Leon and Elton's first concert to showcase their duet album, The Union, will be at the Beacon Theatre in New York on Oct. 19th, the day the album will be released in the U.S.

ELTON JOHN & LEON RUSSELL

TO RELEASE FIRST SINGLE, “IF IT WASN’T FOR BAD,” FROM THEIR FORTHCOMING COLLABORATIVE NEW CD, THE UNION

Single Available at iTunes and All Digital Retailers August 24th

August 23, 2010 (New York, NY) – Decca Records is pleased to announce the single release of “If It Wasn’t for Bad,” available August 24th on iTunes and all digital retailers. The highly anticipated single is the first to be made available from The Union, the collaborative album with Elton John and Leon Russell to be released October 19th in the U.S. on Decca (October 25th in the U.K. on Mercury Records.) The album marks the first time these iconic artists have worked together since 1970.

“If It Wasn’t For Bad,” written by Leon Russell, features vocals by Elton John and piano and vocals by Russell along with an extraordinary band bringing a bold rock/country sound organically crafted by these true musical legends.

Produced by Oscar and multiple-Grammy winning producer T Bone Burnett, The Union was recorded live in the studio with Elton and Leon on dueling pianos. The album features a variety of musical genres from R&B, soul, gospel, country, pop and rock. The 14-track disc includes selections written by Elton and his lifelong lyricist Bernie Taupin, as well as the combined incomparable songwriting team encompassing Leon, Elton, Bernie and T Bone.

Leon first met Elton in 1970 when he attended Elton’s first ever U.S. show at the famous Troubadour in Los Angeles. The meeting heralded the beginning of a long friendship and a mutual appreciation between the two artists. “In the late ’60s and early ‘70s, the one piano player and vocalist who influenced me more than anybody else was Leon Russell,” Elton said. “He was my idol.” The pair went on to tour together shortly thereafter at New York’s Fillmore East and to this day have held such high admiration for each other’s work.

After years of being out of touch, Elton listened to Leon’s music while on safari in Africa last summer and was inspired to reconnect with his idol. “Elton called to ask if I would do a duet album with him,’” Russell said. “I’m very happy that he chose me to do this.”

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Leon appeared on BBC Radio 2's Weekend Wogan show Sunday, August 8th performing 'Delta Lady' and 'A Song For You' live from the BBC Radio Theatre in London. Also, Sir Terry Wogan featured 'I Should Have Sent Roses' from The Union, the new album by Sir Elton John and Leon.

Elton John & Leon Russell Musical Legends Collaborate on The Union. Read the Decca Records release announcement.

Elton John's website: EltonJohn.com

Album cover photo: Annie Leibovitz

First Listen: Elton John, Leon Russell, and TBone Burnett unveil The Union. Read Randy Lewis' blog in the L.A. Times.

Elton John Unveils The Union. Read Randy Morris' article on GQ.com.

Best Of Hank Wilson is Leon's latest CD, released June 23rd, 2009.

Buy it from Leon Russell Records.

All Music Guide review of Best Of Hank Wilson.

Leon appears on Chris Simmons' new CD, Old News To Me, on the song Easy To Love, co-written by Chris and Leon. Read Chris' interview with Monica Yasher of American Blues News.