Leon Russell — Stranger in a Strange Land
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Length: 3:57
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How many days has it been since I was born
How many days until I die
Do I know any ways that I can make you laugh
Or do I only know how to make you cry
When the baby looks around him
It's such a sight to see
He shares a simple secret with the wise man
He's a stranger in a strange land
Just a stranger in a strange land
Tell me why he's a stranger in a strange land
Just a stranger in a strange land
How many miles will it take to see the sun
And how many years until it's done
Kiss my confusion away in the night
Lay by my side when the morning comes
And the baby looks around him
And shares his bed of hay
With the burrow in the palace of the king
He's a stranger in a strange land
Tell me why, he's a stranger in a strange land
Just a stranger in a strange land
Just a stranger in a strange land
Well, I don't exactly know what's going on in the world today
Don't know what there is to say
About the way the people are treating each other
Not like brothers
Leaders take us far away
From ecology
With mythology
And astrology
Has got some words to say about the way we live today
Why can't we learn to love each other
It's time to learn a new faith
To the whole world wide human race
Stop the money chase
And Lay back
Relax
Get back on the human track
Stop racing toward oblivion
Oh, such a sad, sad state we're in and that's a thing
Do you recognize the bells of truth when you hear them ring
Won't you stop and listen to the children sing
Won't you sing it children
Won't you come on and sing it children
(He's a stranger in a strange land)
Whoa, sing it one more time, I didn't hear ya
(Just a stranger in a strange land)
(He's a stranger in a strange land)
(Just a stranger in a strange land.)
How many days until I die
Do I know any ways that I can make you laugh
Or do I only know how to make you cry
When the baby looks around him
It's such a sight to see
He shares a simple secret with the wise man
He's a stranger in a strange land
Just a stranger in a strange land
Tell me why he's a stranger in a strange land
Just a stranger in a strange land
How many miles will it take to see the sun
And how many years until it's done
Kiss my confusion away in the night
Lay by my side when the morning comes
And the baby looks around him
And shares his bed of hay
With the burrow in the palace of the king
He's a stranger in a strange land
Tell me why, he's a stranger in a strange land
Just a stranger in a strange land
Just a stranger in a strange land
Well, I don't exactly know what's going on in the world today
Don't know what there is to say
About the way the people are treating each other
Not like brothers
Leaders take us far away
From ecology
With mythology
And astrology
Has got some words to say about the way we live today
Why can't we learn to love each other
It's time to learn a new faith
To the whole world wide human race
Stop the money chase
And Lay back
Relax
Get back on the human track
Stop racing toward oblivion
Oh, such a sad, sad state we're in and that's a thing
Do you recognize the bells of truth when you hear them ring
Won't you stop and listen to the children sing
Won't you sing it children
Won't you come on and sing it children
(He's a stranger in a strange land)
Whoa, sing it one more time, I didn't hear ya
(Just a stranger in a strange land)
(He's a stranger in a strange land)
(Just a stranger in a strange land.)
Comments (216)add comment
The lyrics just seem so relevent today
Tedeschi Trucks Band does a fantastic cover of this song. My fave Leon tune 
Leon was one talented soul
Hannio wrote:
I was there. That was indeed an incredible show, one of the best I've been to in almost 40 years of concert going.
After the show when I got to the car, I realized I didn't have my car keys. I went back to the auditorium where a cop stopped me. I told him I was looking for my keys where I sat, and he let me in and even helped me look for them. He found them and asked "are these what you are looking for?" holding the keys up by the roach clip (with the remnants of the last roach) attached to the key ring. I hesitated, then answered yes, not sure of where this was heading. He smiled and handed them over and I left. Ft Worth police were so much more laid back than the Dallas PD.
I saw Leon when he played behind Joe Cocker Mad Dogs and Englishmen at the Eastown Theater in Detroit - I think it was 70 or 71. Opening act was Captain Beefheart then the Motor City Madman - Ted Nugent. Wish I was less high that night so I could remember more................
I was there. That was indeed an incredible show, one of the best I've been to in almost 40 years of concert going.
