Leon Russell - Hummingbird

[msjenjenp]

I could listen to Leon non-stop 24 hours a day and never get tired of him. Can't say that about much else.

[mlfain56]

@msjenjenp me too

[2NaughtyLittleFly2]

This tune and the album its from was the soundtrack for one of my hitch-hiking escape adventures across the country in 1971, age 14. Me and a group of about 12, all older, yet I was the leader. Eventually I was the only one left three months later living on a farm in Missouri, starting from Connecticut to NYC to Flint to Missouri. No money, no direction. Just escape and go and ... live.

[7beets]

Muaah!! Love you Leon



[bullysmom74]

my only regret about Leon is that i did not know of him in the late 60's and 70's when he was in his heyday I try to make up for that now, have all of his cd's I could find, been to see him in person 2 times, who cares if he is old, so am I, but he is awesome. Leon, master of time and space and my heart.

[ThePeachy2]

@bullysmom74 Leon ALWAYS puts on a kick ass show! From my early teens until now (that's a long time!) I've seen him several times in concert throughout the years. He never disappoints!

[huichol53]

i used to listen to all of leon's albums in the early 70's..... This is my all time favorite...huichol53........

[twobit1862]

was up at Highbridge park for Expo '74...kick inna butt that whole month!

Too bad I didn't see the advert for free Leon until November 2011....Damn me. How wuz the show? We caught him here in Humboldt at a club in Arcata back about 1996 ....good ol' boy. Stay with us Leon! Yr humble svt, SgtMjr TwoBit

[SourceWeeklyStudios]

There is a Fantastic version of this song by B. B. King and John Mayer on B. B.'s "80" album.

[SagaSpectro]

eu so tinha ouvido a versão do b.b king mais puta merda Leon Russel é muito foda nice song nice song

[mommarosemary17]

I'd have made my way 2 Washington 2 see Leon Russell 4 my Birthday Week-End, & STILL made it back 4 the Fireworks, lol .. no joke.

[rllwoobie]

taking my 28 year old son and his fiance to see him tomorrow night in modesto, ca. can't wait!

[cletoryss]

@rllwoobie I live in Modesto...he was here?!?!

[sebz661]

niiice

[blueberries4ever]

He was in the H of F as of 3-14-11.

[Porojukaha]

A friend showed this to me, and I have to wonder, how did I go my whole life never hearing of this man?? Hes awesome!

[judecreek2]

@Porojukaha If you are just "discovering" Leon, you are in for a musical journey that will blow you away! Make sure you check out the Mad Dogs and Englishmen vids as well as The Concert for Bangladesh. I envy you getting to hear the Master of Space and Time for the first time. Sighhhhh....

[MrCormster]

@judecreek2 am about to take that journey

[squidaudio]

Yeah, and at the Avalon Club in Santa Clara, CA on Tues Sept 27th

[ptprct]

His music is timeless. I love it as much now as I did in the 70's.

[tjfinneran1]

Leon will be in Spokane at our Pig Out in the Park on September 2, 2011.

Price, you ask?

NADA. ZIP, FREE, GRATIS, no lie.

[bullysmom74]

all you guys who saw Leon free, that is good and well, i had to pay $300. to hear him in Nashville on aug 1 2011, but it was worth every cent, he is my hero and the master of space and time, forever Leon........

[leobavaria9]

BB King song???? You don't have a clue, Dude. BUT, I"m glad you like this "version" as now you've heard it done by the master of space and time .

[OrigNeedlzSWDetroit]

Seen Leon for free downtown Detroit, August 5th, 2011. He sounded good and put on a great show and to top it off I found out today that they finally inducted this American Treasure into the R 'n' R Hall of Fame, 'bout damn time!

[0casin0]

2:20

i don't want to see him eating a soup :-D

[TheCorym420]

NO CD'S HE NEEDS TO BE HEARD ON LP WHITE NOISE MAKES THE SONGS WITH HIM. GOTTA BE THAT AWESOME RASP HE HAS!!

