News

Carl Radle And Leon Russell Inducted Into Oklahoma Music Hall Of Fame

15 Oct 06

Carl Radle, who played bass with Eric Clapton throughout the seventies, was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame on 12 October 2006, along with fellow "Okie", Leon Russell. Leon worked with Eric on his debut album, "Eric Clapton" in 1970. That same year, Eric returned the favour appearing on Leon’s self-titled debut album.

Carl Radle and Leon Russell were but two of a rich crop of Tulsa based musicians to emerge during the sixties. Amongst the others were drummer Jamie Oldaker and keyboard player Dick Simms, both of whom served with Carl in EC’s band, and J.J. Cale, who wrote Eric’s hits "After Midnight" and "Cocaine." Eric’s musical path has passed once again with J.J.’s. The men released an album together on 7 November ("The Road To Escondido") and J.J. and his band performed at Clapton’s 2004 Crossroads Guitar Festival.

Jamie Oldaker read a letter written by Eric Clapton especially for the event. In the letter, Eric spoke candidly of his friendship with Carl, their experiences together and of his appreciation for Carl’s minimalist style of bass playing, of which he said, "first and foremost it swung. When we were playing live, his commitment was phenomenal and it was as if I didn’t hear it in my head but felt what he was doing in my soul and it was like being carried along on a wave of rhythm." Eric was unable to attend the ceremony as he was on tour at the time. Those in attendance at the 12 October ceremony were then treated to a performance by the "EC Reunion Band".

VIDEO FROM THE CEREMONY:

CARL RADLE INDUCTION SPEECHES / KNOCKING ON HEAVEN’S DOOR: Speeches by Rocky Frisco (JJ Cale’s keyboard player) and Carl’s sister and daughter are followed by part of "Knocking On Heaven’s Door" by the EC Reunion Band (George Terry, Dick Simms, Jamie Oldaker), with some kind words at the end from Marcy Levy.

EC REUNION BAND CLIPS / EC LETTER: clips from the songs performed by the EC Reunion Band and footage of Jamie Oldaker reading Eric’s letter about Carl Radle.

EC REUNION BAND PERFORMING LAY DOWN SALLY plus a close-up of Carl’s bass guitar

Photos can be viewed at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum website.