Did you know that Leon Russell wrote “Lost Inside of You” with the one and only Barbra Streisand? The hit song was recorded for the movie, A Star is Born, and that’s Leon on the soundtrack. He will forever be the one and only Master of Space and Time, a musical, visionary genius.
Barbra Streisand took on the lead female role of Esther Hoffman in the 1976 remake of the 1954 film A Star Is Born, opposite Kris Kristofferson as John Norman Howard, an aging singer engulfed by excesses and demons.
Howard’s road manager was portrayed by Gary Busey, a friend of and drummer for (as Teddy Jack Eddy) Leon Russell. Busey introduced Barbra to Leon, and while at her Malibu ranch, Barbra and Leon wrote “Lost Inside of You”.
It was included in the film, on the soundtrack, and as a B-side to Barbra’s single “Comin’ In And Out Of Your Life” from her 1981 hits album Memories. The soundtrack album has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, and Memories did well with over 10,000,000 in sales worldwide, earning Russell loads of money in royalties as a songwriter. From Leon Russell Superstar in a Masquerade
I love knowing that Barbra Streisand collaborated with Leon and I love hearing him play the piano. I wish I had a photo of the two of them. One day, it would be my dream to chat with her about it.
A small anecdote about my six degrees connection to Barbra Streisand is that I once met and had lunch on set with her husband, James Brolin, when he did some filming locally. He was SUPER nice and welcoming. It was a special day and if you’re wondering, he’s even more handsome up close.
P.S. And did you know that Streisand’s co-star in A Star is Born, Kris Kristofferson, was married to Rita Coolidge, who was once upon a time Leon Russell’s girlfriend? Leon’s song, Delta Lady, was written about her. Cool info, huh?
I had a dream that seemed to last forever and here are some snippets that I can actually recall.
Leon Russell
For no apparent rhyme or reason, Leon Russell (yes, I know) was showing me a ballet move called développé à la seconde, which I thought was even more remarkable because he was slightly paralyzed from a birth injury on the side that was attempting the move.
I can’t even begin to explain how or why my mind connected the Master of Space and Time to a difficult dance position, but that’s the beauty of the subconscious, I guess. It doesn’t have to make sense.
When I was involved in ballet, this particular move was a struggle for me to master. I often uttered a silent groan when Madame Kaliskis said it was time for développé because I knew she’d eventually make her way over to me at the barre and watch me until I felt my leg was going to fall off. She’d say “encore” which meant I had to do it again and again, and then she’d hold my leg up where it SHOULD be, and my task was to hold it there, but I never could.
Here’s a vid of how it ought to look; sadly, my extensions were never this perfect no matter how much I practiced.
Anyway…
As soon as Leon finished with his (quite nice, better than mine ever were) développé, the dream became all about me.
I was driving from my house to Catalina Island which is not at all possible as it’s about seventy-five nautical miles from my area and can only be reached by boat or air, but there I was, driving along a very narrow path with water on both sides of me, sometimes lapping up ever so slightly over the road, which totally freaked me out. This wasn’t a fun part of the dream as I was in a constant state of anxiety and vigilance so I wouldn’t miss the road and end up in the ocean.
I remember taking the ferry back from Catalina Island but not sure what happened to the car that I drove along the non-existent road to get there. On Catalina, visitors can’t bring their own cars; most people use golf carts or bicycles. Only a very limited number of residents and businesses have vehicle permits and there’s a years-long waiting list for them.
Since I used to work for the (now defunct) company that used to go to Catalina Island from San Diego, it’s not too unusual to dream about it, but the more than four hour-long one way trip was often referred to as the “vomit comet” because, well, you can probably figure out WHY, haha.
I didn’t often accompany passengers over there for that reason, and because I generally get seasick. Ick.
