BY SHELLIE BRANCO

Leon Russell, the lauded songwriter and session musician behind hits by The Carpenters and B.B. King, will perform at the Nile Theater Saturday.

Leon Russell, songwriter and session musician behind hits by The Carpenters, B.B. King and Ray Charles, will perform 8 p.m. Saturday at the Nile Theater. (Photo courtesy of Bob Stinson)

In 1971, he helped George Harrison raise money for two performances of the Concert For Bangladesh at Madison Square Garden, according to a release. His “Jumpin’ Jack Flash/Youngblood” medley is regarded as one of the most memorable performances of the show.

Russell co-wrote “Superstar,” a top hit for The Carpenters. He also penned the haunting “A Song for You,” recorded by Ray Charles; “Hummingbird,” covered by B.B. King; and Joe Cocker’s “Delta Lady.” The songs appeared on his self-titled debut album in 1970. Harrison and Ringo Starr, Rolling Stones Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, and Klaus Voorman contributed to the record.

Russell rounded up a band for Joe Cocker’s “Mad Dogs & Englishmen” U.S. tour in 1970, which included three drummers and a 10-member choir. The concert was immortalized on film and its album topped the charts.