Leon Russell is an American musician and songwriter who has recorded as a session musician, sideman, and has maintained a solo career in music.



Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, Russell began playing piano at the age of four. After moving to Los Angeles, he became a session musician working as a pianist on the recordings of many notable musical artists from the 1960's. By the late 1960's, Russell diversified to becoming successful as an arranger and songwriter. As a musician, he worked his way up from gigs as a sideman to well-known performers.



By 1970, he had graduated to a solo recording artist although he never ended his previous roles within the music industry. After performing country music under the name Hank Wilson in the 1970's and 1980's, Russell had largely faded into obscurity. He re-emerged in 2010 when Elton John called on him to record an album known as, The Union. The album re-newed Russell's popularity and has since released a solo album and toured around the world. Russell was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on March 14, 2011. In June 2011, Leon Russell was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Touring with Russell is an talented musician named Riley Etheridge Jr..Originally from Baton Roge, Etheridge moved to NYC in 2008 and signed to the Rock Ridge Music label. He has released three, full-length albums including 2011's, Powder Keg and 2012's, The Arrogance of Youth. His 2014 release, The Straight and Narrow Way was recorded in various locations such as Los Angeles, New Orleans, Nashville, and features several musical influences, legendary artists, and genres of music.



This album was reviewed by No Depression Magazine writer Lee Zimmerman as, "...a record that might have a one time emerged from the down home environs of Muscle Shoals or Stax Studios."



Etheridge collaborated with a consistent set of artist projects such as Nashville's guitarist/producer Wendell Tilley, Shane Theriot (Hall and Oates; Neville Brothers), and New Orleans pianist Larry Sieberth. The Straight And Narrow Way includes two duets with Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek as well as support from guest vocalist Erica Falls (Joe Sample).



Following the 2014 release, Etheridge has been touring the United States as support for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist Leon Russell.