After the show when I got to the car, I realized I didn't have my car keys. I went back to the auditorium where a cop stopped me. I told him I was looking for my keys where I sat, and he let me in and even helped me look for them. He found them and asked "are these what you are looking for?" holding the keys up by the roach clip (with the remnants of the last roach) attached to the key ring. I hesitated, then answered yes, not sure of where this was heading. He smiled and handed them over and I left. Ft Worth police were so much more laid back than the Dallas PD.
I saw Leon when he played behind Joe Cocker Mad Dogs and Englishmen at the Eastown Theater in Detroit - I think it was 70 or 71. Opening act was Captain Beefheart then the Motor City Madman - Ted Nugent. Wish I was less high that night so I could remember more................
Tedeschi Trucks Band played this as their encore in Toronto this summer. Fabulous.
God I miss him.
kcar wrote:
Yes! Those sisters can sing.
Shame that Leon's star didn't shine longer. I'm sure he has rabid fans but I pigeonhole him into the late 60s-early 70s, un/fairly. Great voice. Somehow I associate him with Dr. John...brothers from different mothers, maybe.
He continued to perform into the early 2000s. My ex and I saw him twice during those years. Smaller venues, of course. One was at the House of Blues on Sunset and the other time at the Canyon Club, which was more of a supper club setting. Leon was pretty feeble, using a cane and pretty much just came on stage, sat at the piano and played his songs. One of the tables next to the stage was a group of bikers who were drinking and got into a fight in the middle of the concert. Leon was about ten feet away from them. He just glanced down and watched them fight while he played piano, then went right back to singing. 馃槃
Yes! Those sisters can sing.
Shame that Leon's star didn't shine longer. I'm sure he has rabid fans but I pigeonhole him into the late 60s-early 70s, un/fairly. Great voice. Somehow I associate him with Dr. John...brothers from different mothers, maybe.
He continued to perform into the early 2000s. My ex and I saw him twice during those years. Smaller venues, of course. One was at the House of Blues on Sunset and the other time at the Canyon Club, which was more of a supper club setting. Leon was pretty feeble, using a cane and pretty much just came on stage, sat at the piano and played his songs. One of the tables next to the stage was a group of bikers who were drinking and got into a fight in the middle of the concert. Leon was about ten feet away from them. He just glanced down and watched them fight while he played piano, then went right back to singing. 馃槃
Legend 馃帶
diannemck56 wrote:
How things change and yet stay the same, Could have been written today.
Still relevant today.
How things change and yet stay the same, Could have been written today.
Leon was a musical genius and god who blessed us with his presence on earth. He hit his stride as a member of the legendary wrecking crew and never looked back.
Claude Russell Bridges, thank you brother, you changed my life.
Claude Russell Bridges, thank you brother, you changed my life.
Oh, yeah. Leon, Dave Mason and Joe Cocker. Mad Dogs and Englishmen! Oh so sweet!
Seem to be hearing more Leon Russell on RP lately (January 2024). And that鈥檚 not a bad thing.
A most underrated player/writer/producer, the brains behind a lot of 1970-ish shows. Mad Dogs & Englishmen, Bangladesh, etc.
Gives me hope for my grand baby boys. . 10 months old, they look around me. Who鈥檚 the stranger?
kcar wrote:
Yes! Those sisters can sing.
Shame that Leon's star didn't shine longer. I'm sure he has rabid fans but I pigeonhole him into the late 60s-early 70s, un/fairly. Great voice. Somehow I associate him with Dr. John...brothers from different mothers, maybe.
that's so funny, i do the same thing. i'm not sure why.
Yes! Those sisters can sing.
Shame that Leon's star didn't shine longer. I'm sure he has rabid fans but I pigeonhole him into the late 60s-early 70s, un/fairly. Great voice. Somehow I associate him with Dr. John...brothers from different mothers, maybe.
that's so funny, i do the same thing. i'm not sure why.
Outstanding
Just the song title alone, makes it a great song.
