Introduction

I’m always on the lookout to discover famous people who had autism. I recently read an UNCUT review of a new biography of the late Leon Russell with the mighty title: “Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History”. Apparently, Leon was watching a documentary about autism and revealed: “That’s what I have.” I was hooked. I had to learn everything I could about Leon. I asked myself the question: was he really autistic? Was he at all like me?

 

https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/new-biography-leon-russell/

 

This reveal sent me into a flurry of research. I had to learn everything I could about Leon and his stellar career. I did see some signs of autism; being an autistic person myself, I can sometimes see them. I’ll share some of those signs now. Mind you, I’m not an expert. I’m not a psychologist – just an autistic person; but maybe that’s enough (or even better!). Having researched things carefully, I would like to share with you some of my thoughts and feelings regarding whether Leon Russell was an autistic or not.

 

Below are some of my findings. Please keep in mind that I researched and presented these within the context of my own private autism, thus I am often comparing my own experiences and reflections to Leon’s life in an effort to establish similarities. These are just my personal opinions; you can choose to agree or disagree, and please feel free to leave a comment below.

 

Neurological Issue

Often, various neurological issues coincide with autism. For example, autism can be comorbid with asthma, allergies, epilepsy, gastrointestinal issues, tinnitus, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s. Thus, while not evidence of autism by itself, having neurological or immune system issues do coincide strongly with autism. Russell was born with cerebral palsy, which can also co-occur with autism.

 

Carefully watching one of his performances, I swore I saw signs of teeth grinding, which is yet another commonality among anxiety-ridden autistic people.

 

The Gaze

It’s said that people with autism have the “gaze”; it is noticeable in photos (some call it “the stare“). I’ve looked at several photos of Leon Russell. I not only see a certain repeated gaze but other characteristics that may suggest autism, based upon my own experiences.

 

Firstly, he often looks the same in photos. I find this with photos of myself. Much to my chagrin, I do not photograph well and always appear in the same stiff poses. Secondly, his eyes do have a far-away, haunted quality that may well be described as “the autistic gaze”. Interestingly, there is now an eye test that could test for autism.  To me, this makes good sense because my eyes are light sensitive; thus, as part of my autism, I can understand how my pupillary cells react differently to light, compared to how neurotypical people react.

 

Disguises

I used to joke that I was born in a three-piece suit. I always had the habit of “overdressing”. I needed to cover myself up as much as possible. In hindsight, this was due to stress and anxiety. Wearing as much clothing as possible helped me cope with social situations and address environmental sensitivities. It was like being under blankets. It made me feel safe and comfortable. In various periods of my life, I’ve worn hats, vests and dark glasses. My eyes are light sensitive, so sunglasses are a must. I see similarities in Leon’s photos.

 

Russell was often photographed in a hat, sunglasses and a three-piece suit. I feel this may be an adaptation to help him deal with his autism and, despite being a masterful musician, crippling stage fright.

 

Personality

Brooding, taciturn, insecure and an enigmatic recluse who gave few interviews – this is how Russell has been described. Some people thought he was bipolar, which can co-occur with autism. He torpedoed his own career and friendships. Stage fright and giving up on ventures suggest issues with anxiety, similar to my own private autism. Without going into too many details, I basically see commonalities in both my own life and in descriptions of other autistic people.

 

Perhaps an explanation for his bizarre behaviour was autism.

 

Conclusion

I enjoyed researching Leon Russell and discovering some similarities between his behaviour and my own, which suggest autism. Given these similarities, and Russell’s own admission that he saw himself in a documentary about autism, I believe he was autistic. Please keep in mind that these are only my own observations, based upon my own private autism. I invite you to do your own research and see if you can reach the same conclusions regarding this creative genius. Perhaps one of his most famous songs speaks for itself:

 

Stranger in a Strange Land

 

 

How many days has it been since I was born?
How many days until I die?
Do I know any ways that I can make you laugh
Or do I only know how to make you cry?

[Pre-Chorus]
When the Baby looks around Him
It’s such a sight to see
He shares a simple secret with a wise man

[Chorus]
He’s a stranger in a strange land
Just a stranger in a strange land
Tell me why he’s a stranger in a strange land
Oh-oh-oh (A stranger in a strange land)

[Verse 2]
How many miles will it take to see the sun
And how many years ’til it’s done?
Kiss my confusion away in the night
Lay by my side when the mornin’ comes

[Pre-Chorus]
And the Baby looks around Him
Shares His bed of hay
With the burro in the palace of the king

[Chorus]
He’s a stranger in a strange land
Tell me why he’s a stranger in a strange land, hoo
Just a stranger in a strange land
Just a stranger in a strange land

[Bridge]
Well, I don’t exactly know what’s goin’ on in the world today
I don’t know what there is to say about the way the people are treating each other, not like brothers
Leaders take us far away from ecology with mythology and astrology
I’ve got some words to say about the way we live today
Why can’t we learn to love each other?
It’s time to learn a new face to the whole worldwide human race
Stop the money chase, lay back, relax and get back on the human track
Stop racing towards oblivion, oh, such a sad, sad state we’re in
And that’s the thing, do you recognize the bells of truth when you hear them ring?

[Outro]
Won’t you stop and listen to the children sing?
(Stranger in a strange land)
Won’t you sing it, children?
Won’t you come on and sing it, children?
(Stranger in a strange land)
Woah-oh-oh sing it one more time, I didn’t hear you
(Stranger in a strange land)
(Stranger in a strange land) Woah, woah, woah
(Stranger in a strange land) Woah, woah, woah
(Stranger in a strange land)

https://genius.com/Leon-russell-stranger-in-a-strange-land-lyrics