Another legend from the past is being celebrated. Singer songwriter band leader Leon Russell the brilliant songwriter and musician who played, wrote or produced over 400 recordings with artists including Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and Elton John is celebrated on a new album called “A Song For Leon”. Artists covering Leon’s songs on this new record include Bootsy Collins, Pixies, Orville Peck, Nathaniel Rateliff and Margo Price. Here is the latter’s version of Leon Russell’s “Strangers in a Strange Land” along with the original
Among those contributing covers of Leon Russell songs are Margo Price, Pixies, Orville Peck, Hiss Golden Messenger and US Girls . Hear Price’s take on “Stranger In A Strange Land”
“I’ve always loved Leon Russell’s vibe and approach to music and life in general,” says Price. “I had the pleasure of briefly meeting him at a show many years ago in the hallway. I always remember what he said during the live interview that day, which was that ‘It was his job to misinform the press.’ He was an old man at the time, but I’ll never forget how mischievous he seemed.
“After my band and I cut “Stranger In A Strange Land”, we decided to perform it live at many shows. The monologue in the middle is my favourite. It still seems absolutely pertinent, and its subject still matters today. He’s talking about the afterlife and equality and goes off about starting a new race where we all just learn to love each other. We can all learn a thing of two from Leon Russell.”
Leon Russell tribute album, “A Song For Leon“, will be released by Primary Wave Music on September 8th.
The Fat Angel Sings 