We've all been there, ain't we?
We've all been there, ain't we?
kcar wrote:
He is still greatly appreciated and honored here in Tulsa, Oklahoma where his Church Studio was recently renovated and is now back in business where many well-known artists are once again visiting for their recording needs. There are also many local musicians heavily influenced by his "Tulsa sound" that he was instrumental in helping to create and that you can hear at various local venues on any given night. Long live Leon!
Shame that Leon's star didn't shine longer. I'm sure he has rabid fans but I pigeonhole him into the late 60s-early 70s, un/fairly. Great voice. Somehow I associate him with Dr. John...brothers from different mothers, maybe.
He is still greatly appreciated and honored here in Tulsa, Oklahoma where his Church Studio was recently renovated and is now back in business where many well-known artists are once again visiting for their recording needs. There are also many local musicians heavily influenced by his "Tulsa sound" that he was instrumental in helping to create and that you can hear at various local venues on any given night. Long live Leon!
That album cover is peak 1970's.
Such talent.
danielh wrote:
Leon worked with Joe.
Great stuff.
Why do i think of Joe Cocker when listening to this?
Leon worked with Joe.
Great stuff.
Why do i think of Joe Cocker when listening to this?
Why do i think of Joe Cocker when listening to this?
diannemck56 wrote:
I was just thinking that. 1971, huh?
Still relevant today.
I was just thinking that. 1971, huh?
rev_cletus wrote:
The name of Leon's studio located in what was originally a church in Tulsa was call Church Studios.
This is church for me... 馃槆
The name of Leon's studio located in what was originally a church in Tulsa was call Church Studios.
diannemck56 wrote:
MORE SO!
Still relevant today.
MORE SO!
Anyone else hear the "pac-man dying sound" about halfway through?
rev_cletus wrote:
Amen to that...
This is church for me... 馃槆
Amen to that...
the lyrics are so relevant today
Thank you for playing this. I never comment.
Leon was a monster talent. His contributions to The Wrecking Crew alone are worthy of sainthood not to mention his stunning solo career. High points include George Harrison's concert for Bangladesh.
LEON RUSSELL - The Concert For Bangladesh - YouTube
LEON RUSSELL - The Concert For Bangladesh - YouTube
This song is something like 50 years old, and more timely than ever.
c.
c.
This qualifies as 'mellow'?
Immer cooler Look auf Fotos und Covers
Had tickets to see him - he was sick. Rescheduled, he was dead. Life is fickle.
But Leon was amazing and unique.
But Leon was amazing and unique.
One of my favorite opening lines of any song: How many days...
How do you define "socially conscious soul?" Stranger in a Strange Land. If this chorus doesn't give you the chills, you're already stone cold dead.
One of his great albums following his super job of putting together the Joe Cocker tour/album 'Mad Dogs and Englishman'
This is church for me... 馃槆
thewiseking wrote:
was león THAT old?
讗 讜址讬执旨砖职讈诪址注 讬执转职专讜止 讻止讛值谉 诪执讚职讬指谉, 讞止转值谉 诪止砖侄讈讛, 讗值转 讻指旨诇-讗植砖侄讈专 注指砖指讉讛 讗直诇止讛执讬诐 诇职诪止砖侄讈讛, 讜旨诇职讬执砖职讉专指讗值诇 注址诪旨讜止: 讻执旨讬-讛讜止爪执讬讗 讬职讛讜指讛 讗侄转-讬执砖职讉专指讗值诇, 诪执诪执旨爪职专指讬执诐.1 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel His people, how that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.讘 讜址讬执旨拽址旨讞, 讬执转职专讜止 讞止转值谉 诪止砖侄讈讛, 讗侄转-爪执驻止旨专指讛, 讗值砖侄讈转 诪止砖侄讈讛—讗址讞址专, 砖执讈诇旨讜旨讞侄讬讛指.2 And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her away,讙 讜职讗值转, 砖职讈谞值讬 讘指谞侄讬讛指: 讗植砖侄讈专 砖值讈诐 讛指讗侄讞指讚, 讙值旨专职砖止讈诐—讻执旨讬 讗指诪址专, 讙值旨专 讛指讬执讬转执讬 讘职旨讗侄专侄抓 谞指讻职专执讬指旨讛.3 and her two sons; of whom the name of the one was Gershom; for he said: 'I have been a stranger in a strange land';
Leon understood the laws of social justice laid down in the Good Book.
