Leavell, Chuck

Leavell, Chuck

Chuck Leavell was born in 1952. As a young teenager, he saw Ray Charles in concert. It was a landmark event as Chuck decided on his career. Two years later, at age 15, he went to Muscle Schoals, Alabama and played on several sessions at that city’s legendary recording studio.

In 1969, he moved to Macon, Georgia where Capricorn Records had just opened a studio. There, he joined the band Friends & Neighbors, which was lead by Alex Taylor (James Taylor’s brother). He then spent 6 months on the road with Dr. John.

In 1972, Chuck was asked to join the Allman Brothers Band on piano and electric piano. His first album with them was Brothers and Sisters. He recorded two more albums before they disbanded.

He then formed Sea Level which released 5 albums and toured widely throughout the remainder of the 1970s.

In 1982, Chuck was invited to join the Rolling Stones on keyboards. He still tours and records with them.

An in demand session player, he has worked with artists as diverse as the Black Crowes, Larry Carlton, Aretha Franklin, Blues Traveler, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, the Indigo Girls, The Proclaimers, Train and numerous others. Chuck has also released several solo CDs.

Chuck first played with Eric Clapton at Chuck Berry’s 60th Birthday Party, which was filmed and released as Hail Hail Rock N Roll. He toured with Eric in 1991 and 1992, including the historic tour of Japan with George Harrison. He can be heard on Eric’s CDs 24 Nights and Unplugged.

In addition to his music career, Chuck has become a respected expert on forestry and conservation.

Official website: www.chuckleavell.com