The singer/songwriter passed away in his sleep in Nashville, Tennessee in the early hours of Sunday (13Nov16).
A record company spokesperson confirmed Russell’s passing to NPR.org, revealing he had “heart bypass surgery in July and was recovering from that”.
The musician, who rose to fame in the 1970s, had battled ill health in recent years, but had reportedly been eyeing a return to the road in January (17).
Russell began his career as a studio pianist in the 1960s, before embarking on a solo career. His music covered a range of genres, including country, gospel, blues and rock, and over the years, he enjoyed collaborations with the likes of Elton John, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, and Joe Cocker.
The Oklahoma native’s catalogue of hits includes This Masquerade, Superstar, Delta Lady, Tight Rope, and A Song For You.
In 2011, he was inducted into both the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
