My hubby introduced me to Leon (I listened to country at that time) when we were dating and this was my favorite. He would have me sit on his lap while at his desk and would play songs I had never heard before. Wish I could listen to music with him now as he passed away two years ago. Think I'll listen again. Awesome song and great memories!
A beautiful song which chokes me up every time. Elton John heard this song again nearly 40 years after losing contact with Leon. It touched him so deeply that Elton called leon and offered to make an album together. That album "The Union" came out in 2010 and is a glorious collection of new music from two piano greats. There's a documentary which tracks the production and it's a truly heart wrenching tale of redemption for Leon. Glorious man who brought so much to the world of music.
Brings me back to 1975, a unforgettable trip to Negril Jamaica which was still a bohemian getaway, everyone came to Rick’s Cafe at sunset. Every night at Ricks for the two weeks I was there they played this song as the sun set. It was the first time I heard it and fell immediately in love with it. Beautiful views, sweet rum, lovely ladies and Leon Russell. RIP Leon and thank you.
Leon has such a beautiful voice , and as you say Harri mellow & groovy, like lying on a hammock right next to the ocean, or slow dancing with someone special! Parts of it is like Willie Nelson, I wonder if they ever sang together ?!
Awesome submission from the great Leon Russell. Leon's vocals are mesmerizing on this one and many others. Harri, you appeared to have possibly blended as one with this one. Well done Bushy Prout and Harri.
Leon was known to do Rock and Roll, Country, Bluegrass, R&B, Southern Rock, and other genres. This is s beautiful song, with birds and surf to transform you to the island, even if it's a break up song. It does remind me of Willie, Leon recorded a song with him called, " One For the Road". Great memory. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Bushy. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Leon Russell was a musicians' musician... a fantastic pianist who could play many styles of music and as a studio musician is on many other artist's albums.
Oh Harri, this has always been one of my favorite Leon Russel songs. I have requestd it so many times and am thrilled that you reacted to it and love it. The entire album is so good, especially Littel Hideaway and Can't Get Over Loosing You. Great reaction Harri and than you to Bushy Prout!!!!
Leon Russell recorded his sixth studio album, Will O' the Wisp, at his own "Church Studio" at 304 S Trenton Ave, right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The album was released in 1975 on his own label, Shelter Records. It peaked at No. 30 on the Billboard albums chart and remained on the chart for 40 weeks. The album cover was designed and illustrated by artist/actor Gailard Sartain. It features the hit single, "Lady Blue", which reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. The album was certified gold in 1976. On July 21, 1999, Leon performed "Back to the Island" live on The David Letterman Show. Track listing -- All tracks composed by Leon Russell Side one "Will O' the Wisp" (instrumental) - 0:55 "Little Hideaway" - 3:57 "Make You Feel Good" - 2:23 "Can't Get Over Losing You" - 5:04 "My Father's Shoes" - 4:16 "Stay Away from Sad Songs" - 4:01 Side Two "Back to the Island" - 5:20 "Down on Deep River" - 3:55 "Bluebird" - 3:55 "Laying Right Here in Heaven" - 2:52 "Lady Blue" - 3:28 Charts Chart (1975/76) Peak position Australia (Kent Music Report)[8] 96 United States (Billboard 200) 30 Personnel Leon Russell - vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, synthesizer, clavinet, percussion Steve Cropper, Bobby Manuel, J. J. Cale, Tommy Allsup, Don Preston - guitar Donald Dunn, Carl Radle - bass guitar Patrick Henderson - organ Teddy Jack Eddy (Gary Busey), Richard "Moon" Calhoun, Al Jackson Jr., Ambrose Adekoya Campbell, Jim Keltner, Carl Himmel - drums Mary McCreary - background vocals Jim Horn - alto saxophone Masako Hirayama - biwa Minoru Muraoka - flute Roger Linn - synthesizer, programming References Allmusic review Christgau, Robert (1981). "Consumer Guide '70s: R". Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies. Ticknor & Fields. ISBN 089919026X. Retrieved March 12, 2019 - via robertchristgau.com. Holden, Stephen. "Will O' the Wisp". