Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time's Journey Through Rock & Roll History

New York Times Bestseller

The definitive biography of the legendary musician, composer, and performer Leon Russell, a profound influence on countless artists, including George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Willie Nelson, Tom Petty, and the world of music as a whole.

Leon Russell is an icon, yet somehow remains an underappreciated artist. He is spoken of with a reverence usually reserved not just for the most talented musicians, but also for the most complex and fascinating individuals. His career reads like a roadmap of music history, frequently intersecting with rock royalty such as Bob Dylan, the Stones, and the Beatles. He began in the Fifties as a teenager touring with Jerry Lee Lewis, going on to play piano on records by giants like Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, and Phil Spector, and on hundreds of classic songs with major recording artists.

Leon was Elton John's idol, and Elton inducted him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Leon is also credited with altering Willie Nelson's career, giving us the long-haired, cannabis-friendly Willie we all know and love today. In his prime, Leon filled stadiums on solo tours and was an organiser/performer on both Joe Cocker's revolutionary Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour and George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh. Leon also founded Shelter Records in 1969 with producer Denny Cordell, discovering and releasing the debut albums of Tom Petty, the Gap Band, Phoebe Snow, and J.J. Cale.

Leon consistently assembled wildly diverse bands and performances, fostering creative and free atmospheres for musicians to live and work together. He boldly challenged musical and social barriers. However, Russell also struggled with his inner demons, including substance abuse, severe depression, and crippling stage fright that took a heavy toll on his psyche over the long term and at times seemed to push him towards obscurity.

Now, acclaimed author and founding member of Buffalo Tom, Bill Janovitz, shines the spotlight on one of the most important music makers of the twentieth century.