Leon Russell Inducted Into Oklahoma Hall Of Fame

Leon Russell's been called a mentor and an inspiration to artists across all genres.

Fans say it's no surprise he's still being recognized even after his death.

"Leon Russell was one of the greatest songwriters of all time. He has written some of the most classic songs ever," 92.9 The Drive's Dave "Wavy Davy" Michaels said.

Michaels says with Leon Russell's name in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, it's only fitting to add the Oklahoma Hall of Fame to the list. Russell was born in Lawton in 1942. By the age of 3, he was already learning to play piano. At age 14, he was playing music in nightclubs around Tulsa. It wasn't long after, he was collaborating with various artists.

"Everything from The Beatles, to The Gap Band, to Barbara Streisand. Leon worked with them, wrote songs for them, and was just an unbelievable musician," Michaels said.

"He became a superstar and in 1972 he was one of the biggest artists in America and he decided to come back to his hometown. He bought this old church and turned it into, really, a world-class recording studio," Teresa Knox, Owner of The Church Studio, said.

Knox says despite Russell being born with a birth defect, resulting in his unique playing style, nothing could hold him back. With Russell's Oklahoma Hall of Fame award now on display, she hopes it maintains inspiration to everyone.

"Leon Russell's music is inspirational. Just listen to it. The legacy continues at The Church Studio," Michaels said.

Russell was among 8 Oklahomans who were inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Including OU Softball Head Coach, Patty Gasso, and former US Poet Laureate, Joy Harjo.