biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (November 2010) Leon Russell Leon Russell in 2009 Background information Birth name Claude Russell Bridges Born April 2, 1942 (1942-04-02) (age 68) Lawton, Oklahoma United States Genres Country, rock, folk, rhythm and blues, folk rock Occupations Musician, Songwriter Instruments Vocals, Piano, Hammond B-3 Organ, Guitar, Bass Guitar Years active 1956–present Labels Capitol, Shelter Records, Paradise Records Claude Russell Bridges (born April 2, 1942), known professionally as Leon Russell, is an American musician and songwriter, who has recorded as a session musician, sideman, and maintained a solo career in music..