Biography
James Chancellor Leonhart, 6 December 1940, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. As a youth, Leonhart studied classical piano at the Peabody School of Music but his interest lay in jazz. Encouraged by his music teacher to follow his instincts, he abandoned not only classical music but also the piano. He began playing banjo and guitar, teaming up with his brother Bill to form a professional duo. They enjoyed a good measure of national success, appearing on the Today television show in the early 50s. Leonhart then began writing and singing songs but he had yet to find his true musical niche. This came when he was exposed to jazz bass playing in general and the Oscar Peterson Trio with Ray Brown, in particular. He briefly attended the Berklee College Of Music and also studied at Peterson’s Advanced School of Contemporary Music, before going on the road with Buddy Morrow's band in 1960. The following year, aware that he needed to advance his musical...
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