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BIOGRAPHICAL INFO

David Leech

Arranger, Composer, Saxophonist, Educator

David  was born in Nome, Alaska and grew up in Seattle, Washington and Columbus, Ohio, where he completed high school and graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in music education.

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Following graduation from OSU David spent a few years in the U.S. Navy as (what else) a musician. For most of his enlistment he was stationed in Pensacola, FL. During this time he also was a member of The Rounders, house band at Abe's 506 Club​. At that time Abe's was the premier entertainment venue for Pensacola's Black community and featured appearances by many of the biggest R&B stars of the day. Abe's was also where David met his future wife, Dorothy Ball.

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A full-time professional musician and teacher from 1966 to 1984, concentrating in the field of jazz and popular music, David led several jazz bands including The Huddled Masses big-band and The Dave Leech/Ira Hearshen Septet. During this period he worked with many famous names in music as well as preparing music for motion pictures and television. His compositions have been published and recorded by major jazz artists.

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​In 1984 his professional emphasis shifted from music to computer programming. For the next 25 years his musical activities  consisted mainly of performing and writing for church groups and leading small jazz ensembles performing in Southern California venues.

A partial list of David’s performance and writing credits:
  • Clarence Carter
  • Joe Tex
  • James & Bobby Purify
  • The King Sisters
  • The Modernaires
  • "Big" Joe Turner
  • Pat Boone
 

  • ​The Spinners

  • The Coasters
  • Roy Milton
  • Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson
  • Clark Terry
  • Buddy Childers
  • Barbara Morrison
  • Lowell Folsum
  • "T-bone" Walker
  • Rudy Calzado
  • Frank Sinatra, Jr.
  • The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra
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