What Was Leon Russell’s Net Worth?

Leon Russell, a renowned American songwriter and musician, left behind a legacy worth $1.5 million at the time of his passing on November 13, 2016, at the age of 74.

Russell’s musical journey began early. By age 14, he was already performing in Tulsa, Oklahoma nightclubs with his band, the Starlighters, which featured notable musicians like J.J. Cale and Chuck Blackwell. The group played a pivotal role in developing the Tulsa Sound. After moving to Los Angeles, he honed his guitar skills under the tutelage of the legendary James Burton, a Hall of Fame guitarist. Initially, Russell made his mark as a session musician, contributing to tracks for an impressive list of artists, including Jan & Dean, George Harrison, Elton John, and the Rolling Stones.

By 1970, Leon Russell had transitioned into a solo artist, though he continued to engage in various musical roles. His contributions to music were recognized with his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. His band featured longtime collaborator Jackie Wessel on bass, Brandon Holder on drums, and included his grandson, Payton Goodner, on percussion. His influence extended to artists like Black Francis of the Pixies, who credited Russell with shaping his vocal style.

Early Life

Born Claude Russell Bridges on April 2, 1942, in Lawton, Oklahoma, Russell faced challenges from birth, including cerebral palsy, which affected his mobility and dexterity. These challenges led him to develop a unique left-hand-dominant piano style. Despite these obstacles, Russell was drawn to music from a young age, beginning piano lessons after impressing his mother with his natural talent. He also mastered several other instruments, including the cornet and alto saxophone, during his school years.

Career Beginnings

Russell attended Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, where he made his first recording at just 15. After high school, he skipped college to tour with Jerry Lee Lewis, performing under the name “Leon Russell,” inspired by a fake ID. Throughout his early career, Russell played with bands like the Starlighters and backed artists such as Ronnie Hawkins. He described those formative years as a whirlwind of performances, balancing late-night gigs with school commitments.

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Success

Over his career, Russell released an extensive catalog of music, including more than 50 albums. Notable works like “Leon Russell and the Shelter People” and “Carney” achieved Gold status, with some reaching the top of the charts. He collaborated with a wide array of artists, from Marc Benno to Elton John, and his final album, “On a Distant Shore,” was released posthumously in 2017. Russell’s songwriting prowess earned him Grammy nominations, and in 2011, he was honored with induction into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His lasting influence on music is reflected in enduring hits like “A Song for You” and “Tight Rope,” among others.

Personal Life and Death

Leon wed Mary McCreary on June 20, 1975, and they welcomed two children together before divorcing in 1980. Russell married Janet Lee Constantine on February 6, 1983, and they remained together until his death in November 2016. The couple had three daughters together, and Russell also had a daughter from a previous relationship with Carla McHenry. In 2010, Leon underwent surgery for cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea and treatment for heart failure. In July 2016, he underwent heart bypass surgery after suffering a heart attack. On November 13, 2016, Russell passed away in his sleep at his Mount Juliet home at the age of 74. His funeral was held five days later at Mount Juliet’s Victory Baptist Church, and a public memorial took place on November 20th at Tulsa’s Oral Roberts University Mabee Center. Leon was laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa.

Awards and Nominations

Russell earned eight Grammy nominations, winning for Album of the Year for “The Concert For Bangla Desh” (1973) and Best Country Instrumental Performance for “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” (2002). In 1978, he received a BAFTA Award nomination for the Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music for “A Star Is Born,” and in 1979, he and Willie Nelson shared a CMA Award nomination for Album of the Year for “One for the Road.” Leon received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2006 Bare Bones International Film Festival, and he was honored with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s first Award for Musical Excellence in 2011. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame (2006), Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame (2011), Songwriters Hall of Fame (2011), and Oklahoma Hall of Fame (2022), and “A Song For You” was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 2018.

Real Estate

At the time of Leon’s death, he and Janet lived in a 6,120-square-foot cottage in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. The Russells purchased the four-bedroom home for $900,000 in 2011, and Janet put it on the market for $1.437 million in July 2018. After several price reductions, it sold for $870,000 in August 2019. The home includes four full bathrooms as well as two half-baths, and Leon built a recording studio there.