[caintapi]

What a voice. Always been one of my all time favorite singer/musician along with Dr. John.

[gracelier]

There are 3 dislikes on this song. What? Are there really 3 people in the world who don't like Leon? Y'all need to come over to my house and listen to my Leon stash...

I won't even say a word, I'll just let Leon sway ya! Church is now in session, come on over, you non-believers! Only the pure survive! Ha!

[daffodils077]

This was the first song of LR's I fell in love with.............Incredible performance and musician. Thank you Leon!

[xbobx27]

absolutely perfect. sublime. A great BB King song, given a wonderful treatment by Leon. He done the King proud.

[judecreek2]

@xbobx27 You have that backwards. Leon wrote this beautiful song and BB, along with several others covered it.

[EltonJohnGigs]

Gonna see him in Copenhagen today!

[inatizzy2]

@EltonJohnGigs Im gonna see him in Sept for FREEE!!! In Oklahoma City!

[wistoncap]

Hats off and much thanks to Sir Elton John for bringing Leon back into the public eye (before it was too late).

[dougfresh68]

@crazyskuwanki Ya I put my finger out at a feeder beside one of those landing posts then he landed there to drink the 4:1 water/sugar solution I made. By the way people should be aware that the store bought feeding nektar usually had red#40 and other crap in it which is harmfull to them

[cpalmerartist1]

Leon Russell....his music defined my life when I was in my 20's...great songs and lyrics as a background for my endless search for this thing called love...

[tixximmi]

Saw Leon back in 80 and then again in 93. Both concerts were amazing. Always great. See him if you get a chance. From a Tull and Zappa fan.

[heyjude530]

Can't get enough Leon!

[iamamerika]

Leon is still alive and well but you'd better see him soon or you'll miss out on a living legend.  Leon and Elton John put out an album together last year called "The Union."

[AllStarBugler]

Leon is an American treasure.

[hunteronastick1]

He almost looks like cobain in that picture

[SollAr56]

Listen to this hippie Swung, sweet cool - cool rock n ballad

[ianandrew76]

This is a good version, but BB's busted the mint on this one -----

[dougfresh68]

A hummingbird landed on my finger last week. I got a video of him almost landing after that. I call him sparky. Leon played my hometown bar in my smalltown a handfull of years ago and it was THE best intimate performance I have ever had!! there were lots of ol timers there and I was humbled feeling like a youngn' at 37 ish? I can't remember now, but... he's my favorite legend and listen to him on vinyl lots!

[DogAlpha1]

CAN BE TRANSLATED TO A {{{{{BUTTERFLY}}}}} "IF" the Right people KNOW WHO it's REALLY Played for!!! DO YOU? The WORDS portray MORE THAN I DO, just in case the Reciepient KNOWSA WHO I'm playing it for!!! A CERTAIN SOME1 in Maderia Beach FL!!! {{{ENJOY}}} BUTTERFLY... & don't you DARE to FLY AWAY!!!

[bjbhappy]

love Leon!

[abqsunshineful]

I'll be there tomorrow night. Been a Leon fan since the '70's and I finally get to see him live! Can't wait!!!!!

[NoelleNabob]

Seeing him tomorrow!!! I'm totally psyched! Hopefully it all goes well though, since it's Friday the 13th...

[judecreek2]

@NoelleNabob I hope you have a fantastic time! Give Leon some love from me!

[NoelleNabob]

@judecreek2 Of course! Thanks! He was awesome. I so glad I went to see him=]

[msnancybn]

I think it was the 1970's when I saw him in Tampa, Fl. Fantastic then and now. Leon is one a kind!

[judecreek2]

Why isn't there a "love" button for this song?

[orchidgirl54]

I saw him 2 or 3 times back in the early 70's along with the Moody Blues. Amazing concerts. That's when he was in his prime.

[Healoneministries]

Totally forgot about this song. What a great great song writer.

