Added: 10 months ago
From: mayermusic
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  • Thanks for posting, I want so bad to see that award show but do not know where to get it. Leon has been my favorite since I was 17.

  • A legend and to my generation the number of tracks he played on for others (everything from TELSTAR and THIS DIAMOND RING to ELUSIVE BUTTERFLY and hits for everyone from Aretha to Doris Day) is stunning. A true National Treasure

  • 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!

  • eeekkkkkkkk... 

  • Random acts of kindness change lives Forever!

  • 0:14 is that rob zombie! My dad showed me his vinyl of Leon's album carney and he and rob zombie look so similar in a way it's crazy!

  • this solo is oustanding

    

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  • Looks like Cousin It (Adams Family) LOL

  • Elton John thank you from My heart and soul for saving Leon Russell his music is truly from His heart with dignity and respite from anna

  • I love the tone of John mayers guitar! I want to know how he gets that and what he's using!  He is such a great guitar player. I'd give my right nut to play guitar like him

  • @philipcraigholwerda Well, to answer your question: yes, to a degree, it does matter what kind of equipment you use, but more importantly, it comes down to the player. How he/she strikes the string (with a pick, finger tip, or finger nail), how soft or hard their fretting hand pushes down on the string. All sorts of different little things. Just work on your technique.

  • Respect to john holding back as he lets the legend be the highlight of the event

  • To pby- You may not be aware of the early years (and even today sometimes) of the accounting business side of the songwriting and recording and touring industry. Most royalties could be sucked away back then.

  • Solo otro grande y con la sensibilidad de elton john podia hacer esto, lastima que mi ingles no es tan bueno para entender del todo lo que dice

  • why would leon russell ever be forgottrn? WTF? I don't get it. royalties should save his ass.

  • @pbyardh I think he lost a lot of his copyrights on his songs in his divorce

  • many ppl offered to help Leon. In fact, he had a call from Ringo - asking him to go on tour. Leon said "NO". Also, Eric Clapton called and asked Leon to be the keyboard player for the George Harrison tribute. Leon said "NO". Joe Cocker's people called, and asked if he would go on tour with Joe. Leon said "NO". So, I don't know what his problem is - but Leon has had MANY opportunities that he has turned down in the past.

  • @11sunnywing As talented as he is musically, Leon is unlucky with his health. He's endured 4 brain surgeries in the past 6 years to try and cure a chronic sinus problem that nearly blinded him with headaches. Perhaps when those opportunities came knocking at his door, he was too sick to take advantage of them.

  • I cannot believe how in love i was then and am stii today with this man. To let a pure trasure like leon fall by the wayside is truely an unforgivable crime

  • LOL! I enjoied the responce from the guy that said; don't you understand a metafore? Classic! On the side of the road in a ditch, when it comes to the "music Business" is just exactly what he was talking about. If you know him, then you know the calliber of ppl he has played with, you understand his talent. But talent isn't in a "corprate" arena nor is that what they're selling! They produce hype, use media to sell it and if your looking for real talent You have to search for it!

  • really,,, at the end this big artists dont even have the money for good medical care... especially in the fucking us of a . God bless America...

  • WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Wow. I am overwhelmed. This recording shows everyone's heart and humility. I've always loved Leon Russell, and now have a new respect for Elton John. I did not know John Mayer was such a talented musician. It was wonderful seeing the older and the younger (being respectful) so good together.

  • Today's youth need to see this....this is real music. God Bless Leon.

  • WOW! Leon was great as usual, but John Mayer really stepped up!

  • Awww, that is just fantastic. The Union was the best CD of 2010 IMO!

  • 3:53 . That´s so perfect . John Mayer is a awesome guy. My personally favorite Artist .

  • I'm from Tulsa and went to high school with Leon (Russell Bridges) and he wasn't in any ditch when Elton "found him". While he isn't in the best of health, he's been touring nearly as much as ever and not droping a stitch. This is a "pity party". Such a shame....he's doesn't have to do that to get attention.

