Our 3 Favorite Leon Russell Collaborations
By Ben Youngerman
With a legendary half-century career in music, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Leon Russell has performed with so many star musicians it’s easier to list who he HASN’T worked with: Kanye West, The Wiggles and the Times Square Naked Cowboy. That’s basically it.
In honor of Leon Russell taking the stage on Wednesday, November 11 at the Musikfest Cafe, we compiled three videos of our favorite Leon Russell collaborations!
Leon Russell and Elton John – “Hey Ahab”
The 2010 Grammy nominated album The Union was a collaborative effort with Sir Elton John that reinvigorated Leon Russell’s career. It gave us some awesome piano duets like “Hey Ahab” (performed here on the Late Show with David Letterman).
Leon Russell and Willie Nelson – “Heartbreak Hotel”
Back in 1979, Leon Russell and Willie Nelson put out an album entitled “One for the Road”. This Elvis cover is definitely one we’d listen to during a long road trip.
Leon Russell and Joe Cocker – “With A Little Help From My Friends”
This 1971 cover of the famous Beatles tune is fitting since Leon Russell has previously worked with George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Russell’s guitar work paired with Joe Cocker’s one-of-a-kind voice makes this a powerful number. Plus…that…HAT!