[cockshutt570]

One of those songs you don't just listen to you inhale it,you soak it up.Leon the Great!

[TheCowboy4411]

..if you like this song..check ouy my version..

[joshzzeerroo]

ONE PEOPLE IS GAY

[MCMLXXXtoINFINITY]

Jamming!!!!!!!!!



[poemsforcreation]

Wonderful voice, fantastic music, talent!

[321Aceking]

Love Leon to ~ :)

[TheDylannna]

love his music takes me back to some of best times of my life

[KentnLeah4ever]

Leon!! When are coming back to Tulsa, just one more time?

[nathangelaray]

amen to that

[DETROITBULLET]

wished he trim his beard Great song thanks for posting

[wolverine84]

Always have loved Bob Seger's version on Smokin' O.P.'s, but Leon rules!

[barstoolguru]

that rough Sothern voice there will never be a another Leon ever. He sings the blues like no other

[ibdoda]

When he sings from his heart it doesn't matter how it sounds I know he gets me wear I live.Songs of my life I'm 59 yrs. old and still am a stranger in a strange land working on a masquerade.Lover come and go just glad he doesn't.

[judecreek2]

Leon's finally being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

[starbucks107]

@judecreek2 PROPS TO "LR". LISTENING TO HIM WHILE I WAS DEPLOYED OVERSEAS (NAVY 72-75) KEPT ME (IN) SANE!

[pavaughn1]

My first year of college in 1970, the days of, well, you know what :) A few tokes and put on a Leon Russell album. Never will forget it, and it's great to get to hear him again.

[noveds07]

Saw Leon at Gruene Hall. One of the best show's I've ever seen. Fantastic.

[Elin48]

Leon Russell is brilliant, a genius.

[ohdear1964]

Holy Fuck, you can really hear Elton's obvious love for the man in all his great songs, Rock On!

[doodles245]

@judecreek2 I just saw Leon Friday night in Tulsa with Elton John. When the camera would show a close up of Leon's hands on the keys, it looked so effortless and "magical" just like you said.

[OnThisVerySpot]

You can tell from this song that he had a big influence on Billy Joel's vocal style.

[fidlingabout]

A girl from Tulsa, its our music, nothing like it we are so fortunate to have so many great artist that are our legacy! The new album w/Leon+Elton is fantastic!!!!

[deltalady72]

This is one of my favorite songs and this version is better than the one that's on the best of leon album.

[biancasp]

Like! Like! Like! Why can't music still be this good?

[lconeill1949]

I have the 'Union' & its great.So dont be afraid to buy it.Its a great collabration between Leon, Elton, Bernie Taupin & TBone Burnett.The Master of Space & Time is in great form.

[judecreek2]

@lconeill1949 And it's now #3 on the Billboard Chart. Leon's highest album since "Carney"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jdyism]

Just saw Leon last Saturday night in NC, he still rocks it out. Can't wait for "The Union" release!

[mizofan]

Well done Leon, 5 *****stars in Rolling Stone for The Union album, i love it!

[papadog101]

I attended a Leon show in Miami.....1974, I believe. Bee Boppin' on stage with drink in hand.....knock out back-up gals...ah!!!!! the days the days!

[bcelmore59]

he looks like uncle sam...lol

[CSteed909]

One of the very best session players, composer, producer and performers in rock 'n roll! What more can be accomplished by this prima twentieth century phenomenom?

[judecreek2]

@CSteed909 Why, a duet album with Sir Elton John, of course.

[whitehawkeFLA]

Classic song! Wonder if he's actually playing a Hummingbird on the track?

[N0X3US]

This guys a badass wizard in real life!

[judecreek2]

@N0X3US I agree! Leon is the magical, mystical Merlin of music. Sometimes it looks like he just waves his hands over the keyboard and it plays what he wants it to.

[cockshutt570]

Long live Leon The Great!

[fuckoffndie1]

the coolest cat out there...

