BLUES N'AT

     Another legendary artist will make his way to the Pittsburgh area soon as Leon Russell is scheduled to appear at Jergel's Rhythm Grille in Warrendale on Wednesday, March 25 at 8pm.

     Born on April 2, 1942 in Lawton, OK, young Leon took up the piano at age 4. He began performing at the tender age of 14 in the Tulsa area with the Starlighters. That group also included JJ Cale and helped forge the "Tulsa Sound".

     Ultimately, Leon moved to Los Angeles to find work as a session musician. Once in LA, Leon began studying guitar with Elvis Presley's guitarist, James Burton. In the late '60s, Leon added arranger and songwriter to his growing and impressive resume.

     As a sideman and as a solo act, Leon crossed over into many genres such as the blues, rock & roll, gospel and rockabilly. Along the way he played with such diverse acts as The Beach Boys, George Harrison, BB King, Frank Sinatra and countless others. In 1969, Joe Cocker turned Leon's "Delta Lady" into a hit from his "Joe Cocker" album. Leon co-produced and arranged the album that would reach #11 on Billboard's Hot 200. He also helped organize and performed on Cocker's "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" tour.

     In 1970, Shelter Records released Leon's self-titled solo album. It featured one of his most covered songs "A Song for You". Leon worked with Bob Dylan in 1971, playing piano on the single "Watching the River Flow" and "When I Paint My Masterpiece". Leon appeared at the "Concert for Bangladesh" in the summer of '71. 1972 saw Leon tour in support of his second solo album "Leon Russell and the Shelter People". The tour was one of the biggest grossing tours of the year. His 1972 hit single "Tight Rope" featured the B-side "This Masquerade". George Benson's version hit #10 on Billboard's Hot 100, earning Leon a Grammy nomination for "Song of the Year" in 1977.

     Leon's 2010 collaboration with Elton John and Bernie Taupin produced the double album "The Union" featuring both Leon and John. Rolling Stone considered the album 3rd best of the "30 Best Albums of 2010". It also resulted in a Leon/John tour. In 2011, Leon was honored with induction into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. April, 2014 saw the release of Leon's latest effort, "Life Journey" .

     Come and take a journey with Leon at Jergel's on March 25.  It will be a trip you won't soon forget. Until next time, boys and girls. Keep It Bluesy!