A fittingly diverse group of musicians will honor the late Leon Russell with a new tribute album, A Song For Leon. Out September 8th via Primary Wave Music, the album features contributions from musicians spanning country, funk, folk, indie-rock, and more, all paying homage to the late songwriter and pianist.
In a telling display of the influence of Russell—who died in 2016 at the age of 74 with at least 31 albums and 430 songs recorded—his tribute album hosts contributions from Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, U.S. Girls with Bootsy Collins, Margo Price, Orville Peck, Pixies, Hiss Holden Messenger, Durand Jones & The Indications, Monica Martin, Bret McKenzie with The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and a trio of Tina Rose, Amy Nelson, and Jason Hill.
Related: Watch Tedeschi Trucks Band Jam With Leon Russell In Chicago
Along with the album announcement come the first three singles. Again highlighting the diversity of Russell’s unique songwriting voice—which borrowed from a wide range of styles including gospel, bluegrass, swamp rock, and well beyond—the trio of singles includes Margo Price’s soulful country swagger on “Strangers In A Strange Land”, U.S. Girls with Bootsy Collins’ aggressively sexy “Superstar”, and Orville Peck’s brooding croon “This Masquerade”.
“Mr. Russell was a musician’s musician,” Collins said. “He came in through the back door and made his way to the front of the stage. His songwriting had meaning and a way of touching people that were going through things in life. I admired his talent, his steadfastness & commitment to being and doing what he set out to do. He expressed himself as only he could. I am proud to be a part of this tribute to him.”
Check out the initial previews of A Song For Leon: A Tribute To Leon Russell below, along with the tracklist and album artwork. Pre-order the album here.
Margo Price – “Strangers In A Strange Land” (Leon Russell)
U.S. Girls, Bootsy Collins – “Superstar” (Leon Russell)
Orville Peck – “This Masquerade” (Leon Russell)
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