  • @Tulsaguy123 You do understand the use of metaphor I assume, maybe not. We all end up in our own "ditch" at some point in our lives. What you consider the side of the road and what someone else considers it are likely two very different things. Neither are correct or incorrect, they just are. Why would you feel the need to minimize his perceptions? They aren't yours, they're his.

  • Simply the best version of this song.  Covered by many, and well, but, simply the most heart warming version. Leon, Hallelujah.

  • nice

    

  • at 4.43 check the close up of the strat

    looks all rosewood ala g harrison

    the rumor is that one was made for hendrix back in the day

    leo knew that an all rosewood guitar had special tone

    meyer is brutally sweet on this track

    harrison gave his all rosewood to delaney bramlett

    leon played for delaney and bonnie when harrison and clapton were there

  • John Mayer, tou shall not pass! -Leon Russell-

  • Damn! I knew John could play blues,but the emotion he transcends for what Leon was feeling when he wrote this song,is heard in his voice right after the solo. Masterpiece! Reminded me of Joe Bonamassa on If Heartaches Were Nickels live in Ft Wayne Ind.

  • ..no words..I love this <3

  • His tone,timing and emotion make Leon a very special singer..long life and good health Leon Russel.

  • this is where john is at his best. no one could have done that better that John.

  • You can say anything bad you want about John Mayer as long as you follow up with "but boy can he play" he said so himself.

  • Whats the first song they play???

    

  • @bgagnier1 His classic "Delta Lady"

  • only leon can cry his song to the fullest!

  • Thank you Sir Elton John! Leon's induction was way long overdue. A very touching and moving video for all MOSAT fans around the world. God bless Leon Russell!

  • Leon is the most fabulous person I may have ever met. This performance with John Mayer is breathtaking.

    Peace

  • and the Santa Claus? or Gandof

  • :O gandalf.

  • Still lovin you Leon!

  • ill telling you wright know anybody that does not like leon russle has a major problem just getting that in the opean

  • John is no doubt absolutely lovely and the best there is in my book. I'd love to take a musical stroll through his heart, mind and soul, as he's playing. I'd love to know of that beautiful place that his mind transcends to because he isn't earth bound. John is a true badass that's genuinely 'other worldly.' XO ;)

  • Great song!!!!

  • Tears ........ Love that song

  • I've always loved this song & this is simply beautiful...

  • I had never heard of Leon Russell until Elton John came out with his album with Leon... quickly became a constant in my house and then I started discoverying all thesse great songs tha I have loved over the years one in particular, I think lyrically one of the best ever written "Superstar" most well known by The Carpenters! Thank you Leon for your gift to us and thank You Sir Elton for introducing me and many others to a great talent

  • A masterful performance for both of these gentlemen. Try to keep your eyes dry!

  • made me cry!

  • @TheHollisb after John's solo emtoion just took over. Leon's response with "that's right" opened the flood gates haha! This is class at it's purest.

  • Love the way Mayer keeps it simple. Perfect by both.

  • they're pro's ! Big thanks to Elton John.

  • An American gem.

  • beautiful tone 

  • Is it just me, or does "That's right" ( 4:25 ) essentially translate to: "I agree with what you just said, John. Furthermore, it was so beautiful that...that..." [starts crying because that is the only way he can express how beautiful it indeed was]

  • that's Elton John acting as Leon Russell

  • It's good to see John posting videos again :)

  • cool.

  • absolutely beautiful ((( <3 )))

  • I agree. Johy Mayer is a genius!

  • This just gets more genious every time I see it.

  • Wow.....brought me to tears too. That song is a guranteed tear jerker for me every time....fantastic!!

