
Acting
Leon Russell
Born — Died
1942-04-02 — 2016-11-13
Place of birth
Lawton, Oklahoma, USA
Known for
Acting
Credits
30 titles
Leon Russell, born Claude Russell Bridges, was an American musician and songwriter who was involved with numerous bestselling pop music records during his 60-year career. His genres included pop, country, rock, folk, gospel, bluegrass, rhythm and blues, folk rock, blues rock, surf, standards, and Tulsa Sound.
Known for
6.9A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest.
Saturday Night Live
1975
6.2Late Night with David Letterman is a nightly hour-long comedy talk show on NBC that was created and hosted by David Letterman. It premiered in 1982 as the first incarnation of the Late Night franchise and went off the air in 1993, after Letterman left NBC and moved to Late Show on CBS. Late Night with Conan O'Brien then filled the time slot. As of March 2, 2009, the slot has been filled by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. It will be filled by Seth Meyers in the spring of 2014, after Fallon becomes host of The Tonight Show.
Late Night with David Letterman
1982
4.3A topical magazine-style daily television programme broadcast live on BBC One.
The One Show
2006
5.9Later... with Jools Holland is a contemporary British music television show hosted by Jools Holland.
Later... with Jools Holland
1992
6.3Now the longest-running music series in American television history, ACL showcases popular music legends and innovators from every genre.
Austin City Limits
1975
6.8Solid Gold was an American syndicated music television series that debuted on September 13, 1980. Like many other shows of its genre, such as American Bandstand, Solid Gold featured musical performances and various other elements such as music videos. What set Solid Gold apart was a group of dancers in revealing costumes who at various points in the program performed various dances to the top ten hits of the week. Many other specials aired in which the dancers would dance to older pop hits as well. Reviews of the show were not always positive, with The New York Times referring to it as "the pop music show that is its own parody...[enacting] mini-dramas...of covetousness, lust and aerobic toning--routines that typically have a minimal connection with the songs that back them up." The series ran until July 23, 1988, and it was usually transmitted on Saturdays in the early evening. In 1986, Solid Gold added the current year to its title, so in the seventh season the show was known as Solid Gold '86/'87. For the eighth and last season the program became known as Solid Gold In Concert, reflecting the addition of more live performances than had previously been featured on the program in the past.
Solid Gold
1980
Film credits
2010s · 4 titles
10.0In November 2009, filmmaker Cameron Crowe began filming a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the album The Union, a collaboration between musicians Elton John and Leon Russell, who hadn't spoken to one another in 38 years prior to beginning work on the album. In addition, the documentary offers a rare glimpse into the process John goes through to create and compose his music. Featured in the film are musicians Neil Young, Brian Wilson, Booker T. Jones, steel guitarist Robert Randolph, Don Was and a 10-piece gospel choir who all contribute to the album, which is produced by award-winning producer T-Bone Burnett. Musician Stevie Nicks and John's long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin also appear.
The Union
2011
8.0Documentary exploring Elton John's childhood, apprenticeship in the British music business, sudden stardom in the US at the dawn of the 70s and his musical heyday. Plus the backstory to the album reuniting him with Leon Russell, his American mentor. Features extensive exclusive interviews with Elton, plus colleagues and collaborators including Bernie Taupin, Leon Russell and others.
The Making of Elton John: Madman Across the Water
2010
Home video footage shot by Maureen Gosling during the filming of Les Blank's feature "A Poem is a Naked Person".
Out in the Woods
2016
5.0Elton John in concert at the Roundhouse with his friend and mentor Leon Russell and special guests Plan B and Rumer. The concert celebrates Elton and Leon's classic hits and they also perform from their new collaboration album, The Union.
Elton John & Leon Russell: BBC Electric Proms 2010
2010
2000s · 5 titles
NRNo synopsis available yet.
Dolly Parton & Friends: Love Always Live
2009
8.0Short documentary focused on the background story of the show, including interviews with cast and crew.
