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Art of the Song
Art of the Song is a one-hour, independently-produced radio show with music and interviews exploring inspiration and creativity through songwriting and other art forms. The program is heard on over 160 stations worldwide. Learn why songwriters and artists create, how they become inspired, and how you can tap into that creative source in every aspect of your life.
As a part of Art of the Song’s 20th anniversary celebration, we pay tribute to the late rock-and-roll hall of famer Leon Russell with a re-broadcast of our 2014 interview with him. The show features songs from his retrospective album, Life Journey. Leon began his career playing in clubs in his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. After moving to Los Angeles, he became a sought-after session player, playing on numerous hits of the 1960s. As a sideman, he performed with scores of notable artists including George Harrison, Eric Clapton, the Beach Boys, Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. He also worked as a producer and arranger, and eventually became a solo recording artist in his own right.
Leon Russell hits include, Delta Lady, This Masquerade, Tight Rope and A Song for You. Defying categorization, Leon is comfortable in many genres, including rock, blues, gospel and country. In early 2014, he released a retrospective of his career entitled Life Journey, executive produced by his longtime friend Elton John. We had the honor of speaking with Leon on his tour bus in Roswell, New Mexico.
