in St. Louis in 1970, but was probably too stoned to remember if I saw Leon...

[@maryjanecunningham8204]

Gone to soon 😢😢😢

[@janedoe6764]

I saw Leon with Joe Cocker in Charlotte NC. Damn that was fun.

[@chrisbreedy2314]

Lucky Falcon❤

[@joelmontgomery8295]

My father and I watched this on public TV when I was a kid in S.F.

[@jimmagnus1200]

They aren't just playing the music. They are feeling it and they make you feel it too.

[@KittyGrizGriz]

Love Ya Leon!! ❤

[@davidweiner5468]

Great to see Kathi McDonald and Claudia Lennear two of the best ever!!

[@essertpitay]

I have just discovered this Dude...What a dude.

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

Leon had a hell of an entourage.

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

Claudia Lennear is criminally underrated...what a singer and stage presence and what a fox! I wonder whatever became of her...

[@billyendress727]

Was she ever married to Leon, or living with him?

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

@@billyendress727 No idea.

[@RodCalidge]

Claudia quit music and became a linguistic teacher. She speaks something like 5 languages.

[@janechapman6448]

She is alive and well. She became a school teacher . Gorgeous, talented abd smart

[@tommerante4894]

@@janechapman6448 The Black singer is beautiful, is that Claudia?

[@ruitevar]

Leon is a living legend of contemporary human culture. The roll of rock 'n, folk, blues and country, would be completely different without him. Something in her style gave the modern Anglo-Americanmusic; a kind of season, a kind of spirit we can not deny, he is on it.

[@OtisMoto]

Just got into Leon. Amazing

[@KittyGrizGriz]

“Oooh Lawd” Leon at the end, sure was a fantastic jam!!! 😅 😻

[@robertmceuen3630]

Leon&friends were some of the most talented people in the history of music. RIP to any that have gone on ahead of us.

[@gwynnielsen5081]

This looks like an amazing jam session. Wish I could've been a fly on the wall for this one.

[@robertunderwood6011]

seen him a week before his passing three hours worth the show played and talked about life we miss you !

[@joevs21001]

The guy with the drumstick and tambourine is Don Nix. Look up Don Nix singing "Amos Burke" on youtube and it will bring up another video of this same show. Amos Burke is a really cool song. It has the older black gentleman in the chair kicking off the song. Don Nix is the lead singer with Leon Russell playing piano and backing vocals along with the other backing vocalists. Good tune.

[@Ward-c4q]

I love it. I’ve never heard it before. Thank you for sharing. I love this man saw him right before he died. I was so glad to be able to see him.

[@stevenyork8532]

When everyone could be themselves look any way no judgmental anything just acceptance and love

[@32fordcoupegirl85]

so awesome and sweet Emily was from Sullivan Indiana, she was a friend to all, such a precious soul, its so neat leon involved her and even wrote a song about her, she had to have loved that !,, both of the RIP

[@arminwagner8503]

Great cover-version, marvelous gospel-sound, gran concierto! Music from before "my" time, nobody do something like this in these days anymore! Muchas gracias, Leon & Friends.

[@alicethomasse5309]

This was many times on Satherday Night comedy!! Soooo good 😂❤

[@bonesc7201]

God bless sweet Emily and Leon, plus all the others in that era that have gone on to the big rock and roll Jam in the sky!

[@artramos8202]

We need more Leon...

[@garyguiou4575]

One of the greatest , I was Blessed to have seen him perform on more then one occasion!

[@RoseAnnetteBanks]

Leon Russell always love his versions of cover songs better than original. He is the best.

[@JazzyBluesWoman]

Joevs21001...The "older black gentleman" is the immortal Furry Lewis out of Memphis Tennessee...both a gentle man and a blues legend. One of the best lyricists and adaptive storytellers in blues history...

[@GohAhweh]

I guess that's who Joni Mitchell is singing about in her song "Furry sings the blues.."

[@keithshamradioworld2793]

@@GohAhweh It is

[@danielmussa3337]

wowow special song witrh special melody and unsuall voices ;; and that woman dancer wwwoo

[@jwbarnhartmusic]

It’s the lyrics from ‘country honk’. How fun is this. I love it. I love the dancer with the rolling pin as well.

[@bubbagump6934]

This may be the greatest thing I have ever seen!

[@iralee9787]

Awesome to see a large woman get down and boogie. The two backup singers are also awesome and beautiful!

[@valerieleigh4776]

Is one of the two backup singers Mary that he married??

[@tigerhawkz4402]

No, the backup singers were Claudia Linnear and Kathi MacDonald.

