Leon J grew up on a gospel tourbus and started performing from the time he was four, singing and playing the drums. He's an extremely talented musician whose focus lies in foot-tapping, hand-clapping "Simply Good Music". His music seamlessly blends modern styles with delta blues, country, country blues, and Americana roots music.

In  2011, Leon was honored with two inductions into The National Heritage Foundation Blues Hall of Fame as a Great Performing Artist and Ambassador to the Blues.

Leon's musical prowess has been recognized on various platforms. He was chosen to represent Arizona at the prestigious International Blues Competition in Memphis in 2013 will again be representing Arizona in January 2024.

 

He emerged as the solo/duo winner of the Arizona Blues Showdown from the Blues Society in 2012, 2013, and 2023. He also claimed victory at the Telluride Acoustic Blues Competition, \ the San Diego Acoustic Artist Performance Competition.

His music has graced renowned venues and events nationwide and internationally, including the Music Instrument Museum, the Phoenix Theater, Sturgis Bike Week, Telluride Blues Festival, YouBloom Music Ireland, Glendale Jazz and Blues, and the Chandler Ostrich Festival, where he has been featured for multiple years. 

Leon's passion lies in "edutaining" audiences, preserving the unique art of acoustic-based roots blues/folk music inherited from West African influences. He skillfully connects the dots, tracing its evolution over the decades into the American Modern Music we hear today. His performances pay homage to the early juke joints on the plantations, where traveling artists brought a variety of influences and styles to each show. His fully produced Crossroads Chronicles historical music showcases take fans on a captivating journey through the West African musical influence on modern American music across all genres. This unforgettable show has wowed audiences young and old throughout the country and is now available monthly at Acoustic Cellars Lodge.

As a music historian and exceptional presenter, Leon's notable style influence flows from the Delta. He possesses a deep understanding of rhythmic interpretation and the stories behind the music, evident in all his performances. His captivating live shows highlight his powerful vocals, musical talent, and commitment to staying true to the original formats of the early juke joints.

Leon's artistry is finely honed, particularly in his renditions of the early delta Blues and country blues masters, with a special admiration for the legendary Eddie 'Son' House. Both Leon and Eddie share a passion for passionate vocals, rhythm, and powerful delivery, making their musical styles synonymous.

In summary, Leon is a remarkable musician who skillfully brings together various genres to create "Simply Good Music" within the acoustic rock, country, and blues format. His performances are a testament to his deep knowledge of music history and his dedication to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of roots music in America.

 

More on Leon's career:

Not only is Leon J a captivating musician, he's an award-winning entrepreneur and Author- Co-Authoring 'Success is a State of Mind' collaborative project  with Les Brown, Mark Victor Hansen, Deepak Chopra.  His newest publication 'Growing Through Tragedy' will release 1st quarter of 2024

 

He has been recognized in "America's Who's Who of Executives and Entrepreneurs" in the 1997-98 Edition for his accomplishments and his start-up wellness company Stress Busters of America as well as pioneering a mind-body integrated modality for recovery and performance enhancement for top performing professional athletes, SuperBowl Chamnpions, Top level executives, the NFL Team the Detroit Lions and other organizations.  Check out Belief Hack for his life-changing modules, training, and workshops. 

Additionally, Leon has recently been inducted into the Famous - Marquis Who's Who of Top Entrepreneurs 2024 Edition.  

On a personal note:

Currently, his love of wine has taken him through the Yavapai College Southwest Wine Center wine school. He and his wife, Dawn live in Sedona wine country at their Specialty Retreat The Acoustic Cellars Lodge where they entertain guests, facilitate retreats, conduct wine tours and make wine. 

Leon and Dawn are collaborating on their first Acoustic Cellars Wine label a '23 cabernet sauvignon and Leon is the Artist in residency every second and fourth Saturday/Sunday at Javelina Leap Winery Vineyard and Bistro.