George Harrison & Friends - The Concert for Bangladesh Revisited
2005
8.0Reluctant rock hero J.J. Cale takes the spotlight for this 80-minute session, recorded in Los Angeles in 1979 but virtually unseen until 2001. The reclusive, Oklahoma-born Cale is probably best known for writing songs made famous by others ("After Midnight" and "Cocaine" by Eric Clapton, "Call Me the Breeze" by Lynyrd Skynyrd). Those are among the some two dozen tunes heard here (five of which, including "Breeze," are audio-only bonus tracks), as is Cale's own minor hit, "Crazy Mama." The latter is a good example of the witty, laconic groove that Cale, a superb guitar player and laid-back vocalist, brings to much of his music, an appealing style that's been an obvious influence on Mark Knopfler and others.
J.J. Cale - In Session at the Paradise Studios 1979
2002
NR"A Song for You" is a stunning collection of 25 hits, including some of Leon's all-time greatest tracks.
Leon Russell: A Song For You
2002
NRReleased in 2005 as a region-free DVD (PAL, 4:3, stereo sound), Partners in Music features Willie Nelson and Leon Russell performing together in a studio or concert setting. The 62-minute program showcases the duo sharing lead vocals and guitar/piano roles across a selection of country and folk tracks. The title suggests a focus on their musical partnership; however, no full setlist is listed in the packaging details, implying a curated selection of performances rather than a live concert recording. Let me know if you’d like help identifying specific songs or obtaining chapter listings!
Willie Nelson & Leon Russel - Partners In Music
2005
1970s · 7 titles
8.3"Joe Cocker - the Rotating Rocker - and his 42 member communal touring company Mad Dogs & Englishmen with the Master of Space and Time Leon Russell - see them perform in the pleasure palaces of America - it's a moving picture" says the classic film poster. See this spectacular rock 'n' roll tour documentary and get a dramatic visual record that captures the spirit of the hippie era with mind-blowing performances, crazy backstage footage, and spaced-out interviews. Supporting cast includes Claudia Lennear, Rita Coolidge, Sherman Jones reciting "Face on the Barroom Floor," and Canina the dog.
Joe Cocker: Mad Dogs & Englishmen
1971
7.8Les Blank's first feature-length documentary captures music and other events at Leon Russell's Oklahoma recording studio during a three-year period (1972-1974).
A Poem Is a Naked Person
1974
7.9A film about the first benefit rock concert when major musicians performed to raise relief funds for the poor of Bangladesh. The Concert for Bangladesh was a pair of benefit concerts organised by former Beatles guitarist George Harrison and Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar. The shows were held at 2:30 and 8:00 pm on Sunday, 1 August 1971, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, to raise international awareness of, and fund relief for refugees from East Pakistan, following the Bangladesh Liberation War-related genocide.
The Concert for Bangladesh
1972
5.8A drug dealer's car breaks down in a small U.S. town. In turn, the town's people become victim to his unique brand of physical and mental torture.
When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?
1979
5.9Due to be crowned King of the Netherworld by his mentor Merlin the Magician, Count Downe — son of Dracula — falls in love with beautiful mortal Amber and finds himself in conflict with Baron Frankenstein, who is vying for the same honourary title.
Son of Dracula
1974
It's Willie Nelson celebrating the 4th of July
Willie Nelson's 4th of July Celebration
1979
NROriginally aired on KCET December 5, 1970. Taped at the Vine Street Theatre on Hollywood and Vine. Leon Russell and friends with Sweet Emily, Claudia Lennar, Kathi McDonald, Chuck Blackwell, John Gallie, Don Preseton, Joey Cooper, Carl Radle, Don Nix, Jim Horn, Furry Lewis. Set list Leon's Introduction Opening 2 Will The Circle Be Unbroken Caravan (Jim Horn) It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry Delta Lady A Song For You Furry's Introduction Furry's Blues 1 Furry's Blues 2 Furry's Blues 3 with Leon Amos Burke Honky Tonk Women Sweet Emily Prince Of Peace Girl Of The North Country Big Boss Man Crystal Closet Queen Of Thee I Sign Medley Ending
Leon Russell: The Homewood Session
1970
Series credits
6.9A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest.