[@markshechter8473]

Somehow I can remember watching this on TV as a kid... must be a moment if clarity or something.

[@tshart630]

Good Lord, all kinds of awesome here. RIP Leon!

[@TheDenny24]

Women are so incredible, life would be dull as hell without them, even though they drive you nuts with their insane ways.

[@leftie4822]

Saw this special on TV. Blew my mind. The 60's and early 70's accepted everyone and they were all cool. Later in the program, the large woman started making bread and really got into the flour. Always remembered her.

[@bbailey17b]

+Leftie She was onstage when I saw Mad Dogs and Englishmen, including Joe Cocker, in Frisco's Fillmore West, early in 1970. Twas the liveliest stage act ever, with two drummers and heaps of pandemonium going on everywhere--not to mention the electrified Cocker and a generous standup audience that was into sharing.

[@tribblebooth1224]

I saw this guy performing live on British TV in the early 70's, and it just blew my mind.Considering the crap that poses has music now, it's unlikely that my mind will ever be blown again.

[@WhoDatNatn]

Takes me back to the day's of puppy love ,dancing in public for the first time,drinking Boones Farm,the first kiss at the Movie,s, the freedom of those growing up days! Thank's Leon Russell,we love you!

[@addagwenlyn9662]

Boones Farm Strawberry Hill, yuk, I can still taste it from 1972 H.S. graduation night party. Haven't saw that around in decades. Do they even make that stuff anymore ?

[@cmans79tr7]

I remember the Liquor stores used to keep Boone's Farm in the side cooler, next to the Champale. LOL! Yuck!

[@KittyGrizGriz]

I remember those HS Boones Farm days; strawberry I believe…ahhhh

[@Muziekgenot]

Keep swinging along Leon! We'll miss you. RIP

[@EllenCubley]

I saw Leon at the Tally Ho Theater in the early 90s. Absolutely spectacular show!

[@dmreeoogdaq]

I was privileged enough to tour Leon's house in OK (on the lake) about 10 years ago that he had when he was recording "Carney". My, my my...Dylan jammed with him there along with George Harrison, and the studio was a separate building in the compound and it was just beautiful. Don't even get me started on the house!

[@brokendad2222]

I was taking banjo lessons from a guy in OKC he took me with him to record some back up tracks for Leon just before the fire. Just a kid and still in awe of the talent all of the years later.

[@NancyCornwell-l4m]

Love this & Sweet Emily makes it.

[@Gaylel1]

I remembered this. This was produced as a special from television station KCET about 45 years ago.

[@Imind60]

Remember watching on PBS. There were some great concerts shown on there in the 70s. I recall one with Santana and the Grateful Dead.

[@rogercoles3973]

the guitar player is playing a Gibson Explorer. they only sold 17 of those in 1958 the first year it was offered and only a smaller number between 1959 and 1960. they didn't bring it back until 1976. this video was 1971, if that explorer still exisists it's probably worth a million dollars.

[@ingognito369]

I think the guy from scorps, mateus had one

[@gweimer]

I saw this show when it first aired...I had never seen an Explorer before

[@irvy78]

To all who love Leon? " BLESS YOUR HEART "

[@ferm8103]

Genuinely great fun from all in this and very good music playing , would be watching this every time instead of the current fame seeking talentless garbage polluting our lives

[@eaccristo]

I will deeply grieve his passing...May he Rest in Peace

[@mollysmith8935]

I've seen many versions of that song including Gus Hardin in Tulsa , OK, with Leon Russell. But this is the best and funniest cover ever. Thanks for sending.

[@KittyGrizGriz]

Thanks for the memory; I saw Gus Hardin perform many years ago in TTown, also.

[@Gaylel1]

Kiddies who are under 40 or 50, take a lesson. This was music.

[@only1wolz]

We know. Some of us grew up in scenes just like this, remember?

[@mygoddess1]

I remember Ryan :)

[@mygoddess1]

I remember when ha ha ha :)

[@jonpittman4692]

WAS?? IS

[@prebooomer]

@@jonpittman4692 got that right!!!

[@gardenlady00]

Those were the good ole days when everyone could have some great fun!

[@upsidetheflipside]

if you cannot dig it, go away, no need to insult what you dont understand

[@chic9236]

Shut up!

[@songlyon]

Thank you Leon...may you rest in peace...

[@4980cbs]

Nowadays very few people know Leon Russell. It´s a pity!

[@Super241946]

Have a listen to his piano playing on "Love letters straight from your heart" by Ketty Lester. Beautiful.