[HighMindedLunacy]

I had the biggest crush on him back when I was around 14..I'm so glad I got to grow up at time when his music was around, along with other fabulous stuff. He's never been forgotten.

[judecreek2]

Damn, the man sure can write a love song!!!!

[Mantooth760]

This is my favorite song ever! My generation is really missing out on true music like this. Thank you for posting this a keeping his music alive.

[AlexandriaGriffin]

I know it's impossible.... but I hope Leon lives forever.  Can't imagine a world without him.

[sekhmetraptah]

a favorite that brings back such tender memories

[bedacket]

"SOMETIMES I GET IMPATIENT--BUT SHE COOLS ME WITHOUT WORD"----MY GOODNESS-PROFOUND AND FABULOUS--LEON! "I THOUGHT MY LIFE HAD ENDED-BUT i FOUND IT'S JUST BEGUN!!!!"

WHEN I FIRST HEARD LEON BACK IN THE EARLY 7O'S--LITTLE DID I KNOW WHAT WAS IN STORE OFR ME AS A FAN. LOOKED UP LAKE PONCHARTRAIN ON THE MAP AND I WAS OFF AND RUNNING! "TALKING 'BOUT THAT HUMMINGBIRD.

MY LUCKY DAY...DON'T FLY AWAY".

MUCH LOVE

BARBARA-NY

[TheEddonald]

Rayrocket1 I have seen him many times in concert since1972,he definately gets me where I live, keep rockn Leon.

[Garret00074]

This may be my favorite Leon Russell song....I just love this song...so blue, so funky...great chorus...

[KJPRAR1]

y'all... he'll get there (hall of fame)... and we'll make it happen... email jann at rolling stone... thanks brother leon for this of all tunes... xo

[exile103]

Screw the R n' R HOF. It's an absurd charade! There are tons of great musicians/bands/songwriters that will NEVER see their names listed in that monument to corporate rock, critics darlings, and the star-maker machinery! Rock on, Leon! You're a one of a kind musician with talent above and beyond that of the great majority. Check out Asylum Choir for early great work.

[sayyes2bull]

tell it, brother leon.

[ninonthatsme]

RR - Russell rules!

Hall of Fame or not, who cares? Which genius needs a temple to be adored?

I'd rather say his music speaks for him, doesn't it?

[southpawslide]

Hall of Fame forsure!

[LolaCrazy222]

Yeah, put anouther vote from me for him being in the Hall Of Fame. He's too talented not to be! My favroite Leon Russel song is "Lady Blue". Such a good ballad from a great talent.

[vnufall]

i agree with you guys, brother leon needs to be in the hall of fame. i just saw him in dec. of 09 in detroit because i never got to see him live...really with all his work, he should be.

[skydogblues]

Such a great, great song from an incredible talent! B.B. King also did a great version of Hummingbird on his 1970 album - Indianola Mississippi Seeds - Leon plays piano on it, as well as on several other cuts. If you don't know the album it is well worth a listen believe you me.

[tmmmviii]

@skydogblues

Some years ago, BB King said it was the favorite of his albums.

[skydogblues]

Yeah I remember hearing that too tmmmviii. It is a great album, and it's my fave BB album. And along with Leon, Joe Walsh, Carole King, and others play on many cuts. One of my sisters is a flight attendant and has had BB on many flights over the years, says he's the nicest man you could ever hope to meet. Just thought I'd throw that in.

[Ohio440]

Good question, Why is Leon not in the Rock Hall of Fame Send your E-Mails to RR Hall of fame requesting he be Honored

[teden20]

do it get better? i really do not think so.

[boffyflow07]

Loved him in the 70's an love him still. Saw him a small club in nashville and he' the real deal. Wish we could of sat and talked all night....oh well, a girl can dream!

[peelumba]

why is this legend not in the rock and roll hall of fame?

[orangeviolins]

Written about Rita Coolidge as I was fascinated to read.  Correct me if I am wrong.

[rudybarbarossa]

You're wrong. It was for Miss Chris O'Dell, his "Pisces Apple Lady".