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 30 September 2014. "Inductee Explorer - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame". Rockhall.com. Retrieved 8 August 2018. "Memory Lane". Leon Russell Official Website. Retrieved 30 September 2014. "What to do in Oklahoma on Aug. 6, 2015: Hear Leon Russell at Hard Rock Tulsa". NewsOK.com. 6 August 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2018. imdb.com, July 21, 1999, The David Letterman Show Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970-1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 262. ISBN 0-646-11917-6. vte Leon Russell Studio albums Smash Records Look Inside the Asylum Choir Shelter Records Asylum Choir IILeon RussellLeon Russell and the Shelter PeopleCarneyHank Wilson's Back Vol. IStop All That JazzWill O' the WispWedding AlbumMake Love to the Music Leon Russell Records Guitar BluesMoonlight & Love SongsLegend in My Time: Hank Wilson Vol. IIIFace in the CrowdRhythm & Bluegrass: Hank Wilson, Vol. 4Bad Country Angel in DisguiseIn Your DreamsA Mighty Flood Paradise Records AmericanaLife and LoveBlues: Same Old SongSolid StateHank Wilson, Vol. II Other labels One for the RoadLooking BackAnything Can HappenThe UnionLife JourneyOn a Distant Shore Live albums Mad Dogs and Englishmen with Joe CockerLeon LiveLive in JapanLive at Gilley's Songs "Lady Blue""A Song for You""Tight Rope""This Masquerade""Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms""I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry""If I Were a Carpenter""Foggy Mountain Breakdown" See also The Church StudioTulsa SoundThe Wrecking CrewThe Asylum ChoirA Poem Is a Naked PersonThe Concert for BangladeshThe Union TourThe Union (film)
Just love Leon’s voice! I once crossed paths with him and his wife Mary at a restaurant in Baton Rouge, I had to restrain myself and not bother them, kinda wish I had! R.I.P. Leon
This whole album is superb, especially "Can't Get Over Losing You." Leon was so much more than a singer. He wrote "This Masquerade," "A Song For You," and many others. He directed Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour and played piano on too many hits to name.
Leon and Willie performed together off and on for several years after music changed with New Wave. They got along well. Leon was a regular performer in the first years of the famous Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic's in Texas.
I know you reacted to Joe Cocker at Woodstock but you should watch the epic video of Joe Cocker and Mad Dogs and Englishmen (with Leon Russell) doing "A LIttle Help From My Friends" and there are a LOT of friends!
My hubby introduced me to Leon (I listened to country at that time) when we were dating and this was my favorite. He would have me sit on his lap while at his desk and would play songs I had never heard before. Wish I could listen to music with him now as he passed away two years ago. Think I'll listen again. Awesome song and great memories!
Takes me back to first time I heard this. I was on the USS MIdway pulling into the Phillipines Subic Bay in 1977. Absolutely love this song.
I totally forgot about this song 🎵 absolutely beautiful.
A beautiful song which chokes me up every time.
Elton John heard this song again nearly 40 years after losing contact with Leon. It touched him so deeply that Elton called leon and offered to make an album together.
That album "The Union" came out in 2010 and is a glorious collection of new music from two piano greats.
There's a documentary which tracks the production and it's a truly heart wrenching tale of redemption for Leon.
Glorious man who brought so much to the world of music.
Give Leon Russell Masquerade or Tightrope or Delta Lady or Lady Blue a listen great stuff thanks Harri
One of my favorite Leon tunes. He could set such a mood. And that voice. So atmospheric. Thanks.
I’ve always loved this. In 75; when I heard “Lady Blue” on the radio; I rushed out to buy this album.
Leon was from Tulsa Oklahoma area. He has that 'southern thing' in his soul .
Brings me back to 1975, a unforgettable trip to Negril Jamaica which was still a bohemian getaway, everyone came to Rick’s Cafe at sunset. Every night at Ricks for the two weeks I was there they played this song as the sun set. It was the first time I heard it and fell immediately in love with it. Beautiful views, sweet rum, lovely ladies and Leon Russell. RIP Leon and thank you.
Leon has such a beautiful voice , and as you say Harri mellow & groovy, like lying on a hammock right next to the ocean, or slow dancing with someone special! Parts of it is like Willie Nelson, I wonder if they ever sang together ?!
