I never went to many concerts in my younger years. Leon Russel was one I Had to go to. I got to see him in 1976 at the Baltimore civic center, I believe it was. He was married to Mary then. It was a phenomenal concert! One I will never forget!
For years I keep coming back to this for that haunting and totally subdued solo from JM. He made sure Leon remained the star of the show but delivered a masterpiece that clearly made Leon react emotionally. Perfection
Much better than Tightrope where he is misheard singing " Like a rubber neck giraffe, you look into my Pants (not Past)" but not a bad song. But this one is a great song and Russel's best, though I usually like the record not the live stuff, same with this.
Fell in love with this song - and Karen Carpenter - a lot of years ago. It was much later in life that I discovered it was written by Leon Russell. His versions give the song a whole new feel and meaning.
He absolutely did and we understand. Mayer so respectful for one of our greatest and Russell in returned incredibly moved. Would've expected nothing less from both!
Had a guy at the gas station today that told me I reminded him of Leon Russell with my white hair and beard. I use to listen to Leon when my hair and beard were a brown with red highlights. I guess I too have gone full circle. Rest Well And Rest In Peace Leon Because I can't Wait To Hear And See You Again!
Of all the hundreds of brilliant fancy playing of John Mayer this is my favorite performance. He didn’t upstage a legend at the end of his career he augmented it with tenderness, beauty and care and a legend likely universal to tears. This is the best John Mayer.
People can say what they want about Mayer.But he know how to put tasteful fills in where they belong.And when he need to cut loose,he do it so no seat is dry in the room.Respect for that.
Hughie Devine So tasteful and carefully present for such a delicate song. Difficult to overstate the brilliance and immaculate facility required to execute something like that on a stage like that.
No one can put the feeling Mr. Russel sang into this song. Makes my heart cry for more. Thank you Mr. Russel for one of the great ballads of all time. Thank you Elton for bring this together.
Leon grew up playing in church. That’s how they responded to great music. I’ve seen Leon more times than I care to remember and he never loses his cool, but the night and the righteous Mayer solo moved him,plus he knew he was very sick. Leon was my first music crush and he will always have a place in my heart. Miss him so m
John Mayer’s sensitivity to the song and its presentation is rarely more clear. It’s something that sets him apart. Yes, he can shred, but he can also turn it to silk-like here.
It's apparent that Leon was overcome with emotion. He has had so many serious health problems in the recent past. He suffered a brain fluid leakage which caused tremors, and multiple heart problems. This being said, he is still in there. His greatness, his emotion for the song, for the attention that Elton John was instrumental in bringing to the forefront is evident in his voice. Leon's life has been a long and sometimes tumultuous one, but he has persevered. If anyone ever deserved induction into the R&RHOF it is Mr Leon Russell. So many people have covered this song and sometimes people have completely overlooked the fact that Russell wrote and first recorded it. He is a gift, a legend, an icon an American treasure. Thank you God for Mr Leon Russell
Sunday morning listening to KSHE 95 this song comes on . I am filled with emotion My good friend past away 7 months ago he would listen to KSHE 95 every Sunday morning .I would laugh @ him I hated the Sunday morning classic/ oldies.He would sing this song to me. Today me listening to KSHE 95 Sunday morning classics this song comes on ..I start to cry remembering those special, good times when R.I.P Eddie would sing with Leon to me. This morning I have passed this special moment ,this awesome, amazing song on to my Tony that makes me complete. While Tony laughs at me for listening to KSHE 95 the Sunday morning classic just as I use to .I hold this song deep in my heart my soul w/special, awesome memory's. Thank you Leon Russell for writing ,singing ,playing this song I am glad you are receiving this gift being in the Hall of Fame you so deserve it..
wiki says the 1st real notice of this song was when Andy Williams recoreded it. reached 50 0r 60 on the charts. Ray Charsles won a Gammay with the song and it is in the Grammy HoF .
Can we all agree how respectful, humble and at the say time how talented and genius John Mayer is? When he plays with legends (Leon, Eric Clapton, BB King, Slash, Derek Trucks, the tribute to Michael Jackson, etc.) he has always been like this. Classy as always.
Human nature, Michael Jackson tribute was perfect. I remember watching it live and for me, he was one of the few artists who showed such respect and didn’t steal the limelight. He just stood and played with such passion, it was beautiful.
