..Leo began his professional career at age 14, leading an award winning jazz/rock group in upstate, NY. He played clubs and dance halls in and around the ALBANY, CATSKILL and WOODSTOCK, areas of NY with local acts until finishing high school. Then Leo worked a five year stint with THE MCCOYS, (HANG ON SLOOPY), and briefly toured arenas with SLIM WHITMAN, and HAROLD BRADLEY currently Vice-President of the American Federation of Musicians, and former President of the Nashville musicians local 257. Settling in LAS VEGAS for 10 years, Leo gained invaluable experience as bandleader, front man, and studio musician, working nearly every casino in town, including RENO and LAKE TAHOE. NASHVILLE became home in 1993.
Leo has been credited with touring and/or recording with the following artists:
T. GRAHAM BROWN SAM MOORE
JEFF CARSON LEANN RIMES
VERN GOSDIN BILLY JOE ROYAL
JIMMY HALL B. J. THOMAS
BLAINE LARSEN SLIM WHITMAN
THE MCCOYS
Leo has also performed with:
MARCIA BALL SHELBY LYNN
CHARLIE CALLAS MICHAEL MCDONALD
LARRY CARLTON PAULO RICARDO (RPM)
STEVE CROPPER DAVE POMEROY
BILLY RAY CYRUS BILLY JOE SHAVER
JANIE FRICKIE JEANNIE SEELEY
CRYSTAL GAYLE JO-EL SONNIER
VINCE GILL TANYA TUCKER
GEORGE JONES TONY JOE WHITE
LEE ROY PARNELL
Leo has appeared many times on live radio broadcasts with national acts. His television appearances, with major artists include: CNN NEWS, CROOK AND CHASE, THE GRAND OLE OPRY, MUSIC CITY TONIGHT, PRIME TIME COUNTRY, and TALK OF THE TOWN. Among his many studio demos, Leo recently recorded LIVES a national release from RELENTLESS NASHVILLE, for T. Graham Brown and THE MIGHTY RACK OF SPAM.
Leo’s first release: "COCKTAIL JAZZ", a collection of standards for solo piano, are available at www.leojohnfinn.com
CURRENTLY:
Leo is touring with BJ Thomas as his keyboardist and bandleader, and also with "Raindrops & Boondocks", a special event show that features both BJ Thomas and Billy Joe Royal.
Leo continues to freelance and play solo piano in and around Nashville. For his entire schedule please go to: www.leojohnfinn.com.
Leo is also working on a CD of original music set for release in 2009...