  • Hey CaptainCat. How old are you? Have you met Leon? Do you know anything about the Mad Dogs & Englishman Tour? Do you know how John Mayer talks about his women? Did you get the (FORMER) bit of my statement?  I love these guys and think they are so talented but they "HAD" an attitude problem. Maybe you're the one that doesn't know what you're talking about xx

  • God bless you Leon and Elton for remembering a good person like you

  • not only do I remember this sond from the early years....I realize now he is a fantastic piano player....wow Leon....I remember you as one of the BEST concerts I ever saw at the Santa Barbara Bowl back in the early 80's....One of the absolute best concerts I have ever been to....grazi!!!!! Thank you for being HERE!!!!

  • 2 (former) cocky bastards together. Hopefully it won't take John as long as it took Leon to become humble. That aside, thanks Elton!

  • @Roxy41262 I have no freakin' idea WTF you mean by calling these talented people 'cocky bastards' or talking about Leon becoming 'humble.' He is one of the most humble people in show business. This is why he quit performing for so long...the 'celebrity' and 'glamor' of show business drove him back to his secluded home in Northeastern Oklahoma. He is from Tulsa, an Okie, and developed, with others, The Tulsa Sound. You don't what what you are talking about 'Roxy'

  • I'm thankful that Elton helped him! But left with the question. What is wrong with the music business? People left on the side of the road like they never happened, contributed, or even existed but continue to be used and ripped off? It's just tragic the disregard of our own that it takes someone else to remind you of the treasures that came out of your own back yard! Not Hype but talent! No videos, but road warriors that paved it old school and payed they're dues. Not pretty ppl with autotune!

  • @1988GTA400 I totally and appreciate some sane people left to appreciate talent and hardwork :) What will it take to bring the great stuff back again? :(

  • @1988GTA400 I'm an Okie and I'll tell you another example is Leons old buddy JJ Cale. Eric Claptons idol basically. He's a Tulsan like Leon and playing small venues to this day, going home in a cab. It's a shame.

  • @Head318Hunter JJ Cale is a musical genius! He wrote so many songs that others like Clapton made famous like "Cocaine." I really hope he gets royalties. He deserves much more attention than he's received.

  • In listening to this I got overwhelmed with emotion. God bless Elton John for rescuing Leon Russell from the depths of 'life'. Whether or not someone likes or does not like John Mayer. it is a fact that he is a 'musician's musician' and he shows that talented side of himself in this video.

  • I'd love to see him get together with leon...they'd be great together

  • Its gandalf!!

  • What a beautiful piano playing by Leon Russel and this song What Can we say?

    Just great!

  • Amazing...simply amazing

  • Tout simplement, énorme.....

    Une des dernières légendes encore en vie...

  • Leon is coming to my town tomorrow but I cannot participate in the show I will be working the surrounding restaurant/bar =///// I hope he comes inside i will be so grateful xD

  • Looks like an emotional show for Mr Russell. Leon Russell worked hard to put on a great show for his fans and deserves nothing but respect. nice picking but certainly not the focal point of this great song.

  • I dont understand any neg sentiment towards Mayer here. As a pro guitarist of over 40 years, i can assure you that what was played, was understated and respectful to the song. It annoys me to see self proclaimed experts , who have obviously never picked up an instrument, talk shit !

  • I cry watching this... Not only because of Leon and his timeless voice and soul... but because Mayer hits dead on, once again, with his solos. amazing stuff, music that touches your being.

  • yes john... we know youre good at the guitar.. you dont have to show off your videos to prove yourself to us..

  • OMG john

  • true...but don't sleep on Jonny Lang either! He's that deal!!

  • Blessings.

    Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

    ~2 Peter 3:18

  • my dear god, John Mayer ROCKED this one. DAMNNNN he's the best on the guitar alive right now. true legend.

  • I love the way John Mayer bows to Leon after the song is over, paying tribute to the Master of Space and Time!

  • Michael Douglas is there? Would be nice if music lovers and fans got to be present instead of who's who of celebrities.

  • Leon was very moved by John's playing. It was a beautiful performance. One for the ages.......

