deliriouslove1970. The life & times of Gary and Denise Flanders. (Free and worth every penny. If you would like to compliment the editor, send to garytheflan@deliriouslove1970.com. If you would like to complain, call your mother.)

Music is such an important part of any Flanders’ life.  It is interesting how certain artists impress you and you remain ‘fans’ your whole life.  Denise and I used to listen to Leon Russell albums over and over.  After “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” we were hooked and loved everything that kooky Okie came out with.  His voice was strange, scratchy and high pitched, and boyhowdy could he ever play the piano.  He was a studio musician who worked with just about everyone and the leader of the famous Wrecking Crew that made an amazing amount of hit records.

We of course, double borrowed his name and on May 1, 1974 Leon Russell Flanders was born.  Ya, we named our kid after…  The Leon musician was a kind, warm, human who was loved where ever he played.

I guess it is a sign of our own advancing age when we witness the passing of our heroes.  So long Leon, you had a great ride, it was fun to go along with ya.