Leon & The Peoples can be heard and seen singing "Life is a Funny Game" in the 20th Century Fox feature film "Cover" in which Leon also co-stars, released in theaters Feb. 22 and is now out on DVD. View "Life is A Funny Game" music video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRVSPdWATWo His early years in Mt. Vernon, NY were filled with music of his father singing Nat King Cole or Motown songs, but a special cord was struck inside him when he first heard friends introduced him to Rastafarian culture and he has found it his home ground to return again and again. Leon balances his array of talent between all medium, but it is evident that his first connection was with reggae which is evident when he performs with “Leon and the Peoples.” Leon says “I was always more comfortable with that style because of the sultriness of the style -- incorporates soul, gospel, dance … everything which I love… it made me want to sing.” The “Young Lions,” the first musical group Leon performed with, opened the door to his live musical performances, but once he started singing original tunes, he knew where he wanted to go, which led to the formation of “Leon and the Peoples.” Many fans first were wowed by his appearance in Madonna’s video “Like a Prayer,” but more and more fans flocked to the theatres to see him in Disney’s blockbuster hit “Cool Runnings”. He soon graced many excellent storylines such as “Above the Rim,” “Cliffhanger,” “Waiting to Exhale,” HBO’s “Oz,” and “Crossing Jordan.” During 2004 – 2005, Leon crossed the country while packing houses performing in the theatrical version of New York Times best-selling novel “Friends and Lovers” where he sang the feature cut from the CD “Road Less Traveled” titled “Will You Be My Wife.” Leon had made his film singing debut playing a reggae singer in “The Price of Kissing,” in which he produced and starred in and sang a memorable rendition of “Daddy’s Home.” He proceeded to further his musical roles in the dramas of Robert Townsend’s “Five Heartbeats,” “The Temptations,” as David Ruffin and the authorized biography of “Little Richard” as Little Richard himself. Leon was also in Merchant Ivory’s “Side Streets” and Miramax’s “Buffalo Soldiers” and his memorable cameo role in Michael Mann’s “Ali.” Leon continued attracting fans when he hosted and produced BET’s “L-Bow Room.”Bass Guitar: Lyndon "ACE" Webb Imagine the dub sounds of reggae mixed with the smooth sounds of R&B, add the cutting edge sounds of rock and you have..... the Jamaican bass player simply known as "Ace". Lyndon Webb, aka "Ace" has performed world wide and has been a producer and engineer for many artists. Ace is always ready for a JAM session and loves mixing his native reggae with all other types of music. Electric Saxaphone: Curtis Bailey Curtis has played every major venue in New York City from Town Hall to The Village Gate and even Carnege Hall. He has spent several years writing and producing tracks for various artists and doing session work. As a member of "unity Two", a recording and touring Hip-Hop fusion band, signed to the Warner Brothers label, Curtis performed world wide. A testiment to his versatility, curtis has also been the musical director for an off broadway play entitled "Tomorrow". Lead/background vocals: Leslie Rochelle Leslie’s professional music career began in Detroit in 1997. During that time she performed for Carnival Cruise Lines, on the Fantasy Cruise ship traveling between Cape Canaveral, Florida and Nassau, Bahamas. By 2001 she was working with the Skillet Band playing the best of rock and roll hits and oldies at the Motor City and the MGM Grand Casinos in Detroit. She moved to New York in 2002 and became a featured singer with The Otis Funkmeyer Band performing throughout New York City. She’s been singing with Leon and the Peoples since 2005. The Metro Detroit native sites the array of incredible musicians from Motown Records along with Chaka Khan and Prince as her biggest influences. Her Rock and Soul background blends perfectly with reggae influences to contribute to the Reggae Soul vibe of Leon and the Peoples. Background Vocals: Patrice Anthony Patrice began her musical career singing gospel music at the age of 14, singing in chiors along with Freddie Jackson and Paul Michael Lawrence. Patrice amjored in music at C.W Post and formed a band called "Just Us" in 1979. Performing extensively across the U.S and released an independant album called "Just Us". Recent credits include vocals on the Ellen Degeneris Show as well as American Express commercials which show her versatility. Background Vocals: Cathy "Alexis" Layne Alexis layne, born in Queens, Ny to Dominican, French and Trinidadian parents was raised in a culturally diverse family with a love for music and the arts. Alexis was introduced to all kinds of music from R&B to Rock and Reggae. Alexis writes and performes with passion and offers a wide range of vocal skills and has performed in the off Broadway gospel musical "Passion He Lives" produced and directed by Jsy Hamilton in NYC. Rohan "mixroh" Dyer From singing and playing in the church to attending arts highschool in Newark, NJ, Rohan formed J(urzy)-Stylz, a four part harmony group with three other class mates. J(urzy)-Stylz performed and appeared at numerous local talent shows and show cases. Rohan later attended IAR (institute of audio research) where he recieved a more in-deph look at music production. An up and coming producer, Rohan serves Leon and the peoples as their official roadie. |
