Press Release
July 19, 2016
Contact: Larry O’Dell
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-6676
lodell@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org
Leon Russell, Legendary Entertainer, Recovering from Heart Attack
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Leon Russell, 74, suffered a heart attack this last week. He is in stable condition, and his representatives are optimistic for a full recovery. The Grammy-winning musician is undergoing tests and is scheduled for an upcoming surgery.
Born Russell Bridges, he changed his name to Leon Russell after relocating to Los Angeles from his home in Tulsa, Okla. One of the great contributors to Rock and Roll, Russell’s nearly sixty-year career has spanned recording some of the great 1960s music as a Hollywood session musician to his own “superstar” status beginning in the 1970s, to recording and touring with Elton John in this decade.
Russell’s touring schedule has been put on hold. The family and his representatives will update the public soon on his recovery and revised concert dates. For more information please contact Jeff Moore at 405-522-0692 or visit www.okpop.org. An extensive collection covering Mr. Russell’s illustrious career will be housed at the new OKPOP museum in Tulsa.
