Tag Archives: 70s rock and roll

Christmas Songs by Leon Russell

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It’s a perfect time for some Leon Russell trivia…

Record producer Phil Spector spent several sessions recording a collection of songs with his Wrecking Crew for a Christmas album. One of the greatest moments during those sessions was when “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)” was recorded by Darlene Love.

Leon Russell was one of three piano players and Darlene said that Leon got into the song so much “he played a like a man possessed; it was almost like a concerto. He played himself right off the bench and onto the floor and kept playing.” Leon was about twenty years old at the time.

At the same recording session, Cher did some background vocals and Sonny Bono was on percussion!

Enjoy these holiday songs from the one and only Master of Space and Time, Leon Russell…
It might not be your usual Christmas music, but they’re SO VERY Leon.

For you Grateful Dead fans (not me), this was recorded with Jerry Garcia at the Armadillo World Headquarters November 1972.


Leon Russell’s music is now at the home of George Harrison’s Dark Horse Records. Here’s “The First Noel” from Leon Russell Hymns Of Christmas:

What I’m Reading: Leon Russell In His Own Words

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“Once in a lifetime across your lifeline crosses an energy like no other. This is Leon Russell to me.”
Gary Busey, musician, actor, long-time friend of the Master of Space and Time.

It’s a sunny and warm November day here in SoCal, a perfect time to sit outside on the deck and read Leon Russell In His Own Words.

It’s not a huge book but any light shed on the mysterious, charismatic, and enigmatic MOSAT is appreciated.

It features memories by and about LR from his childhood, high school bands, session work in Los Angeles, and some of his tours.

I’m always amazed at the sheer numbers of records that benefited from Leon’s words, arrangements, and productions. He was a legendary musician, composer, and performer whose musical influence can’t be overstated.

Leon Russell was a one-of-a-kind human; I don’t think we’re likely to experience that kind of genius in several lifetimes.

This little book was enjoyable and informative; I totally recommend!

Now I’m waiting for my Christmas/Hanukkah gift: another book about Leon Russell ; this one is written by Bill Janovitz: Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History

Some people simply defy stereotypes: