Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Leon Russell will be in concert at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Wednesday, June 3

Leon Russell has been called a rock and roll Renaissance man, and indeed there is little that this Oklahoma-bred singer-pianist hasn’t done. From leading the famous Joe Cocker's “Mad Dogs & Englishmen” tour, to performing with George Harrison and Friends at the Concert For Bangladesh, to his best-selling 2010 collaboration with Elton John, this Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has given us 50 years of rich musical legacy. Leon’s songwriting credits include “Tight Rope,” “Delta Lady,” “Hummingbird,, “Lady Blue,” “Back To The Island,” “This Masquerade” and “A Song For You,” which is Russell’s best known song and one of the greatest love songs ever written. Russell has shared studios and stages with members of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and others. Leon Russell is returning to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Wednesday, June 3, at 8 p.m. Special guest is Jamie McLean Band, who bring a raw energy to their music, which is described by ontapblog as “… rock laced with a blues undertone and with an unexpectedly strong country flavor.” Steak House Cellar Door (439 Main Street, Ridgefield) will pour a complimentary glass of wine with dinner the night of this event when tickets are presented.  An AllShows.com VIP Party Pass ($25 addt'l per person), which includes a pre-show cocktail party 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. with open bar, hors-d’oeuvre and priority parking, is available for this show which is part of the Xfinity Rock Series with media sponsor i95fm The Home of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Leon Russell began playing piano at the age of four and performed in nightclubs in high school. Working as a pianist on the recordings of many notable artists from the ‘60s, he diversified, becoming successful as an arranger and songwriter. By 1970, he came into his own as a solo recording artist. One of his songs, “This Masquerade,” reached  #10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 with George Benson’s famous recording. In collaboration with Willie Nelson, Leon Russell had a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country Music Chart with their duet of  “Heartbreak Hotel." Russell’s grandest distinction as a musician may be his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

 At a recent concert, Russell thrilled with captivating chatter and a set list which included “Mystery Train,” “Delta Lady,” “Sweet Little Angel,” “Lady Blue,”  “Wild Horses,” “Georgia on My Mind,” “Jumpin' Jack Flash/Papa Was a Rollin' Stone/Kansas City” and many more high energy mega hits, concluding with  “Blue Suede Shoes.”

For tickets ($48), call the box office at 203-438-5795.  For more information on The Ridgefield Playhouse, visitridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.