  • this is forkin cool as all get out. dude is one of the best songwriters of all time. mayer is pretty damn spiffy too

  • John Mayer is a great guitar player but tonight he's second first is Leon Russell and he deserves his time in the spot light he has earned it since before Mayer was borne.

  • Awesome, wish I could have been there.

  • I'm kinda' thinkin' Russell is getting choked up because his life has come full circle and these could be the greatest applause he will ever receive... His life is over, he's in the H.O.F... I doubt it's the fiddle...lol...

  • Johny just ripped Mark Knopfler ;)

  • Mayer is a fucking genius(leon is too).His phrasing was perfect,he did not try to overplay,sometimes a little is a whole lot more.His solo made leon start to cry,fuck it made me start to cry,all you people who hate on Mayer,well your just fucking ignorant.J

  • @spanky2964 I've not been a huge fan of Mayer in the past. But it's just a matter of getting over some of his public gaffes. His guitar work has steadily improved to the point where his skill and talent is undeniable.

    What can anyone say about Leon Russell that hasn't been said? He's a one-man who's who of rock. Mention almost any notable performer from the 60s and 70s and Leon's probably played on their records or with them in concert.

    'I so greatly appreciate being able to see this video!

  • @spanky2964

    Hey, sparky-

    how did this become a vid about this trendy douchebag hero of yours and his Intro to Guitar Playing solo that only pusscakes like you think are ingenius and soulful? Leon was crying b/c his big moment was sullied by that giftless twat.

  • @JCPosey Thats funny poser,because your mom was trying tell me the same thing last night but I really could not understand her because my load was gurgling in the back of her throat.I get it now though.Thanks for clearing that up for me.

  • @spanky2964 OOOOOld joke, sparky. How'd she wind up in your parents' basement???

  • @spanky2964 You are right! That was one of the best solos ever! He captured the moment, using the perfect note at the perfect time.

  • @spanky2964 Leon has a way to make it sound like he is crying in this song because it is a song he wrote. and he sings it better than everyone that has tried to sing it because he puts his whole self in it. it is him

  • Why was Leon Russell inducted as a Sideman and not a performer?

  • @mohinderbauer ...It took forever just to get that...First things first...He'll get it as a solo artist soon

  • Leon Russell is the man. Now and always. So happy to see him getting the honor he earned so long ago.

  • This clip starts a 2:14 .... New respect for John

  • I love you Leon. Bless your heart, you beautiful man!

  • Great to see Leon and John together! Loved it

  • Leon Russell is pure genius.

  • I WAS GONNA LEAVE A SHITTY COMMENT, BUT THEN LEON THANKED ELTON, ELTON CRIED - SO:

    GREAT VIDEO - THANKS FOR POSTING!

  • Music and creativity such as this flourishes when brought from old into new. Leon never had an EGO; He had Soul. And he shares it with us through the music he plays. John Mayer gleaned some of that same Soul and it shows in this composition. Give me all this music and talent. It is awesome!

  • Love leon russell.. So great.

  • Leon, you were always King in our books, and we love you....

  • Never EVER heard of Leon Russell until accidentally stumbling across this vid the otherDAY. I know who most cats are...and i never knew who Russell was. Wow. This man, this musician...simply beautiful. I love Hathaways version..but Leon gives it that kind of body that only the likes of guys like him who have been through EVERYTHING can give it. REAL EMOTION. John Mayer...?? Well...John Mayers accompaniment on this performance can only be described in one word...

    ...ABSOLUTELYFUCKINGBEAUTIFUL!­!

  • @JamonjiCahillibongo That was John's solo bringing him to tears.

  • @MrShawnBurkett ...you replied to the wrong comment buddy.

  • I just love the fact that John isn't trying to steal Leon's moment

  • step off John Mayer people. this is Leon Russell's song, show, induction, and performance. I love John Mayer, but give credit where credit's due. why is no one talking about Leon breaking down and crying around 4:30? then pulling it together to finish one of the best performances of his career. let's be fair...

