I am married with four children, and was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati Town was written about my hometown; how I believe it to be one of the best-kept secrets and one of the best places to live in this great country.
Through the years, I have had several songs played on local radio and as many as 1000 radio stations throughout the World. I have continued writing through the years, to present, and so these selections span many years of my life. I have been in pursuit of a national hit record for many years and have decided once again to pursue this dream. Many people have told me that this CD contains a few hits! I have been told that it just has to reach the right people in the recording industry. I am hopeful that this CD will make it happen!
I can't say enough about the many people responsible for the making of this CD, the many musicians, singers and friends. I also wish to acknowledge the unconditional love, support and encouragement of my wife, Becky and daughters Paula and Emily, my sons, Brian and Joey, my brothers and sisters, and the many friends who have believed in me when I gave up on myself. And Mom and Dad, I want to especially thank you for your love and encouragement all my life. When I was young, you encouraged me to never give up. I know that you are with me right now, and have taken time away from your heavenly duties to share these moments with me.
I was influenced, growing up, by many groups of the 60's and 70's. The first time I heard the Beatles, I thought they were some new country group, because of their unique harmonies. I liked the sound and when I was 14 years old I started playing my father's Spanish acoustic guitar that he had hidden in an upstairs attic. I came from a large family of 5 brothers and 2 sisters, so we didn't have much money. Therefore, I had plenty of time to practice the guitar and sing while my friends went to movies and ballgames.
I went on to form many rock 'n roll bands and played with many other groups through the years, but nothing seemed to work for me until I started playing country music. Thus Playin' Country Music was written. I went on to play professionally for many years in the Country/Bluegrass genre. It seemed that I had found my niche and have enjoyed playing and writing country music ever since.
When I was 18 years old, I played and sang for a season on the Delta Queen Riverboat. There I had many happy times cruising up and down the Mississippi, Ohio and other rivers from St. Paul, Minnesota to New Orleans.
Years later, I joined the Jim Bishop Band in Cincinnati and played for many years in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. It was during this time that I really developed a deep love and respect for country and bluegrass music. We were the opening act on several occasions for some well-known musicians, including The Earl Scruggs Band.
I went on to play bass & rhythm guitars and sing lead and background vocals for a few Top 40 groups in the Cincinnati area, even making it my full time career for a couple of years. I just wasn't happy with Top 40, however, and found myself coming back to country music, where I am today, writing and playing like never before.
I hope you enjoy my music.
Your Friend,
Fred Leonard