Motel Shot is a studio album by Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, released in 1971. The album, their third for Atco/Atlantic (catalog no. SD 33–358) and fifth overall, is a mostly acoustic set. The album's title refers to the impromptu, sometimes late-night, jam sessions pursued by touring musicians when on the road. The album reached #65 on the Billboard album chart, and includes Delaney and Bonnie's biggest chart single, "Never Ending Song of Love", which peaked at #13. "Never Ending Song of Love" would immediately become a popular tune to cover, with hit versions being recorded by The New Seekers and Dickey Lee at the same time as Delaney & Bonnie's version (each becoming a hit in different markets) and the Osmond Brothers having a minor hit with it a decade later. Guest musicians on the album include Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, Duane Allman, Dave Mason, John Hartford, Clarence White, Gram Parsons and Bobby Whitlock.

The last album Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett made together, this 1972 release boasted the usual superstar cast-Eric Clapton, Dave Mason, Billy Preston, Tina Turner, Steve Cropper, and Leon Russell. Includes six bonus tracks from the Bramletts' solo LPs, new notes and unpublished photos-a key roots-rock release from the early '70s!

Known to legions of classic rock fans for their late '60s collaborations with Eric Clapton and George Harrison, Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, known for their unique blend of rock n' roll, blues, country, gospel and roadhouse R&B, released their superlative second album, Home, on the Stax label in 1969. Criminally ignored upon it's initial release, Delaney and Bonnie's Home is restored at last! GUEST ARTISTS: Isaac Hayes, Leon Russell, Booker T. & the MGs, the Memphis Horns, vocalist/songwriter William Bell and more.

Leon Russell was one of the most esteemed studio session men in rock history, having appeared on an eye-popping number of records by legends such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Bobby Darin, Phil Spector, Frank Sinatra, the Byrds, and the Beach Boys. Russell's solo work benefited from his amazing collaborators, as the likes of George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, various Rolling Stones and others helped Russell put the finishing touches on his albums through the years. The 'master of space & time,' Russell blended together Southern soul, gospel, country, rock and piano-man singer/songwriter stylings."A Song For Leon" celebrates Leon's life and career, consisting of iconic acts such as Pixies, Orville Peck, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, U.S. Girls featuring Bootsy Collins and other incredible artists. Showcasing the impact of Leon Russell's songs, "A Song For Leon" is meant to educate experienced Leon Russell fans by highlighting other versions of his music, but also bring new fans into the fold by highlighting how many of today's rising musicians have taken inspiration from him.

Leon Russell never quite hit all the right notes the way he did on his eponymous debut. He never again seemed as convincing in his grasp of Americana music and themes, never again seemed as individual, and never again did his limited, slurred bluesy voice seem as ingratiating. He never again topped his triptych of "A Song for You," "Hummingbird," and "Delta Lady," nor did his albums contain such fine tracks as "Dixie Lullaby." Throughout it all, what comes across is Russell's idiosyncratic vision, not only in his approach but in his very construction – none of the songs quite play out as expected, turning country, blues, and rock inside out, not only musically but lyrically. Yes, his voice is a bit of an acquired taste, but it's only appropriate for a songwriter with enough chutzpah to write songs of his own called "I Put a Spell on You" and "Give Peace a Chance." And if there ever was a place to acquire a taste for Russell, it's here.

Legendary American singer and pianist Leon Russell has entertained the world for five decades, getting his start as an in-demand Wrecking Crew session player and playing on hundreds of hit records before he began releasing his own albums in 1967. Leon Russell's latest studio album, titled Life Journey, will be released on April 1, 2014. This 12-track album features newly-written, original songs and Russell's turns on classics that resonate with the two-time GRAMMY® winner as important to his musical trajectory. The album is produced by Tommy LiPuma and executive produced by Elton John, with whom Russell most recently collaborated for 2010's critically acclaimed album, The Union.

Leon Russell's CD "Snapshot" comes unheralded. There are no musicians listed, no writers' credits for the songs. But the music has delightful gems. The double-entendre titled "Come for You" bounces joyfully with romantic bliss as the background singers, stinging electric guitar and Russell's growl-sing make the track shine. "Honey & Eli" is another of my favorites with Russell's signature piano – his fingers seem to bounce along the keyboards – and soul horns to create an intoxicating mix, "I see sweet love there in your eyes; true love cannot be denied." Another gem that should not be confused with the Hank Williams' classic by the same title is the religious but not preachy "I See the Light." Russell is in reflective mood here on the Almighty and the afterlife with a slower beat and his vocals soulful and passionate, "I see a place there in the distance now, a sweet delight, his precious love abounds, I hear his words and then I feel alright; I speak his name; I see the Light." The rest of the CD is a mix with some predictable melodies, but also some joyful surprises. "Lost Inside the Blues" is a strong track. The CD concludes with a Russell instrumental "Friendly Fire." "Snapshot" is a strong set, well worth exploration by fans of Russell and heartfelt roots music. Enjoy!

