Anecdotes

As producer of this film, Leon Russell did not allow it to be commercially distributed for many years. As of 2012, it could only be shown when presented by director Les Blank in person to a nonprofit organization. However, after Blank's death, his son Harrod Blank succeeded in persuading Russell to allow the film to be released.

Includes parody of Allstate Insurance commercial: In Leon Russell's swimming pool, a live baby chick is fed to a snake with the line, "You're in good hands with Allsnake."

Shot over a two-year period, the film observes musician Leon Russell at his studio compound outside Tulsa, Oklahoma; live in concert at New Orleans and Anaheim; and during recording sessions for his roots album 'Hank Wilson's Back' in Nashville.

Director Les Blank and his assistant Maureen Gosling spent extensive time with musician Leon Russell at his recording studio on Grand Lake in Oklahoma. Blank shot many hours of footage for the film, including the expected concerts, rehearsals, and interviews, but also atmospheric material intended to capture the mood and surroundings.

Between 50 and 60 hours of footage was shot for the film.