Advertisement

Music titan Leon Russell dead at 74

By Karen Butler
Leon Russell performs at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in New York City on March 14, 2011. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
1 of 3 | Leon Russell performs at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in New York City on March 14, 2011. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

NASHVILLE, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Music icon Leon Russell died in his sleep Sunday at the age of 74, his wife Jan Bridges confirmed for a posting on his official website.

No cause of death was given for Russell, who was a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Advertisement

The Tulsa-born, musician and songwriter performed his "gospel-infused, southern-boogie piano rock, blues, and country music" for more than half a century, his website noted.

His songwriting credits include "A Song For You," "Delta Lady," "Hummingbird," "Lady Blue," "Back to the Island," "Tight Rope" and "This Masquerade," and he famously shared the stage with Joe Cocker, George Harrison, Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, Edgar Winter, The New Grass Revival, Willie Nelson, and Elton John.

Advertisement

Latest Headlines