Born Claude Russell Bridges in Lawton, OK, he went to high school in Tulsa with Elvin Bishop and early bandmate David Gates (later in Bread). Together they created was became known as the Tulsa Sound. He took the name Leon from a friend who lent him a fake ID to get into clubs he was legally too young to perform in. As a solo artist he crossed genres to include rock and roll, blues, and gospel music, playing with artists as varied as Jan and Dean, Gary Lewis, George Harrison, Delaney Bramlett, Freddy Cannon, Ringo Starr, Doris Day, Elton John, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, The Byrds, Barbra Streisand, The Beach Boys, The Ventures, Willie Nelson, Badfinger, the Tijuana Brass, Frank Sinatra, The Band, Bob Dylan, J. J. Cale, B. B. King, Dave Mason, Glen Campbell, Joe Cocker, The Rolling Stones, and The Flying Burrito Brothers.