Tough week first Leonard Cohen , now Leon Gotta say I thought Leon was way older than 74 tho Hard living I guess. That cat played with everybody Some sweet McCoy harp on this one
In the late 80s (sw Florida) I got to see him in a little dive that held maybe 150 people; he played and sang non-stop for about two hours. Just great, and something I'll never forget.
I think it was '82. At Pedernales golf course in the hill country south of Austin. The stage was up a slope from the audience, I think to keep the crazies from rushing the performers. Heat index was about 104. People dropping like flies due to heat exhaustion/stroke. First aid guys totally swamped, carrying litters with heat victims to the shade. Leon was there along with asleep at the wheel, and I think Waylon and Delbert also showed, among others. It was a while ago and I was struggling through a massive gin hangover that day. But I would not trade that one for anything. Leon was of course his excellent self, Mickey on harp with Willie was incredible, as was Willie and crew. Nobody messed up that I recall. One helluva show. When it was done we headed for Dallas. I remember I35 at way dark thirty, semi hallucinating while driving. We got back and I got a shower and cup of coffee, then on to the airport for a flight to NY state. Took me a day or two to get over all that.
An astounding legacy, especially when you factor in the incredible amount of work he did as a session man on significant hits. ---------- Ted Burke tburke4@san.rr.com
