NOTEWORTHY DEATHS

Russell, prolific rock musician, writer

FILE - In this Jan. 29, 2013, file photo, Leon Russell waves as he is introduced in Tulsa, Okla. Russell, who sang, wrote and produced some of rock 'n' roll's top records, has died.
FILE - In this Jan. 29, 2013, file photo, Leon Russell waves as he is introduced in Tulsa, Okla. Russell, who sang, wrote and produced some of rock 'n' roll's top records, has died.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Leon Russell, who wrote, performed and produced records for some of rock's biggest stars before becoming a star in his own right, has died. He was 74.

A Sunday email from Leon Russell Records to The Associated Press says Russell died in Nashville "last night." The email cites Russell's wife as the source of the information. Russell had heart bypass surgery in July and was recovering from that at the time of his death. He had been planning on resuming touring in January, the email said.

Russell's official website says the musician died Sunday, also citing his wife as the source of the information.

Russell wrote Joe Cocker's "Delta Lady" and in 1969 put together Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour, which spawned a documentary film and a hit double album.

As a musician, primarily a pianist, he played on The Beach Boys' "California Girls" and Jan and Dean's "Surf City." He also played guitar and bass.

Russell produced and played on recording sessions for Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Ike and Tina Turner, the Rolling Stones and many others.

He recorded hit songs himself like "Tight Rope" and "Lady Blue" and participated in "The Concert for Bangla Desh." John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison played on his first album, Leon Russell.

In 2011, Russell was chosen for induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He also was honored with an Award for Music Excellence from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

A Section on 11/14/2016

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