Delaney & Bonnie and Friends were a popular touring band in 1969/1970, and their friends included Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, George Harrison, Leon Russell, Dave Mason, Rita Coolidge, and Eric Clapton.
Bonnie Bramlett co-wrote this song with Leon Russell in 1969. Delaney Bramlett, Bonnie's then husband and musical partner, was originally credited as well, but it appears the bulk of the composition was by Bonnie and Leon. (I'm seeking clarification, as I've read articles that have said all three of them wrote it together, and others that said that only Leon and Bonnie, or only Leon and Delaney, composed the song.)
She introduces the song here with part of Leon's "A Song For You" then launches into a long, torchy, emotional salute and send-off to her dear friend at his Tennessee memorial ceremony (there was another memorial service in Leon's hometown of Tulsa as well).
Bonnie Bramlett co-wrote this song with Leon Russell in 1969. Delaney Bramlett, Bonnie's then husband and musical partner, was originally credited as well, but it appears the bulk of the composition was by Bonnie and Leon. (I'm seeking clarification, as I've read articles that have said all three of them wrote it together, and others that said that only Leon and Bonnie, or only Leon and Delaney, composed the song.)
She introduces the song here with part of Leon's "A Song For You" then launches into a long, torchy, emotional salute and send-off to her dear friend at his Tennessee memorial ceremony (there was another memorial service in Leon's hometown of Tulsa as well).
And This is Bonnie Bramlett by Harrowgatekensington
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The Funeral of Leon Russell
Make a list of all the musicians inspired by Leon Russell and the end result would rival “War and Peace” in length.
Many of those musicians gathered at Victory Baptist Church in Mt. Juliet on Friday afternoon to celebrate the life of Russell, who died Sunday at the age of 74.
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Leon Russell dies at 74
Over the course of his career, which began in his teens, Russell wrote enduring classics like “A Song for You,” “Superstar” and “Delta Lady,” served as part of the legendary “Wrecking Crew” collective of session musicians, collaborated with artists like George Harrison and Joe Cocker, released his own solo records and was inducted into the Rock and Roll and Songwriter Halls of Fame.
During the two-and-a-half hour service, friends—often through tears—sang and shared memories of Russell as a mentor and a musician without peer as well as a devoted family man who adored his wife and children.
“Leon was a pure and true genius,” said music executive Jim Halsey, one of the speakers. “Part of what he did was offer healing to the world (with his music).”
Steve Ripley, who worked with Russell for decades, smiled as he remembered his time as a monitor mixer for one of Russell’s tours in the late 1970s. One night, the star’s post-show feedback included a teasing nickname: “You’ll get it right someday, Mickey Monitor.”
“Leon Russell changed my life,” Claudia Lennear said after the service. Lennear, who flew in from Los Angeles to attend the service, was one of Russell’s Shelter People. She sang with him on his 1971 live album, Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour and George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh. “Leon and the influence he’s had on me …has just been the fabric of my life since the '70s, and something I will always cherish, will always remember, and will eternally be grateful to Leon for his wonderful music, his great leadership…I can only say ‘thank God for Leon Russell,’ and may he rest in peace.”
A number of artists who could not be present, including Bruce Hornsby, John Cowan and Jackie DeShannon, sent messages to be read aloud at the service. Elton John’s letter paid tribute to the man he first admired, then collaborated and toured with: “I can’t imagine a world without Leon’s music…He was everything I wanted to be as a pianist, vocalist and writer.”
Another memorial service will be held for Russell, an Oklahoma native, on Sunday in Tulsa.
In 1983, Leon Russell and Ronnie Milsap, played together on TV first song was “A song for you!” But Leon played on the piano and sang so Beautifully alone “Lady Blue” I remembered seeing and listening to this unforgettable moment on TV when I was a younger girl and Leon impressed me with his Romantic “Lady Blue” song. I can only hope I can meet a gentleman as the song made me dream and vision him to be. I am a singer too and when I happened to fall upon this video, l still remembered even after all these years and then learned that Leon was part of creating the song “Superstar” with his secret lover Bonnie Bramlett. It was true love and the lyrics proved that! Ann Marie Conti
ReplyDeleteBandmate Bobby Whitlock has said that the song was not written by Bonnie at all, but that she was awarded partial ownership of the song as part of Bonnie and Delaney's divorce settlement.
ReplyDeletePlease understand that as Bonnie put it in front of a crowd with Leon present as she said, Leon you took my breath away showing up at the Music City Roots from the factory.” As Bonnie dedicated the “Groupie(Superstar)” song to Leon. Leon had an agreement with Bonnie if you listen to the words that i Believe strongly made by Leon and Bonnie but maybe at the end Delaney may had put the finish touches to the song “Superstar” NOT knowing that his wife Bonnie was sleeping with Leon. It’s very sad to see there last reunion together as Bonnie poured her heart out to Leon or was it the other way around when they were actually having an affair and Leon was much younger. I truly believe there were secrets in the room that Leon and Bonnie made magic with the song “Superstar. They were in love but as Leon claims in his song, “A Song for You.” He treated her unkind because Leon was also friends with Delaney her husband. Please watch the reunion with Bonnie Music City Roots. I cry every time to watch Leon Refrain.
DeleteDelaney may have some rights to the song, “Superstar” BUT it was Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell proclaiming their “LOVE” to each other without Delaney’s knowledge! I have researched this secret to learn that Bonnie and Leon went into a room together and from their Love magic was made! I, Ann Marie Conti 631-331-4860, as a singer sings the song “Superstar” as well as Karen carpenter, whom snuck up with her brother, and grabbed the “Superstar” song and made “Success!” God Bless them! BUT if you listen to the “REAL” version of the song “Superstar” on Music City Roots Live from the Factory, Bonnie and Leon tell the real story of what really happened. Bonnie pouring her heart out singing to Leon in front of a crowd, “Don’t you remember you told me were coming back for me!” But life changed for Leon as his success grew. Leon kept his promise to Bonnie after his brain surgery. He came back to say, “Goodbye.” Leon knew he didn’t have much time left. Leon and Bonnie finally confessing the truth and no more secrets!
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