The Rock 'n' Roll man with long white mane and a rich, hearty voice Leon Russell, a session pianist in the 1970s, died on Sunday in Nashville.
Aged 74, Russell died in his sleep, his wife said in a statement posted on his website, reports CNN.
His daughter Honey Bridges told that he was recovering from a quadruple bypass when his health took a turn for the worse.
Russell was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2011 because of his decades of work as a pianist, guitarist and songwriter.
After recording in the 1960s with a group of Los Angeles session musicians nicknamed the Wrecking Crew, Russell captured the public's attention as the top hat-wearing pianist and bandleader on Joe Cocker's 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen' tour in 1970.
While Cocker twisted and grimaced through his vocals, Russell calmly controlled the stage with gestures and looks, earning him the nickname, 'The Master of Time and Space.'
More From This Section
Reportedly, Russell suffered health problems in recent years, including surgery to stop leaking brain fluid in 2010 and a heart attack in July.
Survived by his wife, four daughters, and three grandchildren, a private service is planned for the musician in Nashville, with a public service planned in Tulsa.
According to his wife, "He was really sweet and he had a dry sense of humor. He was very funny."
Soon as the news of his demise broke, tributes started pouring in.
Singer Elton John praised Russell on Instagram, saying, "He was a mentor, inspiration and so kind to me. Thank God we caught up with each other and made 'The Union.' He got his reputation back and felt fulfilled. I loved him and always will."
"Farewell friend. It was an honor to watch you work," tweeted Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi of the Tedeschi Trucks Band.