Music industry pioneer and multi-instrumentalist Leon Russell passed away on November 13, 2016 at the age of 74. He is best known for his songwriting and musicianship, having written songs for renowned musicians like Jerry Lee Lewis and helping to create the style of 'country-rock' music. Russell was born in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1942. He started playing music as a young boy, learning several instruments including guitar and piano. He was eventually hired as a session musician at the age of 17 for legendary producers Phil Spector and Jack Clement. From then, his career flourished and he has performed and collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, from Eric Clapton to Elton John. Russell has also scored 11 solo albums as well as two live albums, highlighted by his Grammy-award winning album Carneysville in 1971. He received an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011 for his lifetime work. He is survived by his wife, Jan Bridges, and his three sons, Teddy Jack, Sugaree, and Tony. His work as a musician helped shape the face of modern music, and he will be missed.