Leon Russell’s death today at 74 has sparked an outpouring of emotion and grief from his fellow musicians. Perhaps the most prominent was the tweet from Elton John, who called Russell his “mentor” and “inspiration.” We’ve compiled some of our favorites to share with you, from classic rock legends to pop stars, and one from a performer whose own career really took off thanks to his cover of a Russell composition.
My darling Leon Russell passed away last night. He was a mentor, inspiration & so kind to me. I loved him and always will #LeonRussell #RIP pic.twitter.com/u2d1KccCNp
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) November 13, 2016
RIP my friend of 50 years, generous trail blazer, Leon Russell, who rescued me and remained a gentleman throughout Hollywood’s trials.
— Booker T. Jones (@BookerTJones) November 13, 2016
#RIP Leon Russell, the amazingly talented songwriter who is responsible for the masterpiece that is #ASongForYou! https://t.co/P0fZm3h76N
— Christina Aguilera (@TheChristinaVIP) November 13, 2016
Just got word that Leon Russell has passed away
Rest in peace Leon
You left a lot of great music behind you.— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) November 13, 2016
So sad to hear Leon Russell has passed away. A great influence and songwriter. God rest his soulhttps://t.co/xMjBfPkFAV
— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) November 13, 2016
Leon Russell R.I.P. One of my biggest music and style icons. Seems like many of the greatest… https://t.co/ofpnRidLcG
— Sean Ono Lennon (@seanonolennon) November 13, 2016
Related: A career-spanning conversation with Leon Russell from 2014
George Benson, whose breakthrough hit, “This Masquerade,” was written by Russell…
Today the world lost a talented singer, songwriter, performer and my musical brother, the great #LeonRussell… https://t.co/W88z4HQZ1d
— George Benson (@GBguitar) November 13, 2016
So long, Leon Russell. You played your heart out and we will miss you. Thank you for sharing your divine talent with us. ❤️#LeonRussell
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) November 13, 2016
You will be missed friend. RIP Leon Russell #leonrussell #tweet pic.twitter.com/CPNxyyIWXb
— Gregg Allman (@GreggAllman) November 13, 2016
Leon Russell was an amazing musician and his gift will not be forgotten. What an incredible loss. #RIPLeonRussell pic.twitter.com/VJPQSMsgDH
— The Doobie Brothers (@TheDoobieBros) November 13, 2016
Bill Wyman (on Facebook): Saying goodbye to a great and talented man, who I shared some wonderful times with.
I performed, together with Charlie Watts & Stevie Winwood, on his very first album and he generously performed on my first two solo albums ‘Monkey Grip’ & ‘Stone Alone’.
An unforgettable music genius.
Bill Wyman
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4 Comments so far
Jump into a conversation“I’ve been so many places in my life and times…” RIP…
tower theater in sacramento had Mad Dogs and Englishmen every saturday midnight movie, and we went so many times…Leon was such a great bandleader, without looking like it…after reading more about him it is amazing the life he has…thank you, Master of Space and Time…we are better for you
Best of the best. Resurrect him and protect him. God bless the Master.
R.I.PLEON RUSSELL You ARE BEST SINGER AND SONG WRITER AND I REMEMBER A GREAT TIME I WATCH OVER YOUR COOLER With BOONES FARM APPLE WINE WHILE You WERE PERFORMING.