Claude russell bridges biography of alberta

Born Claude Russell Bridges

Leon Russell born Claude Russell Bridges ; April 2, — November 13, was an American musician and songwriter who was involved with numerous bestselling records during his year career that spanned multiple genres, including rock and roll , [ 3 ] country , gospel , bluegrass , rhythm and blues , southern rock , [ 4 ] blues rock , [ 5 ] folk , surf and the Tulsa sound.

His recordings earned six gold records and he received two Grammy Awards from seven nominations. Russell collaborated with many notable artists and recorded 33 albums and songs. His " A Song for You ", which was named to the Grammy Hall of Fame in , has been recorded by more than artists, and his song " This Masquerade " by more than One of his early fans, Elton John , said that Russell was a "mentor" and an "inspiration".

He wrote and recorded the hits " Tight Rope " and " Lady Blue ". She said while he was "watching the birds, and something was going on with the birds", Leon's first words were "What's the matter little birdie, you cry? His mother said "she was shocked, because he never spoke. Leon Russell said he "was born with 'spastic paralysis', now called cerebral palsy ".

An injury at birth damaged his second and third vertebrae, causing a slight paralysis in the right side of his body, most notably affecting three fingers on his right hand which caused Russell to favor his left hand and develop his signature left-hand-dominant piano playing style. I have damaged nerve endings on the right side, so my piano style comes from designing stuff I can play with my right hand".

He said that the condition helped him become "very aware of the duality involved in our plane of existence here". Russell said "I felt like the world had cheated me big time" but added "If I hadn't had the problem, I probably wouldn't have gotten into music at all and would have been an ex-football player, selling insurance in Des Moines Des Moines, Iowa.

Both of Leon's parents played upright piano, and when he was four years old his mother heard him picking out the melody to "Trust and Obey", a hymn he had heard at church. He then began piano lessons in Anadarko, Oklahoma , a mile 61 km trip each way; Anadarko is northeast of Lawton. While still taking piano lessons, Leon learned the alto saxophone and cornet in his elementary school band.