- Teddy Jack is a musician and only son of the iconic singer Leon Russell who at his death at the age of 64, had released popular songs covered by many artists
- He and his sister, Tina Rose Bridges are the products of their parent’s frowned-upon marriage at the time
- Though his music is usually shadowed by his father’s, Teddy has produced songs for icons such as Gary Busey, his godfather
Teddy Jack is a singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist. The musician launched his career in the 2000s following in the footsteps of his famous father, Leon Russell.
Being the only son among Russell’s six children from two marriages and a previous relationship, Teddy’s musical career closely resembles his father’s. At the moment, his father’s works have been covered by many artists one of which is A Song for You which over 200 musicians covered.
Who Is Teddy Jack?
He was born Teddy Jack Bridges but later adopted the stage name, Teddy Jack. He started life as the son of Claude Rusell Bridges also popularly known as Leon Russell.
Unlike the vague details about his early life, his father was born on April 2, 1942, in Lawton, Oklahoma. Henceforth, Russell builds a life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Over the next couple of years, he made himself known through his prolific music as a solo artist. Moreso, he was part of groups like Cocker Mad Dogs and Englishmen while doing collaborations with Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, The Beach Boys, and Elton John among many others.
Though Teddy Jack’s father was talented, his work was not as appreciated while he was alive. At the time of his death in 2016 at the age of 64, Leon Russell’s songs and those he wrote for others made it to the hit list he won two Grammys and six gold records at the time.
Teddy Jack launched a musical career before his father’s death
Ever since his father’s death, Teddy Jack who his famous father has often shadowed is also making a name for himself. At the moment he has few released works to his name, yet, his stellar performance started years ago.
He had performed and made collaborations with his father years before he took up a music path. Teddy’s circulated duo with his father is Face in the Crowd which they made when he was only 21 years old. Music makers were drawn to the techniques used for its production.
Apparently, the work was a little diversion from Russell’s usual organic blues approach due to the use of studio technology and synthesizers. Also, he joined the lineup of his father’s group as a gourd player in 1993. When Ambrose Campbell left, he filled as a drummer in 1996. Looking back, he had an influence on mixing the songs such as the 1981 Live at the Gilleys CD.
Despite his musical skills, it took him some years to release his solo work. One instance that he wowed many is a rendition he gave at his father’s 80th posthumous birthday. So far his musical journey spawned songs like:
- Pick on Strings Not Livin’ Things(2019)
- Help Me Jesus(2013)
Other Intriguing Details About Teddy Jack
1. His mother was Leon Russell’s first wife
Teddy’s mother, Mary McCreary is the first wife of Leon Russell. His parents tied the knot on June 20, 1975, in Travis, Texas. His parent’s marriage was seen as taboo at the time because interracial marriages were considered scandalous being that his mother was a black woman.
While society frowned on the union, Teddy’s father defended it saying. According to him ‘I always said if I ever met someone who was better than me, I’d marry her…’.
The couple appeared on the cover of his Wedding Album. This action further escalated things as it nearly ruined his career due to fans’ reactions. Leon Russell did not mind, as he released Mary Russell’s Make Love to the Music. He followed after with another defiant cover.
Teddy’s parents collaborated in the 70s. Sadly, the marriage came crashing down in 1980 despite their excellent working relationship. He later married Janet Lee Constantine(Jan Bridges).
2. Teddy Jack and his father were separated for ten years
After Leon Russell and Mary McCreary’s divorce, the relationship between father and son became strained. Mary got custody of him and moved away to move on with her life.
For the next ten years, Teddy and his father did not see. In fact, they reunited on his 18th birthday when he called his father to tell him he was coming over. Following this, father and son did a collaboration to mark their reunion.
3. He made his debut album on his father’s label
Teddy’s self-titled debut album Teddy Jack(2002) was released under his father’s Leon Russell Shelter Records. As it is, his father contributed to the writing of some of the songs which likely explains why their music has a close resemblance.
This is felt in the mix of funk, jazz, and pop despite Teddy’s music being described as featureless and strained at the forefront of tunes.
Shelter Records however has produced the work of other musicians. One of their work is the release of Bob Marley‘s first song outside Jamaica.
4. Teddy Jack is not the only child of Leon Russell
He is one of the six children of Leon Russell. So far he shares the same mother with one of his sisters, Tina Rose. His other sisters are products of his father’s union with other partners. These are;
- Blueeagle: She is the oldest among the Bridges’ children. Leon had her from a previous relationship with Carla McHenry. Blue as many refer to her is named after the native Indian artist Acee Blue Eagle.
- Tina Rose Bridges: She was born to Russell and McCreary on November 13, 1978. The accomplished stylist and artist worked for Ihlof spa, rated one of the best before moving to Indiana, where she currently lives.
- Honey: She is Teddy’s stepsister from his father’s marriage with Janet Lee Constantine. Professionally, she is a make-up artist.
- Sugaree Noel: like her brother, she was deeply involved with their father’s music from her younger years. She played percussion.
- Coco: She is a singer and artist born to His father with his last wife, Janet Lee Constantine.
5. Leon Russell’s son is the godson of Gary Busey
Teddy is the godson of one of his father’s closest associates, Gary Busey. the American actor and singer, Busey composed songs like All The Way as well as appeared in The Buddy Holly Show, and Rubber Band among many works.
While he appeared in the Rubber Band, Busey’s character was called Teddy Jack. Years later, he met Leon Russell and performed on the Will O’ Wisp album.
They developed a close relationship that led to Busey becoming the godfather of Teddy, Leon’s only son. Some sources also claim that Teddy Jack is named after Busey’s character of the same name in the Rubber Band.
6. He produced and collaborated with his godfather
Busey apart from being Teddy Jack’s godfather also had a cordial relationship with the Bridges family. Busey revealed that he not only played drums and toured with Teddy’s father but he lived with Leon for several years.
By extension that relationship led to a close relationship with his godson and many musical collaborations. Jack produced some of Busey’s work. So far they collaborated on songs like Buddy Holly’s Not Fade Away, and Busey’s All The Way.
7. How much is Teddy Jack’s net worth?
The multi-instrumentalist has not revealed how much net worth he has despite all the years he worked in the entertainment industry. Yet, his father whom he made many collaborations with is generally believed to be worth $600 thousand at the time of his death.
As s songwriter, producer, instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter, his fortune is expected to rise in the coming years.
