Early pressings (Not mine I'm afraid) included a version of Bob Dylan's "Master of War" sung to the tune of "The Star-Spangled Banner". That particular track - "Old Masters" - was withdrawn after the first small pressing. It is now restored to this posting of the album for your pleasure.
There may not be as versatile or accomplished musician in all rock 'n' roll, as Leon Russell. And the LP 'Leon Russell' is a fine introduction to the man and his music. [CD Liner notes by Todd Everett]
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| Shelter Records Promo |
(by Nancy Ruth)
Leon Russell’s melancholy ballad, “Song for You,” is a well-known classic. This poignant composition, the first track on his self-titled debut album, recorded at Sunset Sound in LA in early 1970, continues to connect with people of all ages. The haunting melody and soulful lyrics capture love’s complexity, desire, and fragility. These genuine, emotion-filled phrases convey a love that transcends the limits of time and place.
It’s widely believed that Rita Coolidge was the inspiration for “A Song for You.” Russell’s emotive performance and the song’s lyrics express his love for Coolidge, with whom he was estranged. Their tumultuous relationship provided ample material for Russell to draw upon when crafting this emotional ballad. Earlier, Russell wrote “Delta Lady” for Rita during their courtship.
Leon denied it was Coolidge: “I wrote it for somebody I had an argument with…the person was very instrumental in teaching me about songwriting and writing in general.” Some think it was the singer-songwriter Greg Dempsey, who was included in the dedication of the 1970 album Leon Russell, in which “A Song For You” premiered, and who co-wrote “Prince of Peace” and later, “Roll Away the Stone.” Ultimately, the person has never been verified.
Russell said he composed “A Song for You” in 10 minutes and imagined it as a standard to be performed by Frank Sinatra or Peggy Lee. It is not surprising that it has been covered by over 200 artists, including Andy Williams, Donny Hathaway, Karen Carpenter, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Willie Nelson, Helen Reddy, Whitney Houston, Neil Diamond, Peggy Lee, Cher, Joe Cocker, Michael Bublé, Herbie Hancock with Christina Aguilera, Sam Harris, Amy Winehouse, and more. Ray Charles received the 1993 Grammy for Best Male R&B Performance with “A Song For You.” Tedeschi Trucks included it in their sets. Bizzy Bone’s rap version made the Billboard Hip-Hop charts in 2008.
Russell bares his soul in “A Song For You,” revealing the depths of his feelings. The beautiful music and sincere words express a love that transcends the boundaries of time and space, thus earning him the title of “Master of Space and Time.” Whether Coolidge, Dempsey or another muse inspired this song, and the passion is obvious in every note.
“A Song For You” is still being recorded by other artists today, more than 50 years after it was written, demonstrating its long-lasting appeal. In 2018, “A Song For You” was belatedly added to the Grammy Hall of Fame [Thanks to Nancy Ruth at The Church Studio, March 8, 2024].
Leon Russell’s melancholy ballad, “Song for You,” is a well-known classic. This poignant composition, the first track on his self-titled debut album, recorded at Sunset Sound in LA in early 1970, continues to connect with people of all ages. The haunting melody and soulful lyrics capture love’s complexity, desire, and fragility. These genuine, emotion-filled phrases convey a love that transcends the limits of time and place.
It’s widely believed that Rita Coolidge was the inspiration for “A Song for You.” Russell’s emotive performance and the song’s lyrics express his love for Coolidge, with whom he was estranged. Their tumultuous relationship provided ample material for Russell to draw upon when crafting this emotional ballad. Earlier, Russell wrote “Delta Lady” for Rita during their courtship.
Leon denied it was Coolidge: “I wrote it for somebody I had an argument with…the person was very instrumental in teaching me about songwriting and writing in general.” Some think it was the singer-songwriter Greg Dempsey, who was included in the dedication of the 1970 album Leon Russell, in which “A Song For You” premiered, and who co-wrote “Prince of Peace” and later, “Roll Away the Stone.” Ultimately, the person has never been verified.
Russell bares his soul in “A Song For You,” revealing the depths of his feelings. The beautiful music and sincere words express a love that transcends the boundaries of time and space, thus earning him the title of “Master of Space and Time.” Whether Coolidge, Dempsey or another muse inspired this song, and the passion is obvious in every note.
This post consists of FLACs ripped from my vinyl and includes all artwork for both vinyl and CD releases. As a bonus, I am including the missing track "Old Masters (Masters of War)" that originally appeared on the LP's first pressing and was sub sequentially removed by Shelter Records. I'm unsure why this was done, but I suspect it may have been in response to the political unrest surrounding the Vietnam War at that time.
Track Listing:
01 - Song For You 4:08
02 - Dixie Lullaby 2:30
03 - I Put A Spell On You 4:10
04 - Shoot Out On The Plantation 3:10
05 - Hummingbird 3:57
06 - Delta Lady 4:00
07 - Prince Of Peace 3:05
08 - Give Peace A Chance 2:15
09 - Hurtsome Body 3:35
10 - Pisces Apple Lady 2:50
11 - Roll Away The Stone 3:06
12 - BONUS: Old Masters (Masters Of War) 1:20
Leon Russell Link (252Mb)
Thank you for sharing my blog. We love and appreciate fans of Leon Russell and the Tulsa Sound.
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