Leon Russell heads to Newmarket

Leon Russell’s reclusive nature belies the fact that he has contributed, in one way or another, to many of the most important songs and records of the last five decades. Even if you are not familiar with any of his own rock or country albums, you will surely recognize some of the innumerable songs and records he has written, arranged, produced or played on as a pianist, organist or guitarist.

As a solo artist, Russell has released numerous gold records and top 40 singles. The singer and multi-instrumentalist has backed rock legends like Jerry Lee Lewis and Ronnie Hawkins, worked in studio sessions for Bob Dylan and Frank Sinatra, played piano on hit singles by The Beach Boys and Bobby Boris, and helped launch the careers of fellow stars like Elton John and Joe Cocker. 

Although Russell has not done a public interview in about 20 years, he continues to put out records and tour the nation, playing venues large and small. Now 65 years old, Russell will play The Stone Church in Newmarket on Thursday, Dec. 13, following two nights at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.

With his long white hair and beard, often complimented by dark sunglasses and a cowboy hat, Russell looks like a Wild West version of Gandalf the wizard. His appearance, like his voice, is at once stylishly elegant and ruggedly plebeian. It’s as if, after a backbreaking half-century in the music industry, Russell has achieved a hard-earned grace and wisdom, tempered by the scars of tireless work and age.

Born in Oklahoma in 1942, Russell’s musical career began early. He started taking piano lessons at the age of four and was gigging in Tulsa nightclubs by the time he was 14. After graduating from high school, his band, The Starlighters, toured for two months with Jerry Lee Lewis. Before turning 18, he moved to Los Angeles and began working as a session musician in Hollywood. Still a teenager, Russell had already established himself as a veteran of the club scene and a coveted artist for movie producers and top musicians, alike.

As a member of a renowned group of studio musicians called the Wrecking Crew, Russell played on literally hundreds of records in the 1960s, including hit surf tunes, rock anthems and pop standards. In 1967, he built a recording studio in his home and began churning out his own music while working with a number of other rising stars. He co-produced, arranged and played three instruments on Joe Cocker’s second album, “Joe Cocker!” released in 1969.

Russell and Denny Cordell founded their own label, Shelter Records, which released Russell’s first solo album, “Leon Russell,” in 1970. In a testament to the respect he had already garnered in the industry, the debut record included guest appearances by a cast of rock all-stars like Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts and Steve Winwood. The album included the hit single “Delta Lady,” which was later famously covered by Joe Cocker. Meanwhile, Shelter Records also signed acts like Freddie King, J.J. Cale and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Russell’s second solo album, “Leon Russell and the Shelter People,” went gold in 1971, and 1972’s “Carney” would prove to be his best seller. That same year, he released a triple-LP called “Leon Live,” cementing his reputation as one of the nation’s biggest touring acts. Russell joined George Harrison for two performances of the Concert for Bangladesh at New York’s Madison Square Garden in August, 1971, and Billboard Magazine named him the top concert attraction of 1973. 

Not one to typecast himself, Russell steered away from rock music in the summer of ’73 and released the first of several country albums under the name Hank Wilson. A later country album with Willie Nelson, “One For The Road,” earned gold.

Meanwhile, a diverse array of artists began covering Russell’s original songs, including Ray Charles, B.B. King and The Carpenters. George Benson’s 1976 cover of Russell’s “This Masquerade” became the first song in music history to top the jazz, pop and R&B charts.

Over the decades, Russell has proved to be one of the most versatile artists in the industry, working with a list of legends that is too lengthy to print. Now owner of Leon Russell Records, he is showing no signs of slowing down. His latest release, “Angel in Disguise,” came out in August. Russell called the CD his best album in 25 years.

Russell’s current tour includes more than 25 dates through February, with sporadic shows booked in the spring and summer. His five-piece band includes Chris Simmons on guitar, Jackie Wessel on bass, Grant Whitman on drums and Brian Lee on keyboard, with the legend himself on piano and lead vocals.

To purchase tickets to the 18+ show at The Stone Church, which begins at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, visit www.thestonechurch.com or call 603-659-6321. Tickets are $38 in advance or $40 at the door. For more on Leon Russell, visit www.leonrussellrecords.com.