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"Hummingbird"
A Tribute to Leon Russell

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Pianist, guitarist, singer, and songwriter Leon Russell, who sadly passed away on November 13, was a legend both as a session musician and a solo artist. He famously brandished a gravelly voice along with masterful songwriting skills. Russell knew and worked with a true who’s who of the music industry. He also gained much visibility in the early 1970’s leading Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen band and appearing at George Harrison’s renowned Concert for Bangladesh. Since that time, Russell has continued to be a beloved musical figure.

Russell wrote and recorded the song “Hummingbird” for his self-titled debut album in 1970. B.B. King would also famously record the song on his 18th studio album, Indianola Mississippi Seeds, that same year. Hummingbird was released as a single, reaching the top 50 on the pop charts and top 25 on the R&B charts. On King’s recording, Russell served as the conductor and played piano.

Today we remember and cherish both the life and music of the man who created “Hummingbird,” Leon Russell.