Leon understood the laws of social justice laid down in the Good Book.
Do not ill-treat a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in Egypt.
Do not oppress a stranger; you yourselves know how it feels to be a stranger , because you were strangers in Egypt.
was león THAT old?
Among the VERY best singles from the 70s. As true today as it was when I was in my teens and wore this track (the opening track) on the vinyl album out.
It makes me sad... to hear Pac-Man dying so much.
Listen to Brother Leon PREACH. Notice how much Cornell West sounds like Leon? Both these brothers straight outta Tulsa!
sing it children
SECA_Alan wrote:
This is true. There are certain musicians that were emblematic of their period. They're dated in a great, iconic, reassuring way.
Cool doesn't come close, this almost defines a whole era . Awesome.
This is true. There are certain musicians that were emblematic of their period. They're dated in a great, iconic, reassuring way.
讗 讜址讬旨执砖讈职诪址注 讬执转职专讜止 讻止讛值谉 诪执讚职讬指谉, 讞止转值谉 诪止砖讈侄讛, 讗值转 讻旨指诇-讗植砖讈侄专 注指砖讉指讛 讗直诇止讛执讬诐 诇职诪止砖讈侄讛, 讜旨诇职讬执砖讉职专指讗值诇 注址诪旨讜止: 讻旨执讬-讛讜止爪执讬讗 讬职讛讜指讛 讗侄转-讬执砖讉职专指讗值诇, 诪执诪旨执爪职专指讬执诐.1 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel His people, how that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.讘 讜址讬旨执拽旨址讞, 讬执转职专讜止 讞止转值谉 诪止砖讈侄讛, 讗侄转-爪执驻旨止专指讛, 讗值砖讈侄转 诪止砖讈侄讛—讗址讞址专, 砖讈执诇旨讜旨讞侄讬讛指.2 And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her away,讙 讜职讗值转, 砖讈职谞值讬 讘指谞侄讬讛指: 讗植砖讈侄专 砖讈值诐 讛指讗侄讞指讚, 讙旨值专职砖讈止诐—讻旨执讬 讗指诪址专, 讙旨值专 讛指讬执讬转执讬 讘旨职讗侄专侄抓 谞指讻职专执讬旨指讛.3 and her two sons; of whom the name of the one was Gershom; for he said: 'I have been a stranger in a strange land';
Leon understood the laws of social justice laid down in the Good Book.
Leon understood the laws of social justice laid down in the Good Book.
Do not ill-treat a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in Egypt.
Do not oppress a stranger; you yourselves know how it feels to be a stranger , because you were strangers in Egypt.
< Reply >
Sing it, Brother! And RIP to ya too.
I hear the (early use of) the Moog here, although it sounds almost like the TONTO, although I don't think Malcolm Cecil had shared it with anyone yet, or maybe it was right around this time frame when Stevie got his hands on the TONTO for "Living for the City", and then a lot of his 70s work.
It sounds so very 70s, and that's NOT a bad thing here....Long Live RP!
PS - anyone have any good suggestions on learning about the Moog and early synth in music?
Moog (2004)
https://vimeo.com/album/4758286/video/192556396
On my to-watch list...
@robertomiller, bam23 and kurtster – thanks for the replies. It's funny how, depending on how busy my job is, I’ll go weeks/months without looking at comments, and in this case I' haven't heard this grooving tune since November. And in reading it again, oh boy, I FORGOT a crucial word....(I said it sounded 70s, which is a bad thing…clearly I meant NOT a bad thing.
I'll definitely be checking out the Netflix doc and the Bernie K's Ted talk too. PEACE and Long Live RP!!
