Elton John and Leon Russell album due October

Universal Music will release the first Elton John and Leon Russell collaboration, produced by T-Bone Burnett, in October.

'The Union' features songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin as well as combinations with Russell and Burnett.

Elton John calls Leon Russell is idol. "In the late '60s and early '70s, the one piano player and vocalist who influenced me more than anybody else was Leon Russell," Sir Elton said in a statement. "He was my idol."

"Elton called to ask if I would do a duet album with him,'" Russell said. "I'm very happy that he chose me to do this."

Leon Russell was the piano player in the legendary Joe Cocker 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen' documentary. He also performed with George Harrison on 'Concert For Bangla Desh'.

As a songwriter, his songs have been covered by Cocker (Delta Lady), The Carpenters (A Song For You) and George Benson (This Masquerade).

Elton John and Leon Russell 'The Union' will be released on October 22.

Elton John and Leon Russell perform 'I Should Have Sent Roses'