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What do The Band, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra and half of the Beatles have in common? Aside from making some of the finest popular music of the 20th century, all of these artists have collaborated with Leon Russell.

The long-haired and bearded organist/singer-songwriter has been working behind the scenes (and occasionally in the spotlight) with an innumerable amount of music’s heavy hitters for half a century.

“I've been lucky to work with so many great musicians,” Russell said via email a few days before his show at Harlow’s on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Russell began his music career as a session musician, working live and in the studio with the previously mentioned acts and many more, but never a permanent member of any one band. His abilities as a versatile performer enabled him to branch out to multiple genres with ease.

When the time was right, Russell was able to make the transition from sideman to full solo artist.

“I was playing on some Joe Cocker records that Denny Cordell was producing,” Russell said. “I had a couple of songs I wanted to submit to him for Joe Cocker, ‘Delta Lady’ and ‘Hello, Little Friend,’ I think was the other one. This was after the session. And when Cordell saw me [perform those] he was kind of flabbergasted because I had been sitting there all quiet and then started doing all this singing and he got interested in me as an artist. And it was because of him I pursued a solo career."

In 1970, Russell released his eponymous debut, driven by the lead single, “A Song for You."

The track has been covered by nearly 50 artists, the most popular rendition being from Herbie Hancock and Christina Aguilera, which was nominated for a Grammy for “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals” in 2005. Many of his other popular songs have followed a similar path of acclaim, proving his versatility not only as a musician, but composer and songwriter.

“Alan Jackson's recording of 'Bluebird' arranged by Alison Krauss was wonderful,” Russell said when asked which version of his songs was his favorite. “That's the way I should have originally done it."

As for Thursday’s show, Russell has great things planned for his audience.

“We will play some songs by me and some by others,” Russell said. “Mostly ones I like. I have a great band. Jack Wessel (bass) has been with me for 28 years. Chris Simmons is on guitar, Brian Holder on drums and Brian Lee on organ."

With so many years of creativity, one wonders how Russell continues writing new material.

“I am inspired by my family,” Russell said. “My daughter, Sugaree [27 years old], who toured with me as part of my band for over 6 years, is releasing her first record soon (Jan. 5) on Leon Russell Records."

Russell can also count some of the best-known musicians of our time and a legion of fans to be a part of his family as well.

Tickets for Thursday’s show are $35. Doors open at 9 p.m., show starts at 10 p.m. Visit Harlow’s’ ticket page to purchase.