PS - I'm also re-rating; my 8s a 9 now. robertomiller wrote:
i don't know about every day, but every time this pops up on my "shuffle all" playlist I feel compelled to hit repeat 3 or 4 times in a row
I could listen to this every day...
i don't know about every day, but every time this pops up on my "shuffle all" playlist I feel compelled to hit repeat 3 or 4 times in a row
Wonderful song -
and speaking of early Moog usage - Micky Dolenz played the Moog on the Monkees "Daily Nightly" in 1967
and speaking of early Moog usage - Micky Dolenz played the Moog on the Monkees "Daily Nightly" in 1967
Do you recognize the bells of truth when they ring. Russell. Its fake news Trump. couldn't help it A truth not so long ago lost to opinion
bam23 wrote:
Moog (2004)
https://vimeo.com/album/4758286/video/192556396
On my to-watch list...
I suggest looking into Bernie Krauss, a musician who pioneered the use of the Moog in rock music. In the process you may be amazed at his post-rock career as an ecologist of the soundscape. He played Moog on Jagger's Memo from Turner (?), one of those songs that stands out from almost any background. As well, he was a Motown session musician with some of the iconic songs from the early to mid 60s.
Moog (2004)
https://vimeo.com/album/4758286/video/192556396
On my to-watch list...
lizardking wrote:
I suggest looking into Bernie Krauss, a musician who pioneered the use of the Moog in rock music. In the process you may be amazed at his post-rock career as an ecologist of the soundscape. He played Moog on Jagger's Memo from Turner (?), one of those songs that stands out from almost any background. As well, he was a Motown session musician with some of the iconic songs from the early to mid 60s.
Sing it, Brother! And RIP to ya too.
I hear the (early use of) the Moog here, although it sounds almost like the TONTO, although I don't think Malcolm Cecil had shared it with anyone yet, or maybe it was right around this time frame when Stevie got his hands on the TONTO for "Living for the City", and then a lot of his 70s work.
It sounds so very 70s, and that's a bad thing here....Long Live RP!
PS - anyone have any good suggestions on learning about the Moog and early synth in music?
ciarataylor wrote:
It's you.
Is it me or does he sort of look like Animal from the Muppets?
It's you.
Thankful for this song, and all those that brought it to us... Leon, Bill, and Rebecca...
Happy Thanksgiving to all
Happy Thanksgiving to all
Is it me or does he sort of look like Animal from the Muppets?
lizardking wrote:
No, but I love the Moog and synths in general. They add so much to music in the right hands. I did see a documentary on Netflix about a year ago on the development of the Moog that was very interesting. I forget the title though.
This is a great album for Moog lovers that I recommend. Got this back when it was new.
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Sing it, Brother! And RIP to ya too.
PS - anyone have any good suggestions on learning about the Moog and early synth in music?
No, but I love the Moog and synths in general. They add so much to music in the right hands. I did see a documentary on Netflix about a year ago on the development of the Moog that was very interesting. I forget the title though.
This is a great album for Moog lovers that I recommend. Got this back when it was new.
The Land of the Free and the home of the depraved is not much less a strange land today then back then. Why can't we learn to love to love one another? It seems the only adaptive response left from a set of apocalyptic alternatives. 
I could listen to this every day...
Certainly apropos as Bill so eloquently exclaimed 
totally at his best...
Strikes the right chord again today... love it...
Sing it, Brother! And RIP to ya too.
I hear the (early use of) the Moog here, although it sounds almost like the TONTO, although I don't think Malcolm Cecil had shared it with anyone yet, or maybe it was right around this time frame when Stevie got his hands on the TONTO for "Living for the City", and then a lot of his 70s work.
It sounds so very 70s, and that's NOT a bad thing here....Long Live RP!
PS - anyone have any good suggestions on learning about the Moog and early synth in music?
