Chuck Leavell is a renowned American keyboardist, songwriter, musician, and actor who is best known for his work with The Rolling Stones, The Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton, and George Harrison. Born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1952, Leavell started playing piano at age five. His influences included Fats Domino, Ray Charles, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
At age 12, Leavell began touring with local bands and playing in local clubs. After high school, he joined the Allman Brothers Band. During his five-year tenure with the group, he recorded three albums and appeared on the live album At Fillmore East. After leaving the band, Leavell continued to tour and record with other groups.
In 1982, Leavell joined The Rolling Stones for their European Tour and has been a member ever since. He played in over 500 shows with the band and recorded on several of their albums, including Voodoo Lounge, Bridges to Babylon, and A Bigger Bang. Leavell has also recorded and performed with George Harrison, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and John Fogerty.
In addition to his work as a musician, Leavell is an actor and has appeared in films such as The Big Chill, Two of a Kind, and The Color of Money. He also wrote a book, Forever Green: The History and Hope of the American Forest, which was published in 2006.
Leavell is an advocate for environmental conservation and has worked with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy and the Georgia Forestry Commission. He is also the founder of The Mother Nature Network, a website dedicated to environmental news and information. In 2020, Leavell was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, Chuck Leavell has made an indelible mark on the music industry. His work on the keyboards and as an actor have helped to shape the sound of contemporary music and his commitment to environmental conservation has helped to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our natural resources.
