July 15, 2024

1972 - July: Leon Russell “Carney”

33 minutes

One of the great underappreciated singer-songwriters of the rock era was Tulsa, Oklahoma native Claude Russell Bridges, better known as Leon Russell. Russell was a musician and songwriter with records spanning rock, folk, country, gospel, bluegrass, and blues who began playing piano at the age of four. He went to the same high school as David Gates (from Bread), and the two collaborated as a group called The Fencemen early on. Russell went to Los Angeles and worked as a studio musician. The list of folks he worked with is huge, including Jan and Dean, the Beach Boys, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, the Byrds, Barbara Streisand, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones. He was a big part of the group Delaney and Bonnie, and was a primary inspiration to a then-upcoming pianist who went by the name Elton John.

Russell was born with cerebral palsy, which produced some paralysis on his right side. He walked with a limp, and he was bullied as a kid over it. He also developed a piano playing style that favored his left hand, and keyboardists will recognize that as unusual since the right hand typically plays the melody on songs.

We are looking at the third solo studio album from Leon Russell called Carney. This is Russell's most successful album in the United States, and comes when he was at his height as both a musician and a performer. It went to number 2 on the Billboard Album chart. Carney is organized with a first side that tends toward folk or roots rock, and a side two that is more psychedelic. Russell was quite the start at this time, and he found that fame had some downsides. Carney contains observations about the rock star lifestyle, and compares it two the performers at a carnival midway.

Russell's fame as a solo performer would fall off about three years after this album when he would trend in a more country direction. He remained a force in the studio and as a songwriter throughout his life. Leon Russell passed in his sleep in 2016 at home while recovering from heart surgery.

Bruce presents this icon of the singer-songwriter era in today's podcast, as previous host Brian Dickhute sits in this week in Lynch's absence.

Manhattan Island Serenade

We're leading off with a deeper cut from the album. It's lyrics are told from the perspective of a guy broken down on the side of the road, thinking about a long lost love as the rain falls and the cars drive by.

Tightrope

This is the big hit off the album. It went to number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song encapsulates the theme of the album well, comparing the rock performer to a tightrope walker, with all the risks and the joys of performing stunts in front of the crowd.

If the Shoe Fits

Russell takes on the groupies and hangers-on in this song. It's a little like Pink Floyd's “Have a Cigar,” but instead of focusing on managers taking advantage of the band, this song looks at the parasitical elements of the press and the fans. It maintains a light, satirical feel despite the pessimism embedded in the lyrics.

This Masquerade

While never a hit for Russell, this song received some airplay as the B-side to “Tightrope.” It would also be covered by a number of artists including Helen Reddy and the Carpenters, but it's most successful cover iteration would be from George Benson on this “Breezin'” album.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Dueling Banjos (from the motion picture Deliverance)

Burt Reynolds stars in this action/horror film about a group of rafters who encounter strange back woods locals while rafting in Georgia.

STAFF PICKS:

I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash

Wayne gets us rolling on the staff picks with an optimistic song which went to number 1 in 1972. The inspiration was an eye surgery that Nash had undergone which left him temporarily blind. The song reflects the hope and joy when he was able to see again, and inspires hope during times of adversity.

You Don't Mess Around with Jim by Jim Croce

Rob brings us one of Croce's signature lyrical stories. Jim Walker was the baddest pool hustler around until Slim showed up at the pool hall and cut Jim to ribbons in a fight. “You don't tug on Superman's cape, you don't spit into the wind, you don't pull the mask of the old Lone Ranger, and you don't mess around with Jim.”

Too Late to Turn Back Now by the Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose

Brian features a family soul singing group out of Florida formed in the 60's as a gospel group before adding Sister Rose in 1970. Carter, Eddie and Rose Cornelius released this single as a follow-up to their hit “Treat Her Like a Lady.” The follow-up was even more successful than the former hit, going to number 2 in the Billboard Hot 100, while the previous hit went to number 3.

I Wanna Be Where You Are by Michael Jackson

Bruce's staff pick is the third single off MJ's debut solo album. It went to number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Leon Ware and Arthur “T-Boy” Ross wrote this song, and Arthur Ross is the brother of Diana Ross. Michael Jackson was producing solo work while continuing as a member of the Jackson 5, and his brothers are singing backup on this song.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Outta Space by Billy Preston

We close out this week's podcast with a little sci-fi funk.

Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

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