SIR Elton John decided to resurrect the career of LEON RUSSELL after breaking down in tears while listening to the Sixties legend's old albums.
Russell met John in 1970 when he went to see one of his early shows in Los Angeles, and he invited the British singer to be his opening act on a handful of dates in New York.
The Rocket Man's career skyrocketed while Russell decided to take a hiatus, and largely faded from the spotlight.
But John decided to reach out to Russell last year (09) with plans for a collaboration to thank the veteran star for changing his life.
Russell recalls, "He said he'd been listening to some of my records, and he's just started crying because I'd meant so much to him and hadn't never done enough for me. I said, 'Well, you've been busy.' He said, 'Not that busy. Would you like to make a record?' So that was it."
The duo has co-written and recorded an album, The Union, in which they share vocals and play their pianos together.