[orangeviolins]

Thanks Rudy. I will look up your reference on that for Ms O'Dell.

[eteachout]

Thank you, sir. I'm reading the book "Miss O'Dell" right now. Great stuff.

[rudybarbarossa]

You're welcome.  Glad you're enjoying the book.

[7Millersshadow]

God I love this recording! I feel it in my heart- that feeling of loving someone so much that it hurts, but in a sweet way. Recorded before all the crap they have now. You really had to be able to play. Just perfect.

[ontimecon]

Leon played a small club here(sc)

for his encore he asked us to pretend he had gone off stage and returned , since he was old and didn't move around very well ..:D..what a pro!

[theute01]

I have not heard this since '72. It was a trivia question last week.."who wrote Hummingbird"..I got it right. Since then I have taken out the old vinyl and been watching vids, What a talent this man has.

Cheers all,

[StormyGal08]

He knows what he is saying...I do also! Don't fly away....

[picchaz]

Ahhh ... the memories.

[LAINIE612]

This takes me back to the happiest times of my life just listening to Leon

[kahaki]

yes. love to Leon. always.

omg was he a beautiful man or what?

still beautiful.

[dperezk1]

@kahaki Oh yes he's still a beauitiful man, loved him since I was 12 in 1969

[zo219]

@kahaki omg yes! sexy! those eyes. that voice.

[StopStopStopStopStp]

@LAINIE612 Yes!

[gabbygracie1]

@LAINIE612 absolutely, ALWAYS HAS BEEN.  Sooo talented. Brings back a lot of memories for me too. I'

[amenhop]

i don't know - i didn't add that text.

Human beings make mistakes ??? :)))

Especially in that era of heavy mind alteration ...

[candleuser56]

saw him at the ri auditorium 38 yrs ago.

on his second oncore, he brought out elton john and bernie taupin.

boy , he can make you get up and sing and shout. glad he is part of my journey.

[Hummingb1rder]

Leon invented cool.

[1984julia]

saw him in mobile, alabama with mary and felt jealous---hey, i used to have an album with leon & mark beno ? beano? the song i'd like to hear again was about a 'nam vet and his german shepheard coming down the hall -- anyone know the song or the name of the record?

[entirelyfakename]

Are you talking about "a hard rain is gonna fall" ?

[miomistero]

a dollar for your fingers, two dollars for your eyes...The title is "Down on the Base."

[JoseSuave]

That was always my favorite! Since I was about 12

[BorisTheSpider87]

Leon really rocks live.I seen him back in January and it was pretty awesome he did a really up beat version of hummingbird which was awesome.If theres anyone who hasnt seen him live. I would recommend going to see him if he's in you area.

[amenhop]

i saw him in Memphis a while ago - great show - in his chair - i don't know how he keeps doing it - I agree - see him while you can.

[musigny59]

@BorisTheSpider87 I saw him give a free concert outside of Philly, out doors in this big field, in the summer of 1970. Didn't see him again until last year. Wonderful times!

[peterzang]

@BorisTheSpider87 you "seen" him? English major?

[judecreek2]

@peterzang I thought I was the only one who noticed.

[peterzang]

@judecreek2 Hey, another one. All is not lost. Thanks Bro

[mactheartofwarfare]

He really inspired elton in his earlier years

[harleyultra1550]

Leon is the Greatest, There is and will never be anyone as great as him. He knows how love feels when it's great and when it's not, and can always make it better with his music.

[itah1950]

this mix woke up my speakers. he'll always be my boyfriend.

[servicepap]

Wow, one of my favs. Do you have Sweet Emily, by any chance? Thanks so much for sharing! Gettin' ready to go to a Leon concert this weekend. This pumped me up!

[skydogblues]

A great song by Leon! Thanks for posting! Any chance you can post another of my fave Leon songs that I don't see anywhere - Bluebird? Love this stuff!

[myhottea]

One of my favorite songs by Leon! Thanks for sharing this!