  • @mrmojorising64 good for you, tell it like it happened, leon is the greatist, he has played for most of the great singers and musicians of all time.......

  • We love you Leon!!!!

  • fucking amazing lick at 5:07

  • JM is more than a pretty boy who sings pop songs

  • rock and roll will always leave you shocked. leon i feel blessed just to hear that little humble bit of inspiration. moving, who knew things like this happens to people like you two. i have been forever changed. thank you. keep it up and never let the music down.

  • That strat tone is nice

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  • He is no dumbledore, fictional character, he is the real deal.

  • made me tear up a little! So many fall from the high places, and its so good when those atop reach back for the fellow man!

  • :) INC!

  • Lord... I love John Mayer <3

  • well now I have a new respect for Elton John...what he did was selfless and a gift to the world. Leon is a free spirit and always lived for the music. Rock on Baby!

  • SHUT UP AND ENJOY THE MUSIC!

    ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

  • If I had been Elton, this would have been the highest moment in my career..The moment I could have been most proud of

  • John's solo made Leon choke up and almost start crying. Silky.

  • @MrTprezioso wow douchey comment i just had to let you know man lol

  • @MrTprezioso You don't deserve to ever listen to music again making a statement like that. I could understand your ridiculous insane ramblings if that solo were anywhere close to bad. But, you have to give credit where credit is due moron. Your eardrums should be punctured with an industrial grade Milwaukee drill and the useless flaps sewed back upon themselves to prevent you from mis-identifying bad music again. Negative people like you just look to bring down others to make you feel good.

  • @MrTprezioso You my friend are plainly ignorant.Disjointed and no continuity?The phrasing was perfect.The vibrato was flawless.The (there is no reason to go on,I forgot that you were ignorant!)

  • it's like Jezus and God playing together A Song FOR YOU!!!:D

  • man, that were some words. really emotional stuff.

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  • alguien pudiera traducir por favor el discurso de Leon?? saludos desde Panamá

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  • Great playing but John, please get yourself a volume pedal to do those swells ;)

  • @Botje101 why? it sounds great the way it is.

  • @Botje101 I've found that it sounds more authentic to do it with the volume knob, rather than a pedal.

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  • anyone else notice how john's lips move and tremble almost as if the guitars sound is coming out of his mouth. phenomenal.

  • This is like a parody: What if Noah became a rock star? I guess it would be something like this. Lol! JK, We can always joke about the greats only because they are the greats. Great Guitar too John!

  • Elton, Leon and The Union represent the meaning of rock

  • so beautiful it makes me weep.

    love you leon.

  • the tone coming out of that guitar is so haunting

  • I have no idea what the lyrics are to this song

  • OMG! thank John Meyer and Elton John!

  • beautiful...

    

  • I cannot understand how the writer of A Song For You could end up so poor, while the world's riches have been hijacked by a miserable bunch of thieving parasites who contribute nothing to the wellbeing of mankind, and whose actions only drive more people into poverty. It's an outrage that so many amazing music artists, especially in the States, end up on the bread-line, instead of being treated like kings and queens for the joy that they have brought to so many.

  • John... you've gotta cover John Martyn! Give us Sweet Little Mystery!

  • I want John's guitar so bad!

  • Such a humble and talented man!

  • How EPIC is this????? I've loved Leon since the early 70s when i discovered his music ... what a legend!!! Whatever happened to Mary Russell; they did shows together well into the 90s out here in small bars/casinos in LV????

  • Leon forever!

  • Man, John Mayer has everything to become the godfather of the modern rock/blues scene.

    He has the potential, the skills, the creativity, the feeling and he played with some of the greatest of all time. I mean, name 1 guy ( with John's age or close ) that already shared the stage with: BB King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Leon Russel, Pino Palladino, Steve Jordan, Slash, ZZ Top and so on...

    I'm sure that he will be to modern rock music what Hendrix was to the 60's/70's.