Still relevant today.
yes
westslope wrote:
This song reminds me of how many folks in the counter culture back in the day identified with Jesus Christ. Believer and non-believer; practising, non-practising.
westslope wrote:This song reminds me of how many folks in the counter culture back in the day identified with Jesus Christ. Believer and non-believer; practising, non-practising.
when I was 18 this was my personel theme song
strangely apropos to our times… or at least mine…
ch83575 wrote:
I was aware of that show too. Many years ago (2001) I had front row seats for John Lee Hooker at the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor with John Scofield...it was unfortunately canceled for the same reason.
I was looking at the concert schedule for The Ark in Ann Arbor, and one of the listings in February was for Leon. The listing read:
Leon Russell
Canceled, sadly.
Sad indeed. I guess it's comforting that he went out with is musical boots on.
Leon Russell
Canceled, sadly.
Sad indeed. I guess it's comforting that he went out with is musical boots on.
I was aware of that show too. Many years ago (2001) I had front row seats for John Lee Hooker at the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor with John Scofield...it was unfortunately canceled for the same reason.
Lazarus wrote:
The fundamental allusion would be to Exodus 2:22 where Moses names his firstborn son; "And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land." This is what Heinlein names as the source for the title of his book. Considering Leon's upbringing in Tulsa, Oklahoma I think he would have been familiar with the Bible verse.
Edit: Ah, I see you quote the verse farther down the page.
Everybody in my homeless camp loves this song... we be dancing...
this song alludes to a 1961 science fiction novel called Stranger in a Strange Land, by American author Robert A. Heinlein...
this song alludes to a 1961 science fiction novel called Stranger in a Strange Land, by American author Robert A. Heinlein...
The fundamental allusion would be to Exodus 2:22 where Moses names his firstborn son; "And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land." This is what Heinlein names as the source for the title of his book. Considering Leon's upbringing in Tulsa, Oklahoma I think he would have been familiar with the Bible verse.
Edit: Ah, I see you quote the verse farther down the page.
robertomiller wrote:
Wow! I can't believe you did do the math. I was actually going to do that.
What a loss. Have loved Leon since the seventies.
Rest in peace my friend.May your next life be as fruitful and rewarding as this one was
How many days has it been
Since I was born
How many days until I die…
27, 254
rest in peace, leon
Since I was born
How many days until I die…
27, 254
rest in peace, leon
Wow! I can't believe you did do the math. I was actually going to do that.
What a loss. Have loved Leon since the seventies.
Rest in peace my friend.May your next life be as fruitful and rewarding as this one was
Btill.
I was looking at the concert schedule for The Ark in Ann Arbor, and one of the listings in February was for Leon. The listing read:
Leon Russell
Canceled, sadly.
Sad indeed. I guess it's comforting that he went out with is musical boots on.
Leon Russell
Canceled, sadly.
Sad indeed. I guess it's comforting that he went out with is musical boots on.
Sad to hear he passed away, but, I never got it.
A Dylan that can sing
Gotta bump it to a 10!
oh I didn't know that he also passed, thanks I really enjoyed him over the years.
Godlike before he died. Epic. RIP.
How many days has it been
Since I was born
How many days until I die…
27, 254
rest in peace, leon
Since I was born
How many days until I die…
27, 254
rest in peace, leon
Reminds me of Stephen Stills...
oh ya... Leon.
Fills my shelter…
dubberdan wrote:
Yes
Reminds me a bit of Joe Cocker
Yes
This song reminds me of how many folks in the counter culture back in the day identified with Jesus Christ. Believer and non-believer; practising, non-practising.
Skydog wrote:
we all be Shelter People
Yes we be.
we all be Shelter People
Yes we be.
SECA_Alan wrote:
Spot on.
Cool doesn't come close, this almost defines a whole era . Awesome.
Spot on.
Starts as a solid 8 and finishes with nothing less than the full 10, baby! I could live without the synth, but I get it in the context. A great groover!
Classic
Reminds me a bit of Joe Cocker
thewiseking wrote:
we all be Shelter People
Beautiful. Sounds as good as ever. A shout out to all the Shelter People
we all be Shelter People
Cool doesn't come close, this almost defines a whole era . Awesome.