It's hard to argue with this two-fer issued by the fine Beat Goes On label from Great Britain, as it pairs two of former Traffic guitarist Dave Mason's finest records on a single disc. Alone Together featured the hit "Only You Know and I Know," as well as "Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave," and "Look at You, Look at Me." Headkeeper contains "Pearly Queen," his solo version of "Headkeeper," "Feelin' Alright?," and "World in Changes." What these discs most reveal is just how deep Mason's roots went into R&B, soul, and into country as well. If anything, Mason would have been right at home on a Delaney & Bonnie record as his sensibilities were closely allied with theirs. Mason was always underrated and, in America at least, under-noticed. These records are as fine as anything Eric Clapton ever issued solo. The comparison is fair because they were both digging into the same territory at the time, only Mason's delivery and understated guitar playing come off as far more emotionally honest.

Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ '79 Wnew Broadcast.

THE CLASSIC 1970 TV SPECIAL THAT MADE A STAR OF LEON RUSSELL Born in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1942, Leon Russell began playing piano at the age of four. He attended Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma and by age 16 was already performing at Tulsa nightclubs. After moving to Los Angeles, he became a session musician, working as a pianist on the recordings of many notable musical artists from the 1960s. By the late 1960s, Russell diversified, becoming successful as an arranger and songwriter. As a musician, he worked his way up from gigs as a sideman to working with well-known performers. By 1970, he had graduated to a solo recording artist, although he never ended his previous roles within the music industry. After performing country music under the name Hank Wilson in the 1970s and 1980s, Russell had largely faded into obscurity.

Dark Horse Records is proud to release LEON RUSSELL’s Signature Songs, a collection of intimate, stripped-down piano and vocal recordings, including takes on his timeless songs “A Song for You,” “Tight Rope,” “Stranger in a Strange Land” and “Hummingbird.” Originally released in 2001 and long out of print, it is being reissued on CD and pressed for the very first time on vinyl. Leon’s friendship with George Harrison is well documented, including his profound contribution to Concert for Bangladesh, so it’s only appropriate that his catalog has found a home with Harrison’s Dark Horse Records. Leon Russell was one of the most prolific and respected rock musicians of the 20th century. His nickname, The Master of Space and Time, may help explain how he managed to appear on over 400 albums during his storied 50-year career. Leon has been inducted to both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. Elton John has called him his “biggest influence as a piano player, a singer and a songwriter.” With such a wide-ranging, varied discography, Signature Songs provides the perfect entry point for curious listeners — but his unique takes on classic songs like “Delta Lady” and “This Masquerade” are sure to please longtime fans as well.

The ultimate rock & roll session man, Leon Russell's long and storied career included collaborations with a virtual who's who of music icons spanning from Jerry Lee Lewis to Phil Spector to the Rolling Stones. A similar eclecticism and scope also surfaced in his solo work, which couched his charmingly gravelly voice in a rustic yet rich swamp pop fusion of country, blues, and gospel. Born Claude Russell Bridges on April 2, 1942, in Lawton, Oklahoma, he began studying classical piano at age three, a decade later adopting the trumpet and forming his first band.

Retrospective is an 18-track collection that features the bulk of Leon Russell's greatest hits ("Tight Rope," "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms," "Lady Blue," "Back to the Island"), plus many key album tracks. Since Russell was primarily an album artist, this approach doesn't necessarily do him justice, but for listeners who only want the hits, this will do.

The Union is a collaboration studio album by singer-songwriters Elton John and Leon Russell, released on 19 October 2010 in the US and on 25 October in the UK. This is the 30th studio album by John and the 34th by Russell. This is the first studio release by John since 1979's Victim of Love without any of his regular band members. It is also his highest charting studio album on the Billboard 200 since 1976's Blue Moves, debuting at No. 3, as well as Russell's highest charting studio album since 1972's Carney. The Union was No. 3 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 30 Best Albums of 2010.

Leon Russell's accolades are monumental in a number of categories, from songwriting (he wrote Joe Cocker's "Delta Lady") to session playing (with the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, just to name a few) to his solo work. Unfortunately, it's the last category that never really attracted as much attention as it should have, despite a multitude of blues-based gospel recordings and piano-led, Southern-styled rock albums released throughout the 1970s. Leon Russell and the Shelter People is a prime example of Russell's instrumental dexterity and ability to produce some energetic rock & roll. Poignant and expressive tracks such as "Of Thee I Sing," "Home Sweet Oklahoma," and "She Smiles Like a River" all lay claim to Russell's soulful style and are clear-cut examples of the power that he musters through his spirited piano playing and his voice. His Dylan covers are just as strong, especially "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" and "It Takes a Lot to Laugh," while "Love Minus Zero/No Limit" and "It's a Hard Rain Gonna Fall" have him sounding so forceful, they could have been Russell's own.