Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend Leon Russell will play two Hawaii Island shows as part of his “Life Journey” tour in Hawaii presented by Lazar Bear &Aloha Beer Co.
He will play the convention center at Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay Sept. 20. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30. Tickets are $45 or $65 for VIP tables.
His other Hawaii Island performance will be Sept. 19 at The Wainaku Center in Hilo. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Music starts at 6 and the main show is at 7. Tickets are$45, or $80 for the VIP package. A portion of the proceeds will benefit music education at Connections Public Charter School with a signed instrument auction. Call 896-4845 for information. He will also perform Sept. 17 at Maui Arts &Cultural Center and Sept. 18 at The Republik on Oahu.
Russell is touring behind his latest release on Universal Music, “Life Journey.” The album was recorded at Capital Studios, and produced by Elton John. Life Journey features newly-written original songs such as the boisterous blues romp “Big Lips” and fresh takes on classics ranging from Robert Johnson’s “Come On in My Kitchen” to Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” that resonate with the two-time Grammy winner. Russell has entertained the world for five decades, beginning as a session player before he began releasing his own albums in 1967. This is an album that looks back with love, loss, joy and peace that’s collected during a life well lived.
The new album follows “The Union,” a hit duet CD in 2010 with Elton John that revived Russell’s career. While “Life Journey” shares qualities with Russell’s 2002 songbook release, “Moonlight &Love Songs,” it has more sass and grit.
Russell, the magic and inspiration behind such music greats as Joe Cocker with Delaney and Bonnie on the famous “Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour” in the late 1960s, introduced the hit which Russell wrote for Joe Cocker “Delta Lady.” Russell’s hits include “Back On The Island,” “Hummingbird,” “Tight Rope,” “A Song For You,” ” Roll Away The Stone” and “This Masquerade.”
Russell was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame on June 16, 2011. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 14, 2011.
Russell, one of the innovator leaders of the music scene in the late 1960s through the 1980s was considered to be “the top live performer in the world in 1973” by Billboard Magazine. ” Russell is ready to bring his musical magic to his fans in Hawaii with his “Life Journey Tour.”