Album Concept
and Design
Leon’s Legacy is a limited edition vinyl collectible honoring the work and influence of Leon Russell. As a session musician, arranger, producer, singer, songwriter, pianist, guitarist, record company owner, bandleader, and touring musician, he has collaborated with hundreds of artists, including Glen Campbell, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, J.J. Cale, David Gates, B.B. King, Freddie King, Chuck Blackwell, Rita Coolidge, Gram Parsons, Ike & Tina Turner, Ricky Nelson, Herb Alpert, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Dean Martin, Marvin Gaye, Steve Winwood, and groups such as Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, The Accents, The Fencemen, The Ventures, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Jan & Dean, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Paul Reve & The Raiders, The Rolling Stones and on and on and on. I wanted to present this information and significant history in a refreshed way through a commemorative vinyl.
Challenge
In this project we were tasked with designing a remastered edition label or collection of a product, from branding to packaging. This product is meant to have historical significance to appeal to existing fans in a nostalgic yet refreshing way.
Solution
Being from Tulsa, growing up down the street from the Church Studio I have been aware of Leon and his influence of the Tulsa Sound for some time but little did I know how far his music reached. Starting this projected I initially wanted to create a Church Studio vinyl curated with artist and tracks recored in the studio. Through research and a visit to the studio going through archives, this proved harder than I thought as many sessions in the golden years of the studio weren’t on record or not accessible to me. Learning more and more about the influence Leon Russell had on so many I decided to highlight that to remember and honor his legacy, 10 years after his passing.
