He hasn't been the healthiest person in the last few years. Here's hoping he's ok.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article ... lsaS218683Leon Russell undergoes brain surgery, condition unknown
Leon Russell is apparently recovering from brain surgery. Tulsa World File
By JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer
Published: 1/12/2010 12:34 PM
Last Modified: 1/12/2010 3:04 PM
Tulsa Sound icon Leon Russell has been hospitalized for brain surgery, sources confirmed with the Tulsa World.
"Uncle Leon spent 5 hours in surgery yesterday. I trust the Oklahoma Rock and Roll family will keep Leon in their hearts and minds for the next few days," wrote family friend Steve Ripley on his "Oklahoma Rock and Roll with Steve Ripley" fan site on the Facebook social networking site.
Russell had surgery for a brain fluid leak and other health issues, reportedly in California, multiple sources confirm. This might be a recurring health issue that has troubled Leon in the past. Calls to several hospitals in California were unable to confirm Russell had been admitted.
Also, the often-on-tour musician has canceled a string of upcoming club dates, confirmed Rick Booth, who books club-size shows for Russell.
However, Tuesday morning calls and e-mails to Russell's publicist and record label team by the Tulsa World have not yet been returned. Ripley, a close personal friend and collaborator with the musician, has released no official statement on Russell and had not returned phone calls or emails made Tuesday morning and afternoon.
Russell recently announced tour dates that should roll through Osage Million Dollar Elm on April 24, tour industry tracker Pollstar Pro reported. He is also to perform at the Norman Music Festival on April 25 on Norman's Main Street, the site showed.
Check back with the Tulsa World for updates and more details as they become available.
In recent months, the Tulsa World has also reported that Russell had plans to record with music icon Elton John. In 2009, Elton John let slip on Elvis Costello's talk show that he had tentative plans to record with Russell on a new album, to be produced by T-Bone Burnett. No firm recording or release date has been announced.
Claude Russell Bridges was born April 2, 1942, in Lawton. He is well-known professionally as an American pianist, guitarist, songwriter and singer and a founder of the Tulsa Sound, a bluesy blend of country, rock, folk and rockabilly.
He has toured, recorded, produced and performed with a litany of famous artists over the years, including everyone from Eric Clapton to Bob Dylan, Ricky Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Phil Spector, Tom Petty, The Beach Boys, Badfinger, The Byrds, the Beach Boys, B.B. King, George Harrison and more.
Through the 1960s and 70s, Russell owned the famous Church Recording Studio on Third Street here in Tulsa, which has hosted many famous musicians, including members of the Beatles.
By JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer
