Chuck Leavell Biography

(Musician)

Birthday: April 28, 1952 (Taurus)

Born In: Birmingham

Charles Alfred Leavell also known as Chuck Leavell is an American musician, best known for his piano and keyboard performances. His works that are exclusively focused on solo piano and piano blues are considered classic and placed among his masterpieces. He was interested in music as a child and learnt to play several instruments like guitar, tuba and piano. At the age of thirteen he decided to pursue music as his career, and over the past five decades has worked solo and in collaboration with other renowned artists and bands like The Rolling Stones, The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers, John Mayer, Montgomery-Gentry and Train, to name a few. Chuck Leavell is also the founding member of the southern rock band ‘Sea Level’ that existed between 1976 and 1981. Other than being a musician, he is also a writer and is the author of the children’s book ‘The Tree Farmer’ and ‘Growing A Better America: Smart, Strong and Sustainable’. He is a keen environmentalist and the co-founder of the environment information website ‘The Mother Nature Network’. He is a tree farmer and dedicates time to actively support sustainable forestry and conservation.
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Quick Facts

Also Known As: Leavell, Chuck, Charles Alfred Leavell, Charles Alfred

Age: 72 Years, 72 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Rose Lane White

mother: Frances Leavell

Pianists American Men

U.S. State: Alabama

  • 1

    What instruments does Chuck Leavell play?

    Chuck Leavell is primarily known for playing the piano and keyboards.

  • 2

    How did Chuck Leavell get involved with The Rolling Stones?

    Chuck Leavell became involved with The Rolling Stones when he was invited to play with them on their 1982 European tour.

  • 3

    What is Chuck Leavell's role in the environment and conservation field?

    Chuck Leavell is known for his work in environmental and conservation causes, particularly through his commitment to sustainable forestry practices.

  • 4

    Has Chuck Leavell written any books?

    Yes, Chuck Leavell has authored several books on forestry, conservation, and environmental topics.

  • 5

    What are some notable collaborations of Chuck Leavell?

    Chuck Leavell has collaborated with various renowned artists such as Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and The Allman Brothers Band.

Childhood & Early Life
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’.
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Career
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).
In 1999, Chuck Leavell released his solo album ‘What’s In That Bag?’ with Capricorn Records. The album had great sales over the forthcoming Christmas holiday season. Two years later he released ‘Forever Blue: Solo Piano’, a compilation of songs including classics like ‘Georgia on My Mind’. This work went on to be known as one of the best solo piano works till date.
He wrote his first book in 2000 titled ‘Forever Green: The History and Hope of The American Forest’. His autobiography ‘between Rock and a Home Place’ was published five years later in 2005.
In 2005, he released his next solo work ‘Southscape’ that included eight new songs that were either solely written or co-written by him.
Between 2005 and 2007, the Rolling Stones embarked on their musical tour ‘A Bigger Bang’ and this also marked the 25th year of association of Chuck Leavell with the Band. They performed 147 shows during the tour.
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As soon as the tour with Rolling Stones came to an end, he formed a band and went on a Europe tour in 2007 called the ‘Green Leaves and Blue Notes’. He released the live album of the tour in Germany in 2008 as ‘Live In Germany-Green Leaves and Blue Notes Tour’. As part of his career, he has worked with Miranda Lambert, Heidi Newfield, Montgomery-Gentry Band, David Nail and Lady Antebellum.
In 2006, he wrote a children’s book titled ‘The Tree Farmer’. Later, he worked on a book that focused on the concept of ‘smart growth’ and was titled ‘Growing A Better America: Smart, Strong and Sustainable’.
In 2009, he, along with partner Joel Babbit, established the Mother Nature Network, an environmental information website. With growing popularity, it is currently ranked Number 3 among environmental websites of the world. He holds position as the Director of Environmental Affairs.
The website includes a variety of topics that not only include nature but involve discussions on food, travel, family, pets, and health etc. The primary equity partners of the website include CNN and American mass media company Discovery Communications.
Chuck Leavell played keyboard on John Mayer's album ‘Born and Raised’ that was released in 2012.
Major Works
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.
Humanitarian Works
He is known to work towards a variety of causes and donate his time and skill to initiatives that support these causes. In 1992, he played the keyboard in collaboration with vocalist and keyboard player Ray Reach to raise money for the homeless in Birmingham.
In 2008, he performed as a part of a supergroup to raise money for artists facing difficulties with addiction.
He is also involved with the Georgia Commission for Hearing Impaired and Deaf Persons.
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Awards & Achievements
In 2004, he was inducted as a member into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
He was awarded the Birmingham Area Music Award (BAMA) in 2008.
In 2012, he, along with the existing members of the band, Allman Brothers, was presented with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2012, he received an honorary Forest Ranger Award from the United States Forest Service.
Personal Life & Legacy
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.
Facts About Chuck Leavell

Chuck Leavell is not only a talented musician, but also a respected environmentalist and tree farmer, actively involved in conservation efforts and sustainable forestry practices.

In addition to his work with The Rolling Stones, Leavell has performed with a wide range of artists, including Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and John Mayer, showcasing his versatility and skill as a keyboardist.

Leavell is known for his love of the outdoors and has written several books on forestry and conservation, demonstrating his passion for environmental stewardship beyond his music career.

As a member of The Allman Brothers Band in the 1970s, Leavell played a key role in shaping the band's sound and contributing to their success during that era.

Chuck Leavell is a dedicated family man, balancing his successful music career with his role as a husband and father, showing that he values his personal relationships as much as his professional accomplishments.

See the events in life of Chuck Leavell in Chronological Order

How To Cite

Article Title
- Chuck Leavell Biography
Author
- Editors, TheFamousPeople.com
Website
- TheFamousPeople.com
URL
https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/chuck-leavell-7232.php

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