who had once been Russell's opening act, acknowledged him as his "biggest influence as a piano player, a singer and a songwriter." On hearing of Russell's death, he said: "My darling Leon Russell passed away last night. He was a mentor, inspiration and so kind to me. I loved him and always will." John once recalled: Pixies vocalist Black Francis credits Russell with influencing his vocal style: "I realise there's a certain kind of vocalising I do that takes its cue from Leon Russell. He sang in a Southern accent but it was very blown-out and exaggerated, very free and loose." One of Russell's titles and signature nicknames is: Master of Space and Time. The depth and scope Leon’s contribution to the music of the twentieth century is illustrated by the following: 408 Albums on which he received a Credit 251 Total Artistic Credits 37 Types of Artistic Credits Piano - 77 Credits Arranger - 23 Keyboards - 20 Guitar - 17 Organ - 14 Electric Piano - 11 Guest - 11 Vocals – 11 Bass - 10 Miscellaneous – 58 (Miscellaneous includes Percussion, Trumpet, Moog, Clavinet and 23 more types) 282 Total Writing Credits 5 Types of Writing Credits Songwriter – 161 Credits Writer – 87 Composer – 20 Music – 8 Lyrics – 6 45 Production Credits Personal life Russell had six children: a daughter from a relationship with Carla McHenry; a son and daughter from his first marriage, to Mary McCreary; and three daughters from his later marriage to Janet Lee Constantine. Discography Studio and live albums Compilation albums Singles Music videos See also Ambrose Campbell toured and recorded with Leon Russell. Don Nix producer at Shelter Records Jesse Ed Davis friend who introduced Russell to recording session work Kathi McDonald Russell's main background vocalist Patrick Henderson Songwriter with Russell Indianola Mississippi Seeds Made Russell's Hummingbird a hit single Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section Made some of Russell's songs hit singles References External links Leon Russell on Find A Grave Leon Russell NAMM Oral History Program Interview (2012) 1942 births 2016 deaths American male singer-songwriters American rock musicians American session musicians American rock songwriters American rock singers Swamp rock musicians Burials in Oklahoma Musicians from Tulsa, Oklahoma People from Lawton, Oklahoma Delaney & Bonnie & Friends members The Wrecking Crew (music) members Grammy Award winners American rock pianists American male pianists American rock guitarists American male guitarists Charay