The Magical World of the Leon Russell House
When people talk about the Leon Russell House, they are not just talking about one place. The name brings to mind several special homes and studios owned by the legendary musician Leon Russell. From the storybook house in Tennessee to the famous Church Studio in Tulsa and the creative Skyhill Studios in Hollywood, each Leon Russell House has its own unique story. These places were more than just buildings-they were magical spaces where music history was made and creativity came alive.
Leon Russell, known for hits like “A Song for You” and “This Masquerade,” lived in homes that reflected his whimsical spirit and love for music. Whether you are a fan of rock, blues, or country, the Leon Russell House is a symbol of how a home can inspire great art. Let’s take a closer look at these legendary houses and discover the stories, memories, and music that still echo through their walls.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Claude Russell Bridges |
| Stage Name | Leon Russell |
| Birthdate | April 2, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Lawton, Oklahoma, USA |
| Died | November 13, 2016 (Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, USA) |
| Net Worth | $600,000 at time of death |
| Main Genres | Rock, Blues, Gospel, Country, Folk, Bluegrass |
| Awards | 2 Grammys, 6 Gold Records, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame |
| Notable Hits | “A Song for You,” “Tight Rope,” “This Masquerade” |
| Cars | Known for collecting unique and classic cars |
| Homes Owned | Hollywood Hills (CA), Gallatin (TN), Tulsa (OK), Maple Ridge (OK) |
| Childhood Home | Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| Unique Features | Custom elevators, home studios, themed rooms, eclectic art collections |
| Spouses | Mary McCreary (div.), Janet Lee Constantine |
| Children | 6 |
Where Does Leon Russell Live Now?
Leon Russell passed away in 2016, but his legacy lives on in the homes he left behind. At the time of his death, he was living in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, in a home that was just as full of character as he was. But the house most people talk about is the famous Leon Russell House in Hollywood Hills, California, where he made music history and played host to some of the biggest names in rock and roll
The Storybook House in Tennessee
One of the most enchanting Leon Russell Houses is the storybook home in Hermitage, Tennessee. Built in 1992 by songwriter Dennis Linde, the house looks like it was taken from the pages of a fairy tale. With its cobblestone paths, diamond-paned windows, and gabled roof, the house feels like a cozy English cottage. Leon Russell and his wife Jan lived here for five years, and the home became a magical retreat for their family.
Inside, the house is just as charming. There are four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and two half-baths spread across more than 6,000 square feet. Leon made the house his own by adding a full recording studio and a jungle-themed lounge. The elevator is lined with portraits of famous musicians, turning even a simple ride into a tribute to rock and roll history. The home sits on over eight acres of wooded land, giving Leon plenty of space for his tour bus and for friends to visit.
Jan Russell remembers falling in love with the house the moment she saw it. She described it as feeling “churchlike-a bit of magic.” The couple enjoyed quiet moments by the koi pond and lively gatherings in the studio, where Leon would sometimes create entire songs on the spot. The house was filled with unusual treasures Leon brought home from his travels, like a life-size wicker bicycle and a stone-encrusted carousel horse. Each piece had its own story, just like the house itself.
The Church Studio: Heart of the Tulsa Sound
Another famous Leon Russell House is The Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This historic building started as a church in 1915 but became something much more after Leon bought it in 1972. He turned it into a recording studio and made it the home of Shelter Records. Musicians like Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, and Tom Petty recorded music here. The Church Studio became known as the heart of the “Tulsa Sound,” a unique blend of country, blues, and rock.
Leon wanted The Church Studio to be a place where artists could create music their own way, without the pressure of big record companies. He once said, “We don’t aspire to be Columbia Records-we just like our music, and that’s mainly what it’s all about.” The studio was a creative playground, and artists loved the freedom they found there.
After Leon sold the building, it changed hands a few times. In 2016, Teresa Knox and her husband bought and restored it, using the original wood and honoring its musical history. The Church Studio is now on the National Register of Historic Places and has reopened as a recording studio, event center, and music school. Visitors can see Leon’s stage outfits, old diner menus, and even the famous NEVE 8068 mixing console used by Bob Dylan. The Church Studio continues to support music and creativity, just as Leon dreamed.
Skyhill Studios: Hollywood Hills Hideaway
The Leon Russell House in Hollywood Hills, known as Skyhill Studios, was another important place in his life. This green ranch-style house was where Leon lived and recorded music in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The house became a studio where legends like Joe Cocker, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, and Ringo Starr worked together. Leon even recorded his first solo album here, making Skyhill Studios a true piece of music history.