After I was safely back on terra firma, my subconscious decided to go on another exploration of past memories and my often dreamed about kitty, Bandit, returned to snuggle with me in bed. She loved freshly washed flannel sheets as much as I do and we kept each other warm. The dream ended far too soon, along with the feeling of being safe and loved by a purring machine. That morning I had changed the sheets to soft, fragrant flannel ones, so THAT part of the dream fused with reality.
Strange dream, right? I can’t even begin to figure out what it all means, but it really wasn’t embarrassing at all because I’m fascinated with the human mind during different sleep states.
Back To The Island is playing in my head, so here’s the Leon connection, and to reiterate, this song was written and composed by Leon Russell, NOTNOTNOT Jimmy Buffet, and of course, Leon does it better.
Finally, the rains have begun. It’s a good time for a little self reflection along with some deep closet purging, sort of a sad but keep busy kind of day.
Be a witness, not a judge. Focus on yourself, not on others. Listen to your heart, not to the crowd. Rumi
Be a witness, not a judge. Focus on yourself, not on others. Listen to your heart, not to the crowd — Rumi 🤍
As I clean/purge, I’m listening to Leon Russell (of course) and his song, Manhattan Island Serenade, is perfect for a rainy day. Fact: there was a real thunderstorm while he was recording and Leon included it. Why? Because he’s the Master of Space and Time, that’s why…
Today is the anniversary of Leon’s death, November 13, 2016.
Here’s where it began — Leon was sixteen years old in this KOTV photo from the 1958 March of Dimes Telethon. Left to right, Tommy Crook, drummer Chuck Blackwell, Jimmy ‘Junior’ Markham, Bill Raffensperger and (Leon) Claude Russell Bridges.
From Tulsa Today
Leon Russell will always be the one and only visionary and musical magician, The Master of Space and Time, and we’re still mourning him.
A Song For You is one of the most beautiful and iconic songs ever composed and no one can perform it like Leon.
Mad Dogs and Englishmen, the 1971 concert film mostly about a Joe Cocker tour, was just released on YouTube. The timing of this release coincides with Joe Cocker being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Joe Cocker was an English singer who rose to fame in the 1960s after his performance at Woodstock. Known for his distinctive voice and dynamic stage presence, Cocker was a gifted interpreter of other artists’ work. His cover of the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends” at Woodstock became his signature song and an anthem of the era. Cocker’s other notable covers include “Feelin’ Alright”, “The Letter”, and Leon Russell’s “Delta Lady”.
Leon of course
Joe Cocker’s management had organized a tour of the U.S. for him but he was left without a band. His producer at A&M records was Denny Cordell, who happened to be starting his own label with Leon Russell called Shelter Records.
Cordell and Cocker asked Leon to assemble a band for the tour, and Leon agreed only if they could do it like no one had done before.
Through his many connections to outstanding musicians through thousands of studio sessions with the Wrecking Crew, Leon was quickly able to gather together an ensemble of more than twenty musicians, including three drummers, and a backing choir. Leon was the lead guitarist, pianist, arranger, band leader, and musical director.
Leon said, “I will put together the band and I’ll do the arrangements and I’ll do everything but I have to be driving this bus. Nothing will go on unless I say so.” https://musicdayz.com/
Leon also insisted that a camera crew follow the tour, which became the Mad Dogs and Englishmen documentary film, one of the essential rock n roll films that depicted that era of music.
It became the Leon Russell show because his powerful charisma was undeniable.
From musician Chris Stainton, “I admire Leon Russell so much. He’s an exquisite piano player, especially in that Louisiana style. He was so hot then, at the top of his playing ability. When Leon played piano, I’d play organ, and then I’d switch to piano when Leon took over on guitar.”
The tour would become legendary and the ensuing live album would reach #2 on the U.S. Billboard Top 200. Performances of The Band’s “The Weight,” Traffic’s “Feelin’ Alright,” and The Box Tops’ “The Letter” highlighted the setlist that was capped off by a wild and rousing rendition of Leon’s own “Delta Lady.” Leon and Joe would duet on their version of Bob Dylan’s “Girl from the North Country.”
