Leon Russell, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, dies at 74

Musician Leon Russell, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, near Nashville, Tenn. Click through to see more pictures from Russell's career. Musician Leon Russell, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, near Nashville, Tenn. Click through to see more pictures from Russell's career. Photo: Duffy-Marie Arnoult, Stringer Photo: Duffy-Marie Arnoult, Stringer Image 1 of / 138 Caption Close Leon Russell, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, dies at 74 1 / 138 Back to Gallery

Leon Russell, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer, songwriter and musician with a career dating back almost 60 years, has died.

He was 74.

Russell, an Oklahoma native who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, died in his sleep in Nashville, Tenn., his wife said in a statement on the website.

Russell, who had trademark long white hair and a flowing beard, had endured health problems in his later years, undergoing surgery to stop leaking brain fluid in 2010 and suffering a heart attack in July 2016.

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While not always a household name, Russell has brief flashes of stardom as a performer.

He recorded hit songs himself like "Tight Rope" and "Lady Blue."John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison played on his first album, "Leon Russell." His concerts often ended with a rousing version of "Jumpin' Jack Flash."

Elton John, once Russell's opening act, helped him with a comeback in 2010 with a collaborative album called "The Union."

Russell led Joe Cocker's ‘Mad Dogs & Englishmen’ tour and performed with George Harrison and Friends at the Concert For Bangladesh.

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Russell, who last played in Conroe in 2015, also toured with Edgar Winter, The New Grass Revival amd Willie Nelson. His songwriting credits include "A Song For You," Delta Lady," "Tight Rope," and "This Masquerade."

"He was my biggest influence as a piano player, a singer and a songwriter," John told ABC News.

Click through to see photos from Leon Russell's career