Leon Russell

Leon Russell and the Abominable Snowman appear to have a lot in common. Both are legendary. Then too, there's that physical similarity—Russell's flowing white hair and massive beard find him a dead ringer for that reclusive creature. More important, sightings of each are relatively rare. Russell's low profile contrasts with...

By Lee Zimmerman

May 5, 2011

What happens on the ground matters — Your support makes it possible.

We’re aiming to raise $6,000 by August 10, so we can deepen our reporting on the critical stories unfolding right now: grassroots protests, immigration, politics and more.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$7,000

$1,100

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "21251496",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "21327862",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "16759093",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "17980324",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "21934225",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25          
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "17980324",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17012245",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

Leon Russell and the Abominable Snowman appear to have a lot in common. Both are legendary. Then too, there's that physical similarity—Russell's flowing white hair and massive beard find him a dead ringer for that reclusive creature. More important, sightings of each are relatively rare.

Russell's low profile contrasts with a prolific career that flourished throughout the '60s and '70: He worked on arrangements for Phil Spector and provided the instrumental muscle behind the chart-toppers of the day, working with the Stones, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson and George Harrison, and eventually emerged as a reliable chart draw on his own.

Wed., May 11, 8 p.m., 2011

Lee Zimmerman

A message from Culture Editor Jennifer Goldberg: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Phoenix's vibrant culture and arts scenes.

Support Today