3. “Stranger in a Strange Land” from Leon Russell and the Shelter People (1971)
“How many days has it been since I was born – How many days ‘til I die – Do I know any ways that I can make you laugh – Do I only know how to make you cry? – When the baby looks around him – It’s such a site to see – He shares a simple secret with the wise man – He’s a stranger in a strange land.” That’s how Leon opens his second album. This isn’t Leon’s all-star cast of famous friends.
It’s his constant band – co-writer and guitarist Don Preston, Carl Radle on bass, Chuck Blackwell on drums, and a major boost from one-time Ikette Claudia Lennear adding the gospel-inspired backing vocals. Leon even preaches a sermon at the end that may be more relevant today than it was even in 1971.
2. “Tight Rope” from Carney (1972)
Leon’s biggest commercial hit, “Tight Rope” made it to Number 11 in the USA. His only other top-20 song was “Lady Blue” from Will O’ The Wisp in 1975. Leon once said that he was playing so much music as a teenager that he used to fall asleep in English class. Didn’t seem to hurt him much.
His lyrics here – using a circus performer’s death-defying act as a metaphor for the challenges of life – are some of the best poetry he ever wrote. “I’m up on a tight wire – One side’s ice and one is fire – It’s circus game with you and me – I’m up on the tightrope – One side’s hate and one is hope – But the top hat on my head is all you see.”
He balances it with evocative carnival-inspired music that is just a bit off-kilter, adding to the sense of danger in everyday occurrences. He shows his classical influences by mixing in a drunken bit of Julius Fucik in the bridge.
1. “A Song for You” from Leon Russell (1970)
It was the first track on his first solo album and it is quite simply one of the most touching, beautiful love songs ever written. Donny Hathaway did a lovely, longing version. Amy Winehouse sang it big and bold. Willie Nelson did it as simply as possible.
Whitney Houston applied her unique vocal gymnastics and Ray Charles won a Grammy for his ultra-soulful take. Those are some of the heaviest hitters in the biz. None did it better than the man who wrote it. Leon’s vocals are as passionate and intimate as it gets.
Leon died in 2016. He had always struggled with his health and had undergone brain surgery in 2010. He recovered and produced several more gems, aided greatly by his devotee, Elton John. He was 74 when a heart attack took him away. He was eulogized by many, but no one said it better than Leon did himself – “And when my life is over – Remember when we were together – We were alone and I was singing my song for you.”