The tour served as an opportunity for Leon to showcase his own material, as he would be given stage time to perform “Hummingbird” and “Dixie Lullaby,” which were both to be released on his debut album.
Mad Dogs and Englishmen introduced Leon to the world. Although headlined by Joe Cocker, it wouldn’t have been possible without the visionary genius of Leon Russell as Master of Space and Time.
While the tour catapulted both Leon and Cocker into the pinnacles of rock n roll stature, the magnitude served as a rift between the two of them, and they would choose to pursue their careers separately from that point forward.
To this day, however, the two will be forever connected as having orchestrated one of the great happenings in the history of rock music. (From LeonRussell.com)
My favorite part starts at 4:03 and it’s Leon taking charge just being Leon and leading Will The Circle Be Unbroken.
I don’t know who owns the rights to the rest of the video, but there reallyreally needs to be another documentary, this time showcasing Leon Russell’s live performances, including Hummingbird, Dixie Lullaby, and the duet with Joe Cocker of Dylan’s Girl From The North Country, along with Leon’s amazing arrangement of Cry Me A River.
George Harrison invited Leon Russell to play piano on Badfinger’s third album in the summer of 1971. The piano part complemented Pete Ham’s and Harrison’s dual slide guitars on “Day After Day.” (Church Studio)
I always loved the way the piano sounded on this tune and when I found out that it was Leon I was blown away. It’s like so many songs I’ve loved over the years only to discover that Leon’s contribution was the magic that made them so memorable.
“He just sat down, closed his eyes, and played the part in one take.”
According to sound engineer Richard Lush, Russell nailed the “Day After Day” piano line almost instinctively.
I’m repeating a comment from YouTube about this recording. “George Harrison asked Leon Russell to add the piano accompaniment. They played the tracks that had already been laid down, as Leon sat in the studio by himself. After listening to it once, he sat at the piano with his eyes closed. George thought he had fallen asleep and said Leon’s name a couple of times over the speaker. Leon held his hand up and then a moment later told them he was ready and to roll tape. He played the part in one take. Don’t know if it’s true, but a cool story.”
Russell – like so many greats – had an almost spiritual sense for when not to play, and on “Day After Day” he seems to materialize only at the emotional inflection points. He doesn’t play on the piece – he haunts it, and once done, disappears from the song again like incense in a draught. He is a spectral presence, and this plays on my imagination as a strange portent for the tragedy that would befall Badfinger the band. https://danegiraud.substack.com/
Of course it’s true. I’m not at all surprised. Leon was a visionary, a musical genius, and will always and forever be the master of space and time.
PS I know there was a tragic end to Badfinger but this isn’t an exposé, just another example of the hundreds of songs that were all the better because of Leon Russell’s magic touch.
“Magical places are always beautiful and deserve to be contemplated. Always stay on the bridge between the invisible and the visible.” Paolo Coelho
Found on Pinterest
This is heavenly…no phones, no social media, no distractions; simply a butterfly-filled meadow alongside a sunshiny, babbling brook.
This pic reminds me of one of my favorite songs by (who else) Leon Russell, Down On Deep River. It evokes the perfect, serene mood…
“Hear the crickets singing for a mile And the sound of the bullfrogs make you smile So lead me beside the still waters Let me love you down on deep river.
Won’t you sit by my side And hold to my hand and love me all the way?
And we’ll leave all the highways far behind And just take a little blanket with the wine.”
Did you know that the Master of Space and Time had a long association with The Rolling Stones? He arranged and played on many of their songs, as well as performed covers that I feel were superior to the Stones in every way, but then, I’m totally biased.
Photo found on Insta
Here’s a few examples:
I’m pretty sure that’s Leon counting 1-2-3.
Leon also provided piano and horn arrangements. You can always tell it’s Leon by his signature glissandos.
Here’s an early version of Wild Horses with Leon Russell on the organ during a session for Sticky Fingers 12/04/1969-70.
