Chuck Leavell

Charles Leavell married Rose Lane White in 1973. She was working at the Capricorn Records during the time.

He along with his wife began tree farming in the 1980’s at Twiggs County in Georgia. They have developed a 500 acre tree farm named the Charlane Plantation.

In 2008, he was appointed by the Governor of Georgia to the Georgia Land Conservation Council. He has also been part of the American Forest Foundation and the United States Endowment for Forestry and Communities.

Chuck Leavell was born Charles Alfred Leavell on 28 April 1952, at Birmingham, Alabama in the USA.

He was inclined towards music since childhood and learnt to play instruments like the piano, guitar and tuba at an early age. When he was 13, he got the opportunity to meet Ray Charles at a concert and he has stated that the experience influenced him to pursue music as his career.

In 1966, he formed his musical band called ‘The Misfitz’. The band performed regularly for YMCA as well as a television show. However, in a short while the band separated.

At the age of 15, he travelled to Muscle Shoals in Alabama and performed for several records at the renowned studio present there. His work included Freddie North’s classic ‘Don’t Take Her, She’s All I’ve Got’.

In 1970, he shifted to Macon in Georgia and became part of Capricorn Records as a studio musician. As part of work, he spent time touring with musician Alex Taylor, The Marshall Tucker Band, country music singer Kitty Wells, singer and songwriter Dr, John among several others.

In 1972, he got an offer to be part of the American Rock band, Allman Brothers Band. His debut album with this band was titled ‘Brothers and Sisters’ and it comprised of songs like ‘Jessica’ and ‘Ramblin’ Man’. This album became a Billboard Pop Chart Topper and he went on to be part of the album ‘Win, Lose or Draw’ that was released in 1975. The Allman Brothers Band temporarily separated in 1976.

Towards the end of 1976, he, along with a guitarist lamar Williams and drummer Jaimoe of the Allman Brothers formed a new band named the ‘Sea Level’. The band lasted for five years and during this period they released multiple albums. It was then that Chuck Leavell got the opportunity to be frontman of the group.

In 1982, he was offered the role of a vocalist, music director and keyboard artist with the English rock band Rolling Stones on their 1982 European Tour. According to him, his role in the band is that of a musical navigator, ensuring balance and making necessary arrangements along with playing the keyboard. He is associated with the band till date.

He is part of the Rolling Stone’s tours and also contributes to their albums when not touring. Among the music albums that he has been part of are ‘Undercover’ (1983), ‘Dirty Work’ (1986), ‘Steel Wheels’ (1989), ‘Voodoo Lounge’ (1994) and ‘A Bigger Bang’ (2005).

Chuck Leavell is a world renowned musician whose works with the keyboard has earned him much fame. He has worked with a variety of bands and artists and created multiple chart toppers including his personal favourites like Jessica’ with The Allman Brothers Band, ‘Out of Tears’ with The Rolling Stones, ‘Drops of Jupiter’ by Train and ‘Old Love’ on Eric Clapton's Unplugged. His works have earned him several prestigious awards and nominations.