Gotta be a 10
loved his first album and the 2nd Asylum Choir album then this album sealed it, Leon was the Man
or should I say Master Of Space And Time
or should I say Master Of Space And Time
Lazarus wrote:
Grok me one time
Everybody in my homeless camp loves this song... we be dancing...
this song alludes to a 1961 science fiction novel called Stranger in a Strange Land, by American author Robert A. Heinlein...
.
this song alludes to a 1961 science fiction novel called Stranger in a Strange Land, by American author Robert A. Heinlein...
.
Grok me one time
Beautiful. Sounds as good as ever. A shout out to all the Shelter People
Lazarus wrote:
Fallen caryatids and all.
Everybody in my homeless camp loves this song... we be dancing...
this song alludes to a 1961 science fiction novel called Stranger in a Strange Land, by American author Robert A. Heinlein...
this song alludes to a 1961 science fiction novel called Stranger in a Strange Land, by American author Robert A. Heinlein...
Fallen caryatids and all.
Damn! I bought this album when it came out, just some more of the music of my formative years ... not something I go back to very often, but there it is.
He rocked on Concert for Bangladesh, too, even if it was wildly inappropriate.
He rocked on Concert for Bangladesh, too, even if it was wildly inappropriate.
Beautiful and timeless
songs by Leon like a lesson from a scholar
songs by Leon like a lesson from a scholar
in 1973 he released a 3 album set called "Leon Live". Hard to find I'm sure, but it includes a fantastic version of this song...
short clip here:
https://www.allmusic.com/album/leon-live-mw0000208208
short clip here:
https://www.allmusic.com/album/leon-live-mw0000208208
I need to start smoking weed again.
Everybody in my homeless camp loves this song... we be dancing...
this song alludes to a 1961 science fiction novel called Stranger in a Strange Land, by American author Robert A. Heinlein...
this song alludes to a 1961 science fiction novel called Stranger in a Strange Land, by American author Robert A. Heinlein...
Absolutely loved seeing Leon New Years Eve around 2005 at a small club in Birmingham, AL. He gave a fantastic show, but I was amazed Leon Russell was playing this pretty small, unknown club. Everyone loved him and he gave his all.
Leon is fantastic. I adore his voice.
Rocking-M wrote:
So good back then but now he's really just going through the motions. Doesn't seem to even like doing the
songs anymore. I've seen him 3 times in the last 5 years (the wife is a Leon fan) but his gigs are lack luster
and without much feeling now. He appears to be cranking out the tunes for a buck and barely comes up for air
between songs. It's a shame and he really should get out of the music business now.
musickat wrote:
Why should he get out? I think the reason he is lack luster is because he has not received the recognition that he rightfully deserves. That tends to make old people cranky. It is sad really. But if he can still earn a living, why not?
I kind of agree with both comments. I saw Leon a few years back playing a semi-private (?) fundraiser in Houston. Someone provided my ticket and I don't remember details on how private it was but there couldn't have been 200 people present. Leon walked in with his cane, sat down and played, maybe acknowledged the audience a couple of times during the evening. When he finished I watched him exit using a side door and from my window seat watched as he went downstairs with his entourage, walk straight to his limo and drive away. I remember thinking what a letdown it must be, after playing sold-out pavilions, to perform for a dinner-tie type of crowd with only a dozen snot-nosed kids at front stage. I'm sure he still loves to play but I got the impression he'd rather be in his studio than be a side-show for people eating and conversing.
BTW, lest you get the wrong impression, Leon is a hero of mine. The Shelter People album was my first of his. I bought two other albums by other artists as the same time and listened to them a lot straightaway. This album took me awhile to get into--I had to be in a 'receptive' mood to grab onto anything that wasn't hard rockin' at the time. Once I did though, buzzed and listening to those piano notes floating from left to right on my first stereo (a K-Mart special), it became one of my all time favorites. Although I would remember if I saw them I can't immediately recall who those other artists were anymore.