And my favorite version of Wild Horses by Leon on Stop All That Jazz.
Leon referred to himself as a blues hound. In one interview, he said some musicians he worked with suffered from “jazz damage”. When Leon Russell referred to “jazz damage”, he was jokingly expressing his concern about music producer Tommy LiPuma’s extensive work with smooth, commercialized jazz artists and how that might have diminished his feel for blues and rock.
Here’s more:
In a 2014 interview about his album Life Journey, Russell recalled telling producer Tommy LiPuma, “I was concerned he might have jazz damage.” His reasoning was that LiPuma had previously produced successful records for jazz-pop artists like George Benson, Diana Krall, and Natalie Cole, which Russell saw as a departure from the grittier, blues-based music he favored.
His comment was not a condemnation of jazz as a whole but rather a witty, playful remark referencing his own background. LiPuma proved Russell’s fear was unfounded. The two had a productive collaboration and Leon happily noted that LiPuma was an “old blues hound like me, which was great”.
On another topic for a minute, isn’t is awesome that María Corina Machado Parisca won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize? She’s a Venezuelan politician, industrial engineer, and a prominent opposition leader to the authoritarian Nicolás Maduro regime. Congratulations!
Do you know Bad Bunny?
Singer and record producer Bad Bunny has been chosen to perform at the Super Bowl LX halftime show.
A lot of absolute and total subhuman idiots including that orange POS don’t seem to comprehend that Bad Bunny was born in Puerto Rico and that Puerto Rico is an unincorporated United States territory. To clarify, Puerto Ricans are United States citizens.
The most streamed artist in the world, Bad Bunny’s real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio. He was born in Puerto Rico and chose the stage name Bad Bunny after a social media post of him as a child, wearing a bunny suit and a grumpy expression, gained popularity and led him to create a Twitter account with that name.
His mom is a retired teacher and his dad was a truck driver, about as American as you can get.
This choice for the Super Bowl LX halftime show has been met with a furious backlash from MAGA influencers who’ve complained that he “doesn’t sing in English” and that he has been critical of Donald Trump, something I admire him for doing.
This manufactured outrage and hostility towards Bad Bunny is not rooted in his music, but in his message, and his color.
It’s absolutely disgusting to realize how many racist people there are in this country and how they feel it’s now OK to be vocal about it. Really, really, disgusting.
In a weird kind of way, their faux outrage has catapulted Bad Bunny to the forefront of everyone’s mind; it’s priceless publicity!
Maybe I didn’t really know who he was before, but now that I do, he’ll be added to my playlist. Maybe not at the top because my heart still belongs to Leon Russell, but there’s room for a Bad Bunny song or two; some Latin urban, reggaeton, and Latin trap.
By choosing Bad Bunny, the NFL not only secures a global superstar, but also aligns itself with a narrative of inclusion and representation. I didn’t think anybody can top Prince’s electric performance in 2007, but I support the NFL’s choice.
Bad Bunny says, “Sin mucha labia, sin mucha cotorra. Cuando estoy contigo dejo que la vibra corra,” which translates to “Without much fluff, without much chatter. When I’m with you I let the vibe flow”.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Lao Tzu
Leaf Loss / Bare Bones / Blue Sky
This ash tree started out forty years ago in a five-gallon pot as a housewarming gift. As soon as the leaves begin to drop–in just a day or two– the branches will become bare and I’ll have a LOT of raking to do.
“Simplicity is the final achievement. Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.” Coco Chanel
Abscission is the reason why leaves fall. Scientists believe that a reduction in sunlight leads to the reduction of chlorophyll in the leaf due to a reduction in photosynthesis and this may trigger the abscission of leaves. The actual process occurs when the weaker cells near the petiole are pushed off by the stronger cells beneath them.
That’s a lot for my brain to process and right now all I want to do is quietly savor the stark, elegantly naked branches.
Enchanted Seashells | Princess Rosebud 