Awesome submission from the great Leon Russell. Leon's vocals are mesmerizing on this one and many others. Harri, you appeared to have possibly blended as one with this one. Well done Bushy Prout and Harri.
Leon was known to do Rock and Roll, Country, Bluegrass, R&B, Southern Rock, and other genres. This is s beautiful song, with birds and surf to transform you to the island, even if it's a break up song.
It does remind me of Willie, Leon recorded a song with him called, " One For the Road". Great memory. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Bushy.
👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Leon Russell was a musicians' musician... a fantastic pianist who could play many styles of music and as a studio musician is on many other artist's albums.
Love Leon, such a overlooked songwriter and musician who's written hits for many artists.
This is gold, Bushy Prout...top-tier selection! I was expecting another song, but this one is just as good. Our friend, Harri, was digging it, too!
Good tune. I certainly hope you will give a listen to the two best rockers on Leon's self titled debut album, "Delta Lady", and "Roll Away the Stone."
My favorite Russell song, it's been on my replay list for many years.
Hi Harri, WOW, I haven't heard this song in ages! So long that I'd forgotten about it. Bottom line: you can't go wrong with Leon! - Brooklyn Mike
just love you Harri❤❤
Песня волшебная, вокал потрясающий. Спасибо за видео. Привет из Москвы
I love this song. It's like a 5 minute tropical vacation.
Leon was one of the best! Ive seen him in concert, he has many great songs. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Rip Leon! We love and miss you!
Oh Harri, this has always been one of my favorite Leon Russel songs. I have requestd it so many times and am thrilled that you reacted to it and love it. The entire album is so good, especially Littel Hideaway and Can't Get Over Loosing You. Great reaction Harri and than you to Bushy Prout!!!!
What a VOICE 😊
Leon Russell recorded his sixth studio album, Will O' the Wisp, at his own "Church Studio" at 304 S Trenton Ave, right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The album was released in 1975 on his own label, Shelter Records. It peaked at No. 30 on the Billboard albums chart and remained on the chart for 40 weeks. The album cover was designed and illustrated by artist/actor Gailard Sartain. It features the hit single, "Lady Blue", which reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. The album was certified gold in 1976.
On July 21, 1999, Leon performed "Back to the Island" live on The David Letterman Show.
Track listing --
All tracks composed by Leon Russell
Side one
"Will O' the Wisp" (instrumental) - 0:55
"Little Hideaway" - 3:57
"Make You Feel Good" - 2:23
"Can't Get Over Losing You" - 5:04
"My Father's Shoes" - 4:16
"Stay Away from Sad Songs" - 4:01
Side Two
"Back to the Island" - 5:20
"Down on Deep River" - 3:55
"Bluebird" - 3:55
"Laying Right Here in Heaven" - 2:52
"Lady Blue" - 3:28
Charts
Chart (1975/76) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[8] 96
United States (Billboard 200) 30
Personnel
Leon Russell - vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, synthesizer, clavinet, percussion
Steve Cropper, Bobby Manuel, J. J. Cale, Tommy Allsup, Don Preston - guitar
Donald Dunn, Carl Radle - bass guitar
Patrick Henderson - organ
Teddy Jack Eddy (Gary Busey), Richard "Moon" Calhoun, Al Jackson Jr., Ambrose Adekoya Campbell, Jim Keltner, Carl Himmel - drums
Mary McCreary - background vocals
Jim Horn - alto saxophone
Masako Hirayama - biwa
Minoru Muraoka - flute
Roger Linn - synthesizer, programming
References
Allmusic review
Christgau, Robert (1981). "Consumer Guide '70s: R". Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies. Ticknor & Fields. ISBN 089919026X. Retrieved March 12, 2019 - via robertchristgau.com.
