NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Leon Russell, who performed, sang and produced some of rock ‘n’ roll’s top records, has died. He was 74.
Russell’s wife, Jan Bridges, said in a statement that her husband died in his sleep Sunday at their Nashville home. She said Russell had heart bypass surgery in July and had been planning on resuming touring in January.
His final performance was July 10 in Nashville.
Besides his music, Russell was known for his striking appearance: wispy white hair halfway down his back and that covered much of his face.
Russell recorded hit songs like “Tight Rope” and “Lady Blue” and participated in “The Concert for Bangladesh.” John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison played on his first album, “Leon Russell.”