[@iralee9787]

Awesome to see a big woman just boogie down to the music! Ira Lee, Ph.D.

[@martinlyons3077]

That lady is the "Honkiest Tonkiest" woman ever 😎

[@shellytracy5396]

This was on PBS...I watched it everytime it was on

[@jonathanwebster5810]

So sad and sorry to hear about the passing of the late, cosmically soulfully great, Leon! I am sure he is playing those ivories up in heaven. And what a legacy he has left us. His music is a constant inspiration to my own modest Americana-soul-gospel tinged songs. RIP!

[@22158tacoma]

Thank you Tearloch! I was in the heat of the moment and blurted out a handful of the greats. I don't expect gen x,y to go explore anybody from All

[@kazuyoshisakamoto4096]

A dancing plump woman brings to mind the title of this song.

[@jimrebr]

Saw Kathi McDonald several tmes hee in Washington state, where she was from. I knew that was Claudia Linnear, she was so gorgeous, those 2 gals could really sing. Love Emily, and Leon very much. Saw Miss Emily on 5-16-70, my mom’s 35th Birthday, I was 15, when we saw Mad Dogs and Englishmen concert, Leon was the best!!

[@Werkzeugrolf]

Nice to see the fabulous Claudia Lennear again :-)

[@betterthanyesterday1704]

Ohhh, Claudia Linnear...SMMMOKING hot! Love this- great clip

[@candelise]

Certainly at this time Leon must've been the coolest human being on the planet!

[@lornebailey1568]

Back when we all got along ?

[@michaelburke7742]

This was clearly the party to be at. At least that's where I would be that night.

[@stillme9171]

Damn! 6 years later I'd see the Leon Russell we know and love. Elton John opened for him

[@jacktwist5907]

The backup singers are Claudia Lennear and Kathi McDonald-sanf blues/R&R. Lady with the rolling pin is Emily Smith-"Sweet Emily." Emily passed in 2013 at 69 yrs. of age.

[@PamelaWayneAuthor]

is that Don Preston on lead guitar?

[@photonotavailable7936]

Jack Twist Thanks 🙏.

[@KittyGrizGriz]

@@PamelaWayneAuthoryes; I read it is.

[@TomBrown-z3q]

I had the pleasure of meeting Emily only once. She treated me like a true southern mother. I was so sad to hear that she passed. RIP also my sweet Emily

[@grifftrain]

Now more than ever with “social distancing” becoming a reality for a long time ahead, good times like this really seem to be a thing of the past. If things ever get back to normal, don’t take life for granted. Have fun, don’t hate, and just dance to funky music

[@jillharling]

Give peace a chance and the whole world will rock n roll……. Oh yea Leon darlin. You’re in my heart and soul. ❤

[@Tearloch]

You, Sir, are a man after my own heart, and ear and soul .. be well .. I would add John Hiatt and John Hammond to the list as well ..

[@krugerfreddy8148]

WOW! As a huge fan of Leon Russell, this was a fabulous music video as long as you move the timeline forward to 3:22 ! Prior to that time, let us recall Moon Unit Zappa: "Barf out...gag me with a spoon!"

[@ronnie5129]

R.I.P. LEON, YOU WERE A VERY SPECIAL KIND OF BREED, YOU PUT A SMILE ON MILLION PEOPLE'S FACES, YOU CARED ABOUT YOUR FELLOW MAN, AND THAT ALONE SAYS A LOT.. I LOVE THE PEOPLE IN THIS VIDEO COOKING UP SOME HOMEMADE FOOD, LEON DID LOVE HIS FOOD WHEN IT WAS THE RIGHT KIND, WE WILL MISS YOU BROTHER, COUSIN FIGEL

[@thomsboys77]

OK!!! CAN YOU SAY THAT ANY LOUDER?!?!?

[@sethklein1494]

Oh my how we miss you Brother Leon.

[@susanwolcott9380]

I Love watching her dance, all real may she rip. Free Spirit and soul!

[@patriciayoungblood6637]

sweet emily!!! remember watching this on PBS ... going ballistic in our living room

[@JB-tr6nu]

I was in love with backup singer Claudia Lanier back then ❤ She's sooo beautiful 😍

[@99muddy99]

Plus several million other young men.

[@JB-tr6nu]

@@99muddy99 I don't care about them

[@RisaKoppMusic]

Some of the best music ever! Leon is THE favorite of my favorites.

[@bigscore1]

That Korina explorer!!

[@jurijsnovosjolovs2844]

Excellent!! Going to watch!! Generation 1958, in 2024.7.10.