Leon Russell’s “Hummingbird”: A Love Song to Chris O’Dell
When superstar Leon Russell wrote “Hummingbird,” he wasn’t just crafting a song; he was writing a love letter and tribute to someone very special, Chris O’Dell. Most music fans know that Leon was inspired to compose “Pisces Apple Lady” for Chris, but fewer realize he also created “Hummingbird” for her, which is more of a poetic, layered dedication.
In late 1969, Leon was deep in the creation of his debut solo album. With help from his future Shelter Records partner, Denny Cordell, he secured studio time at the famed Olympic Studios in London. The sessions, fueled by Leon’s raw talent and magnetic presence, attracted an extraordinary cast of collaborators, including members of the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Eric Clapton.
It was during this exhilarating period of creativity, that Leon met 21-year-old Chris O’Dell, a fellow American with roots in Owasso, Oklahoma, by way of Tucson and Los Angeles. Chris was working at the Beatles’ Apple Records as assistant to A&R head Peter Asher, placing her squarely in the inner circle of London’s vibrant rock scene. She said, “In a few short weeks, Leon became the love of my life.”
Chris O’Dell with Mick Jagger
After the recording wrapped, Leon persuaded Chris to accompany him back to the States. She moved into Leon’s house on Skyhill Drive in Hollywood Hills. Skyhill was less of a traditional home and more of a recording studio and musicians’ crash pad. It was crowded, cluttered, and lacked privacy. Their relationship was brief, only about four months, but it burned bright.
As Chris recounts in her memoir, Miss O’Dell, Leon told her: “Last night I watched you sleeping so sweetly and thought how much I love you,” he said. “The song just came to me.”
That quiet confession became one of Leon’s most beloved songs. “Come back to me, hummingbird,” he sings, his voice carrying both affection and ache, wrapped in gospel harmonies and his unmistakable piano style.
“Hummingbird” was released on his self-titled album, Leon Russell, in May 1970, and produced by Denny Cordell for Shelter Records. It has become a timeless favorite, not just for its beauty, but for the poignant story it tells. Leon’s piano anchors the song with gospel grace, while the arrangement blooms around it. Harmonies from The Shelter People intertwine with Delaney and Bonnie singing, “Don’t fly away.” The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, featuring Donald “Duck” Dunn on bass, Jim Horn on sax, and Jim Keltner on drums, delivers the unshakable groove that gives the song its heart.
While Leon’s original version remains the definitive take, “Hummingbird” found new life through covers. Most notably by B.B. King, released it as a single in 1970 and later included it on Indianola Mississippi Seeds (side two). King’s version featured Leon Russell on piano; Joe Walsh, rhythm guitar; Russ Kunkel, drums; and Bryan Garofalo on bass. Drenched in blues and supported by strings and horns arranged by Quincy Jones, it reached number 20 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 48 on the Hot 100, introducing Leon’s writing to a wider audience and establishing the song as a crossover soul classic.
Other artists have paid tribute as well: Bob Seger recorded “Hummin’ Bird” in 1972 for his album, Smokin’ O.P.’s, and Joe Bonamassa included his version on Live at the Greek Theater in 2016, just two months before Leon’s passing.
For musicians, “Hummingbird” is a deep dive into the intricacies of dynamics, storytelling, and tone. Like its feathered namesake, it flutters gently, whispers a quiet truth, and then flies away before you’ve fully grasped it. For music fans, “Hummingbird” swoops in with subtle power, delivering a heartfelt message before soaring away, leaving a lasting impression long after it’s gone.
Hummingbird Sheet Music
“Hummingbird/Tightrope” 60×60 painting by Patrick Gordon
“Hummingbird” by Leon Russell
Oh, sometimes I get impatient
But she cools me without words
And she comes so sweet and softly
My hummingbird, have you heard
That I thought my life had ended
And I find that it’s just begun
‘Cause she gets me where I live
I’ll give her all I have to give
I’m talking about that hummingbird
[Chorus]
She’s little and I love her too much for words to say
When I see her in the morning sleeping
Yeah, she’s little and she loves me too, my lucky day
Hummingbird, don’t fly away
Woah yeah
[Verse 2]
When I’m feeling wild and lonesome
She knows the words to say
She gives me understanding
In her special way and I have to say
In my life, I’ll love no other
She’s more than I deserve
And she gets me where I live
Give her everything I have to give
I’m talking about that hummingbird
