Washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea is my latest guest, a guy named Joe... acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer Joe Leavy.
Joe is a self-proclaimed romantic with a high regard for love and a huge passion for music.
Internationally influenced in his music, for more than 10 years, the San Diego native worked overseas playing in popular clubs and hot spots throughout East Asia and Japan. He left Music altogether in 2004 and returned to the United States with three kids and his lovely wife.
Needing to earn a living for his family, Joe moved to California and opened his construction company, creating a lifestyle more conducive to focusing on his wife and children.
Eight years later 'the itch' returned and Joe went into his home studio and started writing. What came out of that writing was the now critically acclaimed 'A Guy Named Joe Leavy' project.
Needing to earn a living for his family, Joe moved to California and opened his construction company, creating a lifestyle more conducive to focusing on his wife and children.
Eight years later 'the itch' returned and Joe went into his home studio and started writing. What came out of that writing was the now critically acclaimed 'A Guy Named Joe Leavy' project.
Joe's musical influences include legendary ‘classic’ artists : Sam Cooke, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Donny Hathaway. “They sang music that is timeless that we still listen to today”
Bill Withers - Lovely Day
I asked Joe if this song had some particular significance or meaning in his life.
"Absolutely" he replied, "Been married 20 years and she still does it for me... Bill Withers says it perfectly."
Sam Cooke - A Change Is Gonna Come
"A passionate plea for patience. As a black man growing up in America this song speaks to my life and hope for better days to come."
Nat King Cole - Mona Lisa
"Absolutely" he replied, "Been married 20 years and she still does it for me... Bill Withers says it perfectly."
Sam Cooke - A Change Is Gonna Come
"A passionate plea for patience. As a black man growing up in America this song speaks to my life and hope for better days to come."
Nat King Cole - Mona Lisa
"My all time favorite male voice is Nat King Cole... the finest Male vocal performance on a record period !"
Donny Hathaway - A Song For You
'A Song For You' has been recorded by many different artists, but (in my opinion) sounds so much more touching when sung by Donny Hathaway, so I asked Joe his reasons for choosing this one.
"You just said it !" He replied. "In my mind there is only one record worth talking about: Donny Hathaway! Certain artists you leave alone: Donny, Stevie, Marvin, Aretha, Whitney, Michael... you leave them be ! 'The Untouchables' "
Michael Jackson - Got To Be There
"The greatest kid recording of all time... along with 'I Want You Back' and 'Never Can Say Goodbye' one of three by Young MJ, the greatest child recording artist ever.
10 year old Michael was one in a billion vocally."
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Joe is working on two new singles right now and has the Robert Brookins Tribute Show on June 14th. He's touring with Club Nouveau July 9th - 11th, then he's off to Japan July 17th - August 4th for Live PA's and five shows and then opens for Angie Stone on August 25th.
'A Guy Named Joe Leavy' : SoulTrack.com Critics Choice Best Albums Of 2013 is available on Amazon, CD Baby and iTunes... click on the cover below to link.
Following on from the huge success of ‘Sweet Heaven’ with the legendary Timmy Thomas that was released earlier this year, Tom Glide is now bringing us another assured hit with ‘Party People’, this time featuring the sublimely smooth vocals of Joe Leavy... click on the cover below to link.
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