The Many Shades of Leon Russell: If It Wasn't For Bad

When you put two great musicians together, often there is a synergy that produces an output greater than the two musicians can produce individually. That’s what happened when Elton John and Leon Russell teamed up for an album and a tour called “The Union.” Of all of Leon Russell’s projects, it is his second highest charting album at #3. It was only eclipsed by 1972’s “Carney” that peaked at #2.

The signature tune from the album is its opening cut “If It Wasn’t For Bad.” Written by and featuring the lead vocals of Leon Russell, “If It Wasn’t For Bad” was nominated for the “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals” Grammy. That honor went to Herbie Hancock et al. with their treatment of John Lennon’s “Imagine.”