Is That You, Leon?

December 7, 2010 8:47 PM

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Leon Russell

[photogallerylink id=42679 align=left]While preparing for my class lecture at the College of Rock & Roll Knowledge, aka, Columbia College, I thought it would be a good idea to show the class a video of [lastfm]Leon Russell[/lastfm] back in the late 60′s/early 70′s, since they’ve heard of him as the guy that did a really good album with [lastfm]Elton John[/lastfm]. Imagine my surprise when I found this video of Leon on Shindig back in the mid 1960′s. Leon without a beard and big hair. It’s like seeing Santa Claus’ 8th grade class picture. Weird.

And even more strange, I remember seeing this live on TV, because I clearly remember the camera panning the Beethoven busts, and hearing Beethoven where I least expected it. Of course it was setting up a rockin’ version of Roll Over Beethoven, but check out Leon with the rockabilly hair and no facial hair. That’s him, though. Unmistakable voice. But not a bit, zero, nada, stage presence. None. Not even trying. But he sure sounded good. Check out a young, rockin’ Leon Russell complete with go go dancers.

What a great song. Can’t stop now. How bout the original by Chuck Berry on Chess Records.

And the Electric Light Orchestra with Jeff Lynne, did the classical treatment with strings and a bit of the 5th.

The Flaming Groovies are cool.

And She & Him rocked out with it this spring at Coachella.

But let’s close with the great Beethoven piece that inspired so many imitators….the first movement of the 5th Symphony, performed here for television by our own Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1961, five years after Chuck Berry released Roll Over Beethoven.

Stream Full Albums

Eric

He may sound like Jerry Lee Lewis, but looks more like Van Clibourn in the video! Love Leon, always.

Thanks Terri
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