So good back then but now he's really just going through the motions. Doesn't seem to even like doing the
songs anymore. I've seen him 3 times in the last 5 years (the wife is a Leon fan) but his gigs are lack luster
and without much feeling now. He appears to be cranking out the tunes for a buck and barely comes up for air
between songs. It's a shame and he really should get out of the music business now.
musickat wrote:
Why should he get out? I think the reason he is lack luster is because he has not received the recognition that he rightfully deserves. That tends to make old people cranky. It is sad really. But if he can still earn a living, why not?
I kind of agree with both comments. I saw Leon a few years back playing a semi-private (?) fundraiser in Houston. Someone provided my ticket and I don't remember details on how private it was but there couldn't have been 200 people present. Leon walked in with his cane, sat down and played, maybe acknowledged the audience a couple of times during the evening. When he finished I watched him exit using a side door and from my window seat watched as he went downstairs with his entourage, walk straight to his limo and drive away. I remember thinking what a letdown it must be, after playing sold-out pavilions, to perform for a dinner-tie type of crowd with only a dozen snot-nosed kids at front stage. I'm sure he still loves to play but I got the impression he'd rather be in his studio than be a side-show for people eating and conversing.
BTW, lest you get the wrong impression, Leon is a hero of mine. The Shelter People album was my first of his. I bought two other albums by other artists as the same time and listened to them a lot straightaway. This album took me awhile to get into--I had to be in a 'receptive' mood to grab onto anything that wasn't hard rockin' at the time. Once I did though, buzzed and listening to those piano notes floating from left to right on my first stereo (a K-Mart special), it became one of my all time favorites. Although I would remember if I saw them I can't immediately recall who those other artists were anymore.
The best Robert Hienline cover ever recorded., thank you Leon. miss your yearly pilgrimages to Cruz. come home soon.
this tune belongs on classic rock stations that only play 60's-90's tunes
A friend of mine saw Leon in concert in 1976 or 1977, in New Orleans, while he was in the air force. Claims to this day its the best concert he ever went to, bar none.
Always loved him. Saw him in Austin, Tx in the 70's; my ears rang for days.
Cynaera wrote:
miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
Leon isn't known as a "singer" (although I really love his voice - that gravelly-texture with on-key pitch, and then add in the lyrics...) Elton John cited Leon Russell as one of his biggest influences, and I can hear it when I listen to an EJ song. I love them both - talent, lyrics, fearlessness... Oh, geez. I'm rambling. I don't usually ramble, but for some reason, Leon Russell and Elton John make me a blithering idiot.
Pay no attention to that person behind the curtain. She just loves Leon and Elton.
Pay no attention to that person behind the curtain. She just loves Leon and Elton.
miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
More Leon.
kylieh wrote:
Yes! Those sisters can sing.
Shame that Leon's star didn't shine longer. I'm sure he has rabid fans but I pigeonhole him into the late 60s-early 70s, un/fairly. Great voice. Somehow I associate him with Dr. John...brothers from different mothers, maybe.
Love those background vocals...
Yes! Those sisters can sing.
Shame that Leon's star didn't shine longer. I'm sure he has rabid fans but I pigeonhole him into the late 60s-early 70s, un/fairly. Great voice. Somehow I associate him with Dr. John...brothers from different mothers, maybe.
That was a pretty good tune. Wow.
I love this dude....he gets my inner bayou-mama going.
Exodus 2:22
22 And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.
Sasha2001 wrote:
I concur.
He just sounds the way a guy named Leon Russell should sound.
I concur.
Grew up on this stuff in Eugene. Didn't know how lucky I was.
Very timely and reflective indeed, have not had this impression from Leon Russell's other more "pop" rock work. Finely matured, thank you Leon, and DJ.
How appropriate. Just as I listen to Alice's Restaurant on turkey day. Ole' Leon fills the bill on this occasion.
He just sounds the way a guy named Leon Russell should sound.
Every time I hear his stuff... I like it more... I need to get this album!
Great stuff.
Why do i think of Joe Cocker when listening to this?
One was a Mad Dog and one was an Englishman?