På fredag börjar turnén - Russell/Champlin/Williams

LEON RUSSELL - frågor och svar

The music business changed radically since the start of your career.
Do you think it’s going the right way?
The future seems to go its own way, without my help or comment.

What was the last concert you went to yourself?
Bob Dylan with the band at St. Louis

What was the best concert you ever saw?
I recently saw a Vince Gill variety show at the Ryman Auditorium on TV that was spectacular.

Who’s your source of inspiration?
There are so many inspirational artists they are hard to name - they include, Sam Cooke, Little Richard, Harpo Marx, Elton John, Elvis, BB King, to name just a few.

Which cover of one of your songs do you consider to be the greatest compliment?
Alan Jackson's recording of 'bluebird' arranged by Alison Krauss was wonderful. That's the way I should have originally done it.
Donnie Hathaway had a beautiful version of ‘song for you’.

How important is it to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
It was quite an honor to be inducted. I personally don't think about those things very much, but they seem to be very important to others.

Should you have been more widely known worldwide after an impressive career as yours?Travel is difficult for me and in the past, I tended to stay away from the press. Those two things have probably softened my impact on the world stage.

What are your goals for the future?
At my age, one primarily tries to stay alive (and keep my sideburns too).