Leon Russell (born Claude Russell Bridges; April 2, 1942 - November 13, 2016) was an American musician and songwriter, who recorded as a session musician and sideman, and maintained a solo career.
As a songwriter, he wrote songs including "Delta Lady", recorded by Joe Cocker, and organized Cocker's "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" tour in 1969. More than 100 acts have recorded his "A Song for You". As a pianist, he played in his early years on albums by The Beach Boys and Jan and Dean. On his first album, "Leon Russell", in 1970, musicians included John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison. One of his biggest early fans, Elton John, said Russell was a "mentor" and "inspiration", and they recorded The Union in 2010, John's only duet album, later nominated for a Grammy.