I saw Leon Russell perform in a small ballroom in San Rafael with my friend and best man, Cary. Also there was Steve Miller and also the extreme Captain Beefheart. Later, living in Iowa I’ve been blessed in so many ways. My precious Dawnie grew up idolizing Karen Carpenter, who covered Masquerade, and Song for You. Covers are different from imitation. They go beyond the sincerest form of flattery. Leon deserved them all. And in Iowa Kevin Schoeneman ran The Surf Ballroom for a time. To us, the golden age of live music in our neighborhood. He brought Leon Russell to The Surf three times and we were there every time. Once his daughter joined in vocal. What a treat that was. And further evidence of the greatness of Russell. Not to mention his making the Joe Cocker Band what it was.