I had the incredible privilege of witnessing the legendary Leon Russell perform Saturday night at the Gryphon Theatre in Laramie. At the ripe old age of 73, Russell can still rock with the best of them.

The venerable piano man took the stage in his trademark cowboy hat, dark sunglasses and cane, before launching into a cover of Ray Charles' "I Got A Woman". Russell's 90 minute set included a long list of classic songs that he has either written or recorded during his lengthy career, interspersed with personal stories about working with Elvis Presley, B.B. King, George Harrison, Joe Cocker and The Flying Burrito Brothers.

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Russell also recounted stories of his upbringing in Oklahoma, where he began playing piano at the age of four. He launched his professional career at 14, performing in his hometown honky tonk. After turning 18, he set off to Los Angeles where he planned to pursue a career writing advertising jingles. As word of prowess spread, he quickly became one of the most sought after session players in the music industry. In later years, he became a successful solo artist, which culminated with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

Here's a video clip from the show, featuring Russell's medley of the Rolling Stones classic 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' and the Motown standard 'Papa Was a Rollin' Stone'.

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