An album paying tribute to the late legend Leon Russell, A Song for Leon, will be released in September, featuring contributions from the likes of Nathaniel Rateliff, Margo Price and Hiss Golden Messenger. Upon its initial announcement, Price's rendition of "Strangers in a Strange Land" previewed the collection — and now, we have new offerings from prolific Canadians Orville Peck and U.S. Girls.
The masked cowboy has recorded a version of "This Masquerade," a song Russell originally recorded in 1972 and went on to become a hit for George Benson in 1976. Meanwhile, the project helmed by Meg Remy joined forces with funk maverick Bootsy Collins on a cover of 1969's "Superstar."
Of his contribution, Peck said, "Leon was one of the most creative music titans of our generation. A true weird, beautiful genius."
"I've long desired an answer to that burning question, 'Don't you remember, you told me you loved me, baby?'" Remy said in a statement. "Bootsy's imaged reply is an unction. This cover is for anyone who is waiting on an answer."
Collins added, "Mr. Russell was a musician's musician. He came in through the back door and made his way to the front of the stage. His songwriting had meaning & a way of touching people that were going through things in life. I admired his talent, his steadfastness and commitment to being and doing what he set out to do. He expressed himself as only he could. I am proud to be a part of this tribute to him."
Listen to Peck's rendition of "This Masquerade" and U.S. Girls & Collins's take on "Superstar" below, where you'll also find the full A Song for Leon tracklist.
A Song for Leon:
1. Margo Price - "Stranger in a Strange Land"
2. Durand Jones & the Indications - "Out in the Woods"
3. Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats - "Tight Rope"
4. Orville Peck - "This Masquerade"
5. U.S. Girls & Bootsy Collins - "Superstar"
6. Pixies - "Crystal Closet Queen"
7. Monica Martin - "A Song for You"
8. Bret McKenzie with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band - "Back to the Island"
9. Tina Rose, Amy Nelson, Jason Hill - "Laying Right Here in Heaven"
10. Hiss Golden Messenger - "Prince of Peace"
Pre-order A Song for Leon.
The masked cowboy has recorded a version of "This Masquerade," a song Russell originally recorded in 1972 and went on to become a hit for George Benson in 1976. Meanwhile, the project helmed by Meg Remy joined forces with funk maverick Bootsy Collins on a cover of 1969's "Superstar."
Of his contribution, Peck said, "Leon was one of the most creative music titans of our generation. A true weird, beautiful genius."
"I've long desired an answer to that burning question, 'Don't you remember, you told me you loved me, baby?'" Remy said in a statement. "Bootsy's imaged reply is an unction. This cover is for anyone who is waiting on an answer."
Collins added, "Mr. Russell was a musician's musician. He came in through the back door and made his way to the front of the stage. His songwriting had meaning & a way of touching people that were going through things in life. I admired his talent, his steadfastness and commitment to being and doing what he set out to do. He expressed himself as only he could. I am proud to be a part of this tribute to him."
Listen to Peck's rendition of "This Masquerade" and U.S. Girls & Collins's take on "Superstar" below, where you'll also find the full A Song for Leon tracklist.
A Song for Leon:
1. Margo Price - "Stranger in a Strange Land"
2. Durand Jones & the Indications - "Out in the Woods"
3. Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats - "Tight Rope"
4. Orville Peck - "This Masquerade"
5. U.S. Girls & Bootsy Collins - "Superstar"
6. Pixies - "Crystal Closet Queen"
7. Monica Martin - "A Song for You"
8. Bret McKenzie with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band - "Back to the Island"
9. Tina Rose, Amy Nelson, Jason Hill - "Laying Right Here in Heaven"
10. Hiss Golden Messenger - "Prince of Peace"
Pre-order A Song for Leon.
