Leon Russell is the debut solo album by the American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Leon Russell. It followed his debut with the Midnight String Quartet and a production by Russell and Marc Benno billed as the Asylum Choir.
"A Song for You", written by Russell for this album, is a slow, pained plea for forgiveness and understanding from an estranged lover. The tune is one of Russell's best-known compositions. It has been performed and recorded by over 200 artists, spanning many musical genres. Elton John has called the song an American classic.The Encyclopedia of Country Music, 2012: "In 1970 Russell released his self-titled debut solo album, including such enduring songs as 'Delta Lady' and 'A Song for You,' both written for versatile vocalist Rita Coolidge. He followed with Leon Russell and the Shelter People (1971) and ..."
On January 17, 2018, "A Song for You" was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame.NewsOK.com Leon Russell's 'A Song For You' added to Grammy Hall Of Fame, by Nathan Poppe, January 17, 2018Tulsa World News, Leon Russell song selected for Grammy Hall of Fame, By Jimmie Tramel, Jan. 18, 2018
Track listing All tracks composed by Leon Russell except where indicated
Side one "A Song for You" – 4:08 "Dixie Lullaby" (Russell, Chris Stainton) – 2:30 "I Put a Spell on You" – 4:10 "Shoot Out on the Plantation" – 3:10 "Hummingbird" – 3:57 Side two "Delta Lady" – 4:00 "Prince of Peace" (Russell, Greg Dempsey) – 3:05 "Masters of War (Bob Dylan) – 1:20 "Give Peace a Chance" (Russell, Bonnie Bramlett) – 2:15 "Hurtsome Body" – 3:35 "Pisces Apple Lady" – 2:50 "Roll Away the Stone" (Russell, Greg Dempsey) – 3:06
The 1993 "Gold Disc" CD reissue contains 5 bonus tracks: "The New Sweet Home Chicago" (Russell, Marc Benno) – 3:11 "Jammin' with Eric" (Russell, Eric Clapton) – 4:14 "Indian Girl" – 4:08 "Shoot Out on the Plantation" (solo piano version) – 3:31 "(Can't Seem To) Get a Line on You" (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards) – 4:16
"Roll Away the Stone", "Pisces Apple Lady", "Hurtsome Body", "Prince of Peace", "Delta Lady", "Shoot Out On the Plantation", "I Put a Spell On You" - Recorded at Olympic Sound, London, September 1969 "Give Peace a Chance" – Recorded at Ardent Recording, Memphis, November 1969 "Dixie Lullaby" – recorded at Gold Star Studios, Los Angeles, December 22, 1969 "Hummingbird" – recorded at Wally Heider Recording, Los Angeles, December 29, 1969 "A Song for You", "Masters of War" – recorded at A&M Studios, Los Angeles, January 1970 Final mixes by Glyn Johns made at Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, January 17–19, 1970
Personnel Leon Russell – piano, guitar, bass guitar, vocals George Harrison – guitar Eric Clapton – guitar Delaney Bramlett – guitar Alan Spenner – bass guitar Klaus Voormann – bass guitar Bill Wyman – bass guitar Steve Winwood – keyboards Chris Stainton – keyboards Ringo Starr – drums Charlie Watts – drums Buddy Harman – drums Jim Gordon – drums B.J. Wilson – drums Jon Hiseman – drums Mick Jagger – vocals Bonnie Bramlett – vocals Joe Cocker – vocals Merry Clayton – vocals Jim Horn – saxophone
Technical Leon Russell – producer Denny Cordell – producer Glyn Johns – engineer, mixing Tom Wilkes – design Jim McCrary – photography "This album is dedicated to: Chris Stainton / George Harrison / Ringo Starr / Charlie Watts / Bill Wyman / Eric Clapton / Klaus Voorman / BJ Wilson / Alan Spenner / Jim Gordon / Greg Dempsey / Stevie Winwood / Jim Horn / Mr. & Mrs. Bramlett / Bobby Whiplash / Clydie King / Merry Clayton & Joe Cocker, for their inspirational music."
Charts +Chart performance for Leon RussellChart (1970–1972)PeakpositionAustralian Albums (Kent Music Report)9US Billboard 20060
References