The house itself is like a time capsule, with retro carpets, a rock-wall fireplace, and colorful rooms. There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with a lush patio outside. The home’s unique style and musical legacy make it a special place, even if it needs a little updating. The listing for the house proudly says, “If these walls could sing!” It’s easy to imagine the creative energy that once filled the rooms.
Leon’s time at Skyhill Studios shows how a home can become a hub for creativity. The house was not just a place to live-it was a workshop where music legends came together to make unforgettable songs. The memories made at Skyhill Studios are still alive in the music that was created there.
The Aaronson Mansion and Tulsa Memories
Leon Russell’s connection to Tulsa, Oklahoma, goes beyond The Church Studio. He also owned the Aaronson Mansion in the Maple Ridge neighborhood. This grand Georgian-style home, built in the 1920s, was a place for warm gatherings and celebrations with friends. Leon hosted weddings, benefit parties, and even had a recording studio in the basement. The mansion was a symbol of his love for Tulsa and the community he built around music.
The Aaronson Mansion was more than just a party house. It was where Leon and his friends worked to help their neighborhood, like raising money to stop a highway project. The home was filled with laughter, music, and memories. Sadly, the mansion was eventually torn down due to structural problems, but its legacy lives on in the stories people still tell about the good times shared there.
Leon’s time in Tulsa helped shape the “Tulsa Sound,” blending country and blues in a way that inspired musicians everywhere. The homes and studios he created in Tulsa were important not just for him, but for the whole music community. They were places where people could come together, share ideas, and make great music.
A Home Full of Stories and Surprises
Every Leon Russell House was filled with surprises and personal touches. In the Tennessee storybook house, the first-floor library was built around a giant globe that couldn’t fit through the doors. The elevator was covered in photos of musicians and actors Leon admired. The house was decorated with unusual items, each with its own story. Leon loved to bring home treasures from his travels, and every piece added to the home’s character.
Jan Russell remembers how the house became even more special as their children grew up and moved out. It was a place where she and Leon could fall in love all over again. The home was not just a backdrop for their lives-it was a part of their story. From quiet moments by the koi pond to lively recording sessions in the studio, the house was always full of life and music.
Leon’s love for unusual things and his sense of humor showed in every corner of the house. Friends and family felt the magic as soon as they walked in. The Leon Russell House was a place where creativity and love came together, making it truly one of a kind.
The Legacy of the Leon Russell House
Today, the Leon Russell House stands as a symbol of creativity, music, and the power of a welcoming home. Whether it’s the storybook house in Tennessee, The Church Studio in Tulsa, or Skyhill Studios in Hollywood, each place tells a part of Leon’s story. These homes were more than just buildings-they were places where music history was made and where people felt inspired to dream big.
Fans and musicians still visit these sites to feel the magic and remember the man who brought so much joy to the world. The Church Studio, in particular, continues to support new artists and keep Leon’s vision alive. The storybook house remains a dream home for anyone who loves music and creativity. Even though Leon Russell is gone, his spirit lives on in every note played and every story told about these special places.
The Leon Russell House is more than a home-it’s a living legacy. It reminds us that where we live can shape who we are and what we create. For Leon Russell, his houses were places of magic, music, and memories that will never fade away.
In conclusion, the Leon Russell House is a true reminder of how a home can inspire music, memories, and creativity that last forever, and we hope you enjoyed learning about it here at thisolderhouse
FAQs About Leon Russell
What was the cause of death for Leon Russell?
Leon Russell died in his sleep at his home in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, on November 13, 2016. He had suffered a heart attack in July 2016 and underwent heart bypass surgery. He was recovering from the surgery at the time of his passing, and his death was linked to ongoing heart issues and failing health
Who wrote the song Delta Lady originally?
The song “Delta Lady” was originally written by Leon Russell. He wrote it about his then-girlfriend, singer Rita Coolidge. The song became famous when Joe Cocker recorded it, but Leon Russell is the original songwriter.
How much was Leon Russell worth when he died?
At the time of his death in 2016, Leon Russell’s net worth was estimated to be $600,000. Most of his wealth came from his long career as a songwriter, musician, and performer
Did Leon Russell have cerebral palsy?
Yes, Leon Russell was born with cerebral palsy. Complications at birth damaged some of his vertebrae, causing partial paralysis on the right side of his body. This condition affected his right hand and gave him a limp, but it also helped shape his unique piano playing style.