I can't remember all the times I've seen Leon Russell, it's hard to believe he's gone,, I know he's not dead he just moved to Paradise like he said Hallelujah
thank you Elton John. I cry every time I listen to Leon's acceptance speech. I have loved Leon Russell music since I was around 11 years old, which around 1971. Joe Cocker etc magic times, and Leon was responsible for all of that. How can you forget him ?
Mayer would never outstage anyone. He could have a shitty personality, but he is an absolute professional. I saw him playing with BB King and also with Clapton, and although he could have technically outplayed them he did not do it, he was respectful and humbled by their presence and the chance to be there.
I remember Mayer talking about learning how to play WITH others, rather than just playing OVER everything. It shows in so many performances now, it's great to be able to see such positive change in someone.
I’m hearing this tonight for the first time. I’ve watched it twice and keep getting choked up. John and Leon were having a beautiful moment together and with millions at the same time.
Oh God, typing through the tears. Much love John and Leon, be well! Our prayers are out there for you. Thank you for all the music through the years, and forever.
You can hear Leon’s influence on Elton, Leon was a hero to him, and I’m glad Elton was there for him when he needed someone. We should all have friends like that.
Wow, Leon's humility and gratitude brought tears to my eyes! And John, while your technical abilities are unquestioned, I didn't know you could play with such raw feeling and emotion as well! Very moving in every way ~
Leon meant so much to my sister and brother. Long gone now from excesses. But Leon spoke to their hearts. And he speaks to mine. Thank you Elton. I've always loved you too. You will get a star in Heaven for remembering this great artist at a time when he needed you most. RIP Leon.
Growing up the 1st concert I ever went to was to see Leon in Detroit. I have been a fan of his all my life. His music transends space and time. What a gift he has given to us all. God Bless You Leon and THANK YOU
I listen to this every now and again, and remember. My 2 all time favorite musicians, the only ones I ever saw in concert more than once... so perfect that they would come together at this stage of life. Some of my sweetest memories are to the music of Elton John and Leon Russell. Glad everyone is happy and successful. Open hearts, sharing, caring, and loving. How cool.
What a Privilege and honour to be playing alongside just incredibly talented people, John Mayer you are such a blessed child! Beautiful piece of music as I understand what the Blues solo is all about 😊🙏🏽👏🏼
Dude, the level of skill it takes to execute something like that...it's really just a privilege to be able to watch John Mayer playing at that level. That's like, "You know, I'll *never* reach that level, but it's good to watch him do it." Incredible musicianship. There's so much mastery in that solo! Take notice!
Never say never, man! He inspires me to pick up my guitar and improve every day. You might never reach his level of fame or skills but you never know. 🙂
My opinion of Sir Elton was changed by Leon's story ... I had always imagined Sir Elton as a rather self absorbed artist prior to this ... Thank-you Sir Elton for re-introducing one of the greatest American treasures to the world, again and for proving even an "old" broad can change her mind..
I think that opinion of Elton John arised in his cocaine years in the 80s. He was far more self absorbed because of the drug and even admitted that himself. But Elton John was always a great guy who cared for others. :)
I saw an interview somewhere over the last few years where Elton John admitted how much he admired Leon Russell! I thought wow...I did not know that ever! This after a lifetime of hearing Elton John everywhere you go! I was a Leon Russell fan since I was a teen after seeing him in Mad Dogs And Englishman! He had such a presence! Bravo Elton John for resurrecting Mr. Leon Russell, one of the true class acts of Rock and Roll!
I have seen Leon Russell in the early 70's in little places that held maybe 1000 people , along with B.B. King, Jeff Beck , Edgar and Johnny Winter and Freddy King and so many others, The early days were great . you stood 10 feet away from these legends, never realizing how special it was at the time , but now I do realize it was something very few will experience .
I saw the rising Elton John open for Leon Russell in concert in San Bernardino, CA in 1970. Elton had everyone amazed and up on their feet then exhausted before Leon Russell took the stage. But then Leon Russell took the audience to a whole other dimension. Had I not seen Leon Russell do the same thing before in front of 80 thousand people, I wouldn't have thought it possible. That was at the Ontario Motor Speedway with other big acts, but Leon Russell was the headliner. He came on at the end of the day and people who had come to see other big acts were packing up and leaving. Within 10 minutes of the start of Russell's act, the thousands of people who had decided to leave came streaming back. I saw Leon Russell perform at the height of his stardom and much later towards the end of his career when he played in small venues. We are all so fortunate that he walked the planet and for the existence of recorded music. John Mayer's soulful and MASTERFUL interpretation of Russell's signature song was befitting to the occasion and to the profound artistry of both musicians.