Saturday Night Live
1975
6.2Late Night with David Letterman is a nightly hour-long comedy talk show on NBC that was created and hosted by David Letterman. It premiered in 1982 as the first incarnation of the Late Night franchise and went off the air in 1993, after Letterman left NBC and moved to Late Show on CBS. Late Night with Conan O'Brien then filled the time slot. As of March 2, 2009, the slot has been filled by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. It will be filled by Seth Meyers in the spring of 2014, after Fallon becomes host of The Tonight Show.
Late Night with David Letterman
1982
4.3A topical magazine-style daily television programme broadcast live on BBC One.
The One Show
2006
5.9Later... with Jools Holland is a contemporary British music television show hosted by Jools Holland.
Later... with Jools Holland
1992
6.3Now the longest-running music series in American television history, ACL showcases popular music legends and innovators from every genre.
Austin City Limits
1975
6.8Solid Gold was an American syndicated music television series that debuted on September 13, 1980. Like many other shows of its genre, such as American Bandstand, Solid Gold featured musical performances and various other elements such as music videos. What set Solid Gold apart was a group of dancers in revealing costumes who at various points in the program performed various dances to the top ten hits of the week. Many other specials aired in which the dancers would dance to older pop hits as well. Reviews of the show were not always positive, with The New York Times referring to it as "the pop music show that is its own parody...[enacting] mini-dramas...of covetousness, lust and aerobic toning--routines that typically have a minimal connection with the songs that back them up." The series ran until July 23, 1988, and it was usually transmitted on Saturdays in the early evening. In 1986, Solid Gold added the current year to its title, so in the seventh season the show was known as Solid Gold '86/'87. For the eighth and last season the program became known as Solid Gold In Concert, reflecting the addition of more live performances than had previously been featured on the program in the past.
Solid Gold
1980
8.0Country music stars collaborate with performers from other musical genres and exchange stories about their mutual love for music.
CMT Crossroads
2002
6.4Shindig! is an American musical variety series which aired on ABC from September 16, 1964 to January 8, 1966. The show was hosted by Jimmy O'Neill, a disc jockey in Los Angeles at the time who also created the show along with his wife Sharon Sheeley and production executive Art Stolnitz. The original pilot was rejected by ABC and David Sontag, then Executive Producer of ABC, redeveloped and completely redesigned the show. A new pilot with a new cast of artists was shot starring Sam Cooke. That pilot aired as the premiere episode.
Shindig!
1964
6.4Shindig! is an American musical variety series which aired on ABC from September 16, 1964 to January 8, 1966. The show was hosted by Jimmy O'Neill, a disc jockey in Los Angeles at the time who also created the show along with his wife Sharon Sheeley and production executive Art Stolnitz. The original pilot was rejected by ABC and David Sontag, then Executive Producer of ABC, redeveloped and completely redesigned the show. A new pilot with a new cast of artists was shot starring Sam Cooke. That pilot aired as the premiere episode.
Shindig!
1964
6.4Shindig! is an American musical variety series which aired on ABC from September 16, 1964 to January 8, 1966. The show was hosted by Jimmy O'Neill, a disc jockey in Los Angeles at the time who also created the show along with his wife Sharon Sheeley and production executive Art Stolnitz. The original pilot was rejected by ABC and David Sontag, then Executive Producer of ABC, redeveloped and completely redesigned the show. A new pilot with a new cast of artists was shot starring Sam Cooke. That pilot aired as the premiere episode.
Shindig!
1964
NRJon Brewer examines the history of blues music in America, marrying startling imagery and expert interviews with archival performances to fill in the gaps about the music itself, its origins and the impact it had and continues to have on popular music today.
Monochrome: Black, White & Blue
2017