Holden, Stephen. "Will O' the Wisp". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
"Inductee Explorer - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame". Rockhall.com. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
"Memory Lane". Leon Russell Official Website. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
"What to do in Oklahoma on Aug. 6, 2015: Hear Leon Russell at Hard Rock Tulsa". NewsOK.com. 6 August 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
imdb.com, July 21, 1999, The David Letterman Show
Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970-1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 262. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
vte
Leon Russell
Studio albums
Smash Records
Look Inside the Asylum Choir
Shelter Records
Asylum Choir IILeon RussellLeon Russell and the Shelter PeopleCarneyHank Wilson's Back Vol. IStop All That JazzWill O' the WispWedding AlbumMake Love to the Music
Leon Russell Records
Guitar BluesMoonlight & Love SongsLegend in My Time: Hank Wilson Vol. IIIFace in the CrowdRhythm & Bluegrass: Hank Wilson, Vol. 4Bad Country Angel in DisguiseIn Your DreamsA Mighty Flood
Paradise Records
AmericanaLife and LoveBlues: Same Old SongSolid StateHank Wilson, Vol. II
Other labels
One for the RoadLooking BackAnything Can HappenThe UnionLife JourneyOn a Distant Shore
Live albums
Mad Dogs and Englishmen with Joe CockerLeon LiveLive in JapanLive at Gilley's
Songs
"Lady Blue""A Song for You""Tight Rope""This Masquerade""Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms""I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry""If I Were a Carpenter""Foggy Mountain Breakdown"
See also
The Church StudioTulsa SoundThe Wrecking CrewThe Asylum ChoirA Poem Is a Naked PersonThe Concert for BangladeshThe Union TourThe Union (film)
That whole album is good.
More Leon
This is the BEST Island float away song-love the whole album ❤
🍹🏖🌊🌈👌🏼
"So mellow it made me forget what day of the week it was...." Good one, Harri.
My favorite Leon Russel song!
I forgot how good this is!!!❤❤❤❤
That Tropical background with the nature, ❤♥️🇿🇦
Leon and Willie worked together a great deal, including the notorious July 4th Picnics of Willie's. Magic between them.
Just love Leon’s voice! I once crossed paths with him and his wife Mary at a restaurant in Baton Rouge, I had to restrain myself and not bother them, kinda wish I had! R.I.P. Leon
I'm not a knocked out Leon Russell fan but this song may be in my top twenty greatest all-time. Giving it all up to smoke a doob and watch the ocean.
Leon and Willie Nelson recorded an album together “Willie and Leon One For The Road”. You should listen to some of the songs on that album.
RIP Leon ❤
Yes beautiful, and gospelsong...just listen to I Put A Spell On You also from Leon Russell. When will JJ Cale appear? I hope soon.
My favorite Leon Russell song. One of many favorites
You need to see Leon, Willie, and Ray Charles doing " A Song for You " by Leon
Harri Joe Cocker Mad Dogs And Englishmen is with Leon Russell give The Letter a listen thanks
Leon Russell has recorded Country Rock Folk Blues he has over 200 Albums
RIP Leon. Thank You!
This whole album is superb, especially "Can't Get Over Losing You." Leon was so much more than a singer. He wrote "This Masquerade," "A Song For You," and many others. He directed Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour and played piano on too many hits to name.
Great song...he made some great music...
gives me chills Thanks Harri yes we forgot the day of the week
There were several Memphis musicians on this album including drummer Al Jackson Jr.. Tragically, he was murdered a few months later.
Admit it Harri, you like yacht music. ❤
Leon and Willie performed together off and on for several years after music changed with New Wave. They got along well. Leon was a regular performer in the first years of the famous Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic's in Texas.
Thanks to Bushy Prout and Harri for a great listen 🌺✌️
The Great Leon Russell
he was a very good friend of willie nelson.
Try Leon Russell’s medley (Jumping Jack Flash and Young Blood)on the Concert For Bangladesh which was organized by George Harrison. It is great stuff.
A bit of WillieN😎
I know you reacted to Joe Cocker at Woodstock but you should watch the epic video of Joe Cocker and Mad Dogs and Englishmen (with Leon Russell) doing "A LIttle Help From My Friends" and there are a LOT of friends!
I thought the same, That's Willie? Nope, it's Leon. You've been hitting all the greats, Harri.
Along the same lines of nice, mellow & transportative, give a listen to Son Of A Son Of A Sailor by Jimmy Buffet.
Leon lived in Hawaii.
Just for laughs! Listen to Old Folks Boogie by Little Feat!! I'm gettin' old!!
Buffett has a nice cover of this song.
kind of like if Willie Nelson and Jimmy Buffet had a baby.
Btw leon..DOA ..11/13/2016
If Willy Nelson and Tom Petty had a baby ....😅
This is about a breakup. Not romantic at all.