There's a genre of American music called the “Tulsa Sound.” It's a synthesis of rockabilly, country, rock 'n' roll, and blues that developed in Leon Russell's hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He was the first person to take this style of music to Hollywood, and it's effects can still be heard today. Once Leon achieved stardom he sought artistic freedom and control, so he founded “Shelter Records.”
Back in his hometown of Tulsa he set up a recording studio in a converted church building. It became famous as The Church Studio.
Visit their website link
Eric Clapton, Tom Petty and many others recorded there. The street was eventually renamed and is now “Leon Russell Road.” In this post I wanted to briefly touch upon Leon Russell the songwriter.
Although he didn't have a powerful voice, or much of a range, he made it work for him. He was, however, a talented songwriter. After some gifted vocalists recorded his music, the extent of his songwriting gift became clear.
Donny Hathaway (above clip) is perhaps the least well known of the vocalist in this post, but if you ask R&B, soul, and blues singers about him, they will sing his praises. He has had a profound influence upon modern music. Here he is singing one of Leon Russell's greatest songs.
George Benson (above clip) is of course an extremely successful jazz guitarist and vocalist who had a number of hugely popular crossover hits. His biggest hit was written by Leon Russell.
BB King (clip above) needs no introduction, and yes, he too recorded a song by Leon Russell.
Leon Russell, Bluebird
Finally, the clip above is a song written, performed and produced by Leon Russell. Although it isn't one of his hits, it's a song I love. The synthesizers make it sound a little bit dated, but if you listen closely with headphones, the background singing and arrangements are extraordinarily beautiful.
My next post will be the final in this Leon Russell series, I hope you'll check it out.
