Leon Rosselson – Opher’s World pays tribute to a genius.

I have a penchant for an artist who has something to say and not many people have as much to say as Leon. He likes big topics that he can get his teeth into and has a strong sense of indignation when it comes to social justice, fairness and standing up for human rights. He also has a firm grasp of British history and marries the two expertly. If you appreciate themes of historical significance in the long fight for freedom and equality like the Levellers, William Morris or the Tolpuddle Martyrs then Leon is your man. He is not one to pull the punches and likes telling stories.
For someone who has such a large repertoire of self-penned gems Leon is relatively unknown. That is almost scandalous. It is probably due to the fact that he is not afraid to state his ideology and it does not seem to conform with most people’s. The majority prefer bland and jolly to uncomfortable and true, though it is fair to say that Leon does have a lot of lighter, humorous songs. He should be ginormous. Fortunately musicians like Billy Bragg and Roy Bailey have championed him and covered his songs like ‘The World Turned Upside Down’.
I saw Leon in a tiny Folk Club in Beverley. He received warm applause. He should have been cheered to the rafters in huge halls.
Leon is a brilliant songwriter and one of those warm human beings.