Thurs, July 15, Leon Russell

Even brain surgery can’t slow Leon Russell down. The singer-songwriter had surgery in January and was back on tour by March. Russell, with his characteristic long, snow-white locks, has been in the music industry for more than five decades. However, his hair wasn’t quite as white back in the day. He’s performed with some of the industry’s best—Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton—and is embarking on a collaborative album with Elton John and Neil Young. Yet, even without all those celebrity partners, Russell—displaying his squeaky yet smooth voice and piano-playing agility—is the best in his own right. 2708 J Street, www.leonrussellrecords.com.