Leon Russell is the debut solo album by the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist
Leon Russell. It followed his debut with the
Midnight String Quartet and a production by Russell and
Marc Benno billed as the
Asylum Choir.
"
A Song for You", written by Russell for this album, is a slow, pained plea for forgiveness and understanding from an estranged lover. The tune is one of Russell's best-known compositions. It has been performed and recorded by over 200 artists, spanning many musical genres.
Elton John has called the song an American classic.[4][5]
"Roll Away the Stone", "Pisces Apple Lady", "Hurtsome Body", "Prince of Peace", "Delta Lady", "Shoot Out On the Plantation", "I Put a Spell On You" - Recorded at Olympic Sound, London, September 1969
"Give Peace a Chance" – Recorded at Ardent Recording, Memphis, November 1969
"Dixie Lullaby" – recorded at Gold Star Studios, Los Angeles, December 22, 1969
"Hummingbird" – recorded at Wally Heider Recording, Los Angeles, December 29, 1969
"A Song for You", "Masters of War" – recorded at A&M Studios, Los Angeles, January 1970
Final mixes by Glyn Johns made at Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, January 17–19, 1970
Eric Clapton – guitar ("Delta Lady", "Prince of Peace", "Hurtsome Body", "Roll Away the Stone", "The New Sweet Home Chicago" and "Jammin' With Eric")[9]
"This album is dedicated to: Chris Stainton / George Harrison / Ringo Starr / Charlie Watts / Bill Wyman / Eric Clapton / Klaus Voorman / BJ Wilson / Alan Spenner / Jim Gordon / Greg Dempsey / Stevie Winwood / Jim Horn / Mr. & Mrs. Bramlett / Bobby Whiplash / Clydie King / Merry Clayton & Joe Cocker, for their inspirational music."
^The Encyclopedia of Country Music, 2012: "In 1970 Russell released his self-titled debut solo album, including such enduring songs as '
Delta Lady' and 'A Song for You,' both written for versatile vocalist Rita Coolidge. He followed with Leon Russell and the Shelter People (1971) and ..."
^
abcdefghijHopkins, Jerry (21 January 1970). "Winwood, Watts & Starr as Sidemen". Rolling Stone (50). San Francisco: Straight Arrow Publishers, Inc.: 8.
^Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 262.
ISBN0-646-11917-6.