90 % of the people in that audience (in my opinion) didn't even realize that they were watching Rock and Roll royalty on that stage. He literally had played on some of the most famous songs,...with some of the most famous artists,..and had a very successful solo career. Thankfully Elton John came to his rescue later in life and revived his career,..and gave him back his dignity. If you get a chance watch the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech,.....and his acceptance speech, as they are both quite moving.
I know someone who was friends with him and spoke with him in the RV/truck he had. He was not doing well and could barely walk. It was a calm, festive atmosphere that day, though
Once upon a time, I saw Johnny Winter backing up Muddy Waters in a "dive bar' joint up in Maine that was a stone's throw from I-95 in an industrial park-only about 30 people in the joint...one of the best shows ever!!
And performing as if he were playing to a packed stadium. Ever the pro that he was. Thanks for the great music Leon.
An underrated legend!
90 % of the people in that audience (in my opinion) didn't even realize that they were watching Rock and Roll royalty on that stage. He literally had played on some of the most famous songs,...with some of the most famous artists,..and had a very successful solo career. Thankfully Elton John came to his rescue later in life and revived his career,..and gave him back his dignity. If you get a chance watch the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech,.....and his acceptance speech, as they are both quite moving.
Kind of sad to see Leon playing for so few people at a fair. Hell, he used to regularly play in 3000 seat halls.
I know someone who was friends with him and spoke with him in the RV/truck he had. He was not doing well and could barely walk. It was a calm, festive atmosphere that day, though
I saw him open up for Hank Jr. in 1984 in the coliseum at UGA in Athens GA. Freaking awesome.
Once upon a time, I saw Johnny Winter backing up Muddy Waters in a "dive bar' joint up in Maine that was a stone's throw from I-95 in an industrial park-only about 30 people in the joint...one of the best shows ever!!
point being, there are no 'small' shows, or small venues...only good shows and bad shows!
Right where he wanted to be.
3 Months before he passed away, I saw Leon Russell at the Rouge Theater in Grants Pass, Oregon of an audience of about 200. It was a great show.