A flood of tributes have been paid to Leon Russell, who died on Saturday [November 12].
His wife, Jan Bridges, released the following statement:
“We thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this very, very difficult time. My husband passed in his sleep in our Nashville home. He was recovering from heart surgery in July and looked forward to getting back on the road in January. We appreciate everyone’s love and support.”
Elton John – who collaborated with Russell on the 2010 album The Union – called him a “mentor, inspiration”.
My darling Leon Russell passed away last night. He was a mentor, inspiration & so kind to me. I loved him and always will #LeonRussell #RIP pic.twitter.com/u2d1KccCNp
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) November 13, 2016
Other tributes came from a cross section of musicians including Booker T Jones, Steve Martin, Yusuf/Cat Stevens, Chaka Khan, Okkervil River, Nathan Followill and Whoopi Goldberg.
RIP my friend of 50 years, generous trail blazer, Leon Russell, who rescued me and remained a gentleman throughout Hollywood's trials.
— Booker T. Jones (@BookerTJones) November 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/SteveMartinToGo/status/797843324380004352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
So sad to hear Leon Russell has passed away. A great influence and songwriter. God rest his soulhttps://t.co/xMjBfPkFAV
— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) November 13, 2016
RIP Leon Russell – a PROLIFIC talent. @GBguitar the late Ray Charles & I cover Masquerade at 1991 @MontreuxJazz https://t.co/rPDJqU9uuD
— ? ????? ???? ? (@ChakaKhan) November 13, 2016
RIP to the singular Leon Russell, a titan of American music. Another light out in the universe.
— Okkervil River (@okkervilriver) November 13, 2016
RIP Leon Russell. #legend #Okie
— nathan followill (@doctorfollowill) November 13, 2016
The magnificent Leon Russell amazing musician, true superstar "Long ago and so far away,I fell in love with you..After the 2nd show" R.I.P
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) November 13, 2016