Jazz Music Composer in Philadelphia, PA

Leon's musical career was interrupted in 1957 when he entered the U.S. Army. After returning to civilian life in April, 1959, he resumed his musical career. When Billie Holiday died, Leon, being a great admirer, wrote a tribute to her called "To Lady." That song was recorded for Capitol Records by Max Roach's group while her funeral was proceeding up in Harlem on July 21, 1959. Years later, he added lyrics to the song and the vocal version was recorded on the CD “Immaculate Union” by his wife Ella Gahnt.

During 1959, Leon signed a childhood friend, Billy Paul, to a management contact and procured a recording contract on Finch Records for him. Billy's Finch recording – "There's A Small Hotel" – was his first hit.

In early 1960, Stanley Turrentine, who was with the Max Roach Quartet, recommended Leon to Blue Note Records' Alfred Lyon and he became that company's first A&R Director who wasn't signed to the company as an artist. He supervised sessions that featured Stanley Turrentine, Horace Parlan, Donald Byrd, Johnny Griffin, Kenny Durham, Jackie McLean, etc. Many recordings also featured Leon's Jazzy compositions like "Oh So Blue," "Fine Li'l Lass," and "Ray C," etc.

In 1962, Leon became disenchanted with the New York rat-race and moved his musical focus back to Philly. He returned to the band at The Uptown Theatre where he had worked under his cousin Harry "Doc" Bagby in the late 50s. Leon remained at The Uptown in some capacity until 1974, except for a short stint as House Bandleader at The State Theatre which was opened by Douglas "Jocko" Henderson in 1963. For most of the last 10 years that the Uptown was open, Leon was the House Bandleader, House Music Arranger and Musician's Union Rep. He worked with practically everyone in Rhythm and Blues. His notable arranging students were Philly Sound super-star arranger/writer/producers Thom Bell, Norman Harris, Ron Kersey, etc. Another of Leon's arranging students was the fabulous Donny Hathaway.

During the mid 70’s and early 80’s, Leon also managed his wife Ella Gahnt’s group “Instruments and Voices” which performed around town and resided mainly at the redesigned “NuTec Uptown Theatre” in the “Copasetic Lounge” on the 4th floor. I&V was a 7-member Rhythm & Blues Group, with an occasional dash of Jazz. The group was known for their extensive harmonies and was promoted as the voices being the instruments and the instruments being the voices.

From 1963 to 1991, Leon also ran a full-service, one-man, commercial printing company where he trained many youngsters, preparing them for jobs in the Graphics Arts Field. After closing the printing service in 1991, Leon turned his focus back to music, and in 1993, he became the Musical Director & chief arranger of the Philadelphia Legends of Jazz Orchestra. Leon also dedicated his time to the career of his Jazz vocalist wife, Ella Gahnt. Her CD "Immaculate Union" was released in 2002, followed in 2007 with her CD "By Request," and in 2015 her CD “3rd Stage of Elegance” was released which contained all original material written by both Ella and Leon.

Years ago, Leon did a very satisfying arranging project with Mr. Nate Davenport for his presentation "Billie Holiday, Your Music Lives On." Leon wrote all of the arrangements for the show which also featured an instrumental version of his original composition, "To Lady."

In 1958, Leon developed an original rhythm perception system entitled "Solving Syncopation and Other Rhythmic Anomalies" which was taught by Leon as a part of Lovett Hines' Musical Education Program at The Phila. Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts. The program had a definite Jazz orientation, and Leon's goal was to make sure that the youngsters and adults who went through the program were well versed in all aspects of reading music as well as music composition and arranging. Leon also made sure that his students become aware of the names, extensive history, and influence of the Jazz musicians from the Philadelphia Area on the international scene.



Leon was very proud of his Godson and piano protégé Kenneth Thompson. From a very young age, Kenny was with Leon most of the time where he studied under Leon’s tutelage. He was Leon’s first and has been his most successful piano student. After performing as pianist/vocalist with Ella & Leon’s group Instruments & Voices, Kenny went on to become the Musical Director of The Stylistics. He is currently the Musical Director with Russell Thompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics for a combination of over 30 years with both groups.

Leon was a devoted supporter of Philly Jazz. He and his wife Ella Gahnt were always seen together at most Jazz venues in the Tri-State area. As one of the original members of Local #274, the Black Musicians Union and precursor to the Clef Club before it was forced to surrender its charter and merge with Local #77, Leon always encouraged everyone to support the Philadelphia Clef Club and contribute to its continued success. His presence and his musical legacy will forever be felt within those halls and within all the musicians who were fortunate enough to work with him and benefited from all that he willingly shared. Leon never hesitated to talk with anyone about any subject even beyond music. Our lives have been so enriched by his teachings and sharing, and his light will forever shine through us as we spread our light throughout the universe. Rest well, Brother Leon Mitchell.