Respect to let this great guitar player a man that's carving his own way into rock and roll history stand on stage with an absolute legend of music. He gave him a bow, he knew where he was at that moment in time. It's something to be proud of.
Saw Leon Russel in Alburqurque NM @ the Dingo Bar. He has been such a great force in my life and I know he has had great impact on so many of us in this human family.
samme79 Because Leon was a beautiful, generous, talented and undeniably one of the greats of rock and roll. And thank you Elton John for giving us Leon back. You are an angel with a heart of gold.
Truly beautiful - I wish all the kids who watch the older videos and wish they lived in the 60's and 70's could watch this one. Yes, it was fun back then...but, sometimes....we forget it was not always fun.....some of them didn't survive...but, Leon did....thank you Elton for helping...truly beautiful!
"A Song for You" is a song written and originally recorded by rock singer-songwriter and pianist Leon Russell for his first solo album Leon Russell, which was released in 1970 on Shelter Records. A slow, pained plea for forgiveness and understanding from an estranged lover, the tune is one of Russell's best-known compositions.
One of my all time favorite songs. So glad I lived to see this video by 2 great composer-singer artists collaborating with enough heart to light up the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Maybe it’s because he’s an old man now but this is the most emotion I’ve felt listening to this song. John did an exceptional job not playing over Leon.
I 1st saw Leon Russell in 1973, he was so young and beautiful then women were taking off their underclothes and throwing them on the stage. Great concert!! We were all young and beautiful then, good times !!❤
Leon, You are the best by far and thank God for Elton John recognizing that and giving you a hand to pull you out in public for huge numbers of people once again!! You are a wonderful, wonderful musician and person. Thanks so much for singing straight from your heart and soul!
Elton did great thing. Leon's a legend & a massive talent. His induction was a long time coming, and I can't think of a more deserving person. Congrats to the old fella.
What a wonderful gesture by Sir Elton John. How much more poignant "A Song For You" sounded after Leon Russell's speach about how Elton found him in the "ditch of the highway of life". Always been a beautiful song made more beautiful by the new backstory and how Leon sang it. I wonder if he was singing "this Song for you" for Elton John. Leon's voice cracked with emotion in the last line of the song...
Dear Sir Elton John, thank you! My daughter and I were able to see him live at the Aztec Theater in San Antonio and sharing this experience with her brought me so much joy! Thank you for loving him as much as we all do. You are wonderful, Sir. Much love, Rebecca
Yep, came from the Clapton clip. I’ve been saying that JM is one of the best living guitarists for years. Sweet validation to have ol’ slowhand himself say it.
If any artist affected me as a young person, it was Leon, and the song was This Masquerade. I don't know exactly why I loved this song so much, but I did. I loved his music ever after. GOD Bless Elton John for bringing this man back to prominence. I already had his music on Albums, 8 Track Tapes, Cassette Tapes, and Now DVD and CD. Keep on playing your music Leon, Thanks for the memories !!
The fact that Leon Russel's song has withstood the test of time for 40+ years is nothing - it will be listened to long after anyone reading this is gone. What a talent.
What a song! what a performance! A lot of people don't realize what a giant Leon Russell was,and still is.He has written many classic songs, and played with literally everyone. Glad to see him get honored. Say what u want about Mayer, that boy can play!
Some of his songs made me cry and this video also make me cry. Thanks Elton for giving this man his due. We all who him gratitude for so many great songs.
I'm still hanging with the same crew I did 25 years ago, we still hang out as often as we can, even though bad thing has happened, as is life. We still laugh as we did back then :) Friends are so important, be loyal to those you care about, be kind and care, and you can make it through anything. :)
HE SHOULD BE AT THE HIGHEST STAGE AFTER PUTTING ALL OF THE OTHERS BEFORE HIM ON HIGH STAGES ITS ABOUT DAM TIME PEOPLE WOKE UP AND ASK HIM IN HALL OF FAME AFTER ALL HIS WORK . GOD BLESS HIM GOD BLESS HIS HEART !!
