Leon Russell has been hospitalized for brain surgery, sources confirmed with the Tulsa World.

"Uncle Leon spent 5 hours in surgery yesterday [January 11, 2010]. I trust the Oklahoma Rock and Roll family will keep Leon in their hearts and minds for the next few days," wrote family friend Steve Ripley on his "Oklahoma Rock and Roll with Steve Ripley" fan site on the Facebook social networking site.

Russell was hospitalized recently for surgery for a brain fluid leak and treatment for heart failure and pneumonia, reportedly in California, multiple sources confirm. The brain surgery may be for a recurring health issue that has troubled Russell in the past. However, calls to several hospitals in California were unable to confirm Russell had been admitted.

Also, the often-on-tour musician has canceled a string of upcoming club dates, confirmed Rick Booth, who has booked several club-size shows for Russell. Brian Lee, a longtime Tulsa keyboardist and part of Russell's current touring band, confirmed that Russell underwent surgery on January 10, 2010 and is recuperating. "He did get through the surgery, and at this point we're just praying for a smooth and quick recovery," Lee said via phone during a Tuesday interview with the Tulsa World.

Lee also said a string of shows in North Carolina and along the East Coast have been canceled. The band has been put on hiatus while Russell heals, Lee said.

Calls and e-mails to Russell's publicist and record label team by the Tulsa World have not been returned. Ripley, a close personal friend and collaborator with the musician, has released no official statement on Russell and has not returned phone calls or emails made by the Tulsa World on January 12, 2010 morning and afternoon.

Russell had plans to record with Elton John. In 2009, Elton let slip on Elvis Costello's talk show that he had tentative plans to record with Russell on a new album, to be produced by T-Bone Burnett. No firm recording or release date has been announced.

The work with Elton John has also been put on hold, said Lee. "We were really excited about the Elton John stuff," said Lee. "We weren't ready for this bad news. ... We all want him to get better."

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