Elton John gives props

Leon Russell was a big name back in the 1970s with hits like A Song for You and Delta Lady. An up-and-coming Elton John opened for him at New York’s Fillmore East.

Now Elton John the pop legend told Rolling Stone: "His music takes me back to a wonderful time in my life, of music and experimenting, people sharing what we had. It pisses me off that he was forgotten about."

John wanted to give Russell the recognition he deserves and contacted him in 2009 about making an album together. The result is The Union, produced by T-Bone Burnett.

The album also boasts guest appearances by Brian Wilson, Neil Young, Robert Randolph and Booker T. Jones.

The album will be released on October 19. The first single, If It Wasn’t for Bad, was written by Russell and features vocals from both singers. It is now available on digital music services. Elton John also revealed the duo will head out on tour next year.