The Story Behind Leon Russell’s “This Masquerade”

By Nancy Ruth | June 10, 2025 |

 Blog by Nancy Ruth, June 9, 2025 “This Masquerade” is one of Leon Russell’s most haunting and enduring compositions, a ballad steeped in melancholy, mystery, and emotional resignation. While many fans know the song through George Benson’s smooth jazz, Grammy-winning 1976 version, the song’s origins may be traced back several years to Leon’s personal story…

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The Grease Band: Shelter Records’ Unsung Rock Heroes

By Nancy Ruth | September 20, 2024 |

Shelter Record Artists: The Grease Band While the connection to Joe Cocker is nearly inseparable, The Grease Band was formed in the mid-1960s, with Chris Stainton on bass but who later switched to keyboards, Henry McCullough on lead guitar, Alan Spenner on bass, Bruce Rowland on drums, Neil Hubbard on rhythm and slide guitar, and…

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