Features
Leon Russell Healing
After suffering a heart attack, Leon Russell was forced to postpone tour dates through September to give himself adequate time for surgery and recovery.
The Oklahoma Historical Society a statement July 19 that Russell, 74, had a heart attack the previous week, and the Grammy winner was stable but his performing schedule would need to be modified. Russell later posted a brief announcement and list of postponed dates on his website.
The release said the surgery will be performed in Nashville and that a collection on the Oklahoma native’s life will be featured in the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture in Tulsa.
Russell worked with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Eric Clapton, George Harrison and Willie Nelson, and built up a successful solo career in his more than 50 years as a musician.
The 2015 film “A Poem is a Naked Person” documents Russell’s life in the ‘70s with footage of the musician performing in his prime, and relaxing with friends.