Chuck Leavell was born in 1952 in Birmingham, Alabama. He started playing piano as a teen, and was inspired to become a professional pianist after seeing Ray Charles (with Billy Preston in the backup band) in concert. He moved to Macon Geargia, the home of Capricorn Records and the Allman Brothers, and made connections with the band.

After the death of Duane Allman in 1972, he was asked to join the Allman Brothers Band. Knowing that they could not "replace" Duane with another guitarist, the band opted to go for a new and different sound, featuring piano. Leavell's unique piano work is most evident on the album Brothers and Sisters, released in 1973. An instrumental from the album, "Jessica," features the double lead work of Dicky Betts on guitar and Leavell on piano. His piano work is also featured on the 1975 release Win, Lose or Draw.

In 1976, The Allman Brothers Band fell apart, and Chuck Leavel and two other members from the Allmans started a new band called "Sea Level," a play on Chuck's first initial and last name. They released 5 albums in 5 years, and their most noteable song is the jazz-rock "That's Your Secret."

In 1982, Chuck began a recording session musician career, but was soon asked to go on tour with The Rolling Stones. He continues to tour with the Stones and also reords with them. He is considered their unofficial "musical director" on the road.

Chuck Leavell has also recorded and toured with George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Governmant Mule, Train, The Black Crowes and Montgomery Gentry.

Chuck is also a tree farmer, and is a two time "Georgia Farmer of the Year." He recently co-founded The Mother Nature Network, a website devoted to environmental news and affairs.

Photo: mind's eye, Creative Commons Lic.