Fred Leonard
I was influenced, growing up, by many groups of the 60's and 70's. The first time I heard the Beatles, I thought they were some new country group, because of their unique harmonies. I liked the sound and when I was 14 years old I started playing my father's Spanish acoustic guitar that he had hidden in an upstairs attic. I came from a large family of 5 brothers and 2 sisters, so we didn't have much money. Therefore, I had plenty of time to practice the guitar and sing while my friends went to movies and ballgames.
I went on to form many rock 'n roll bands and played with many other groups through the years, but nothing seemed to work for me until I started playing country music. Thus "Playin' Country Music" was written. I went on to play professionally for many years in the Country/Bluegrass genre. It seemed that I had found my niche and have enjoyed playing and writing country music ever since.
When I was 18 years old, I played and sang for a season on the Delta Queen Riverboat. There I had many happy times cruising up and down the Mississippi, Ohio and other rivers from St. Paul, Minnesota to New Orleans.
Years later, I joined the Jim Bishop Band in Cincinnati and played for many years in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. It was during this time that I really developed a deep love and respect for country and bluegrass music. We were the opening act on several occasions for some well-known musicians, including The Earl Scruggs Band.
I went on to play bass & rhythm guitars and sing lead and background vocals for a few Top 40 groups in the Cincinnati area, even making it my full time career for a couple of years. I just wasn't happy with Top 40, however, and found myself coming back to country music, where I am today, writing and playing like never before.
"Do You See Me in Your Dreams" was written when I was only 16 years old, about a girl I had dated for awhile. I thought I was in love with her, but it wasn't mutual and she eventually "dumped" me.
"Paula Jane" was written about my oldest daughter, my first born, who I never wanted to grow up; I wanted her to stay my baby. She still is and always will be!
"Grandad's Favorite Song" is a true story written about my grandfather. He influenced my life greatly as I grew up. He made me who I am today in many ways, especially in a spiritual sense.
"America" and "The Founding of My Fathers" were written out of my great love for our country, and my interest in politics and American History.
"Pray For the Enemy" is a true, blue, patriotic song sparked by September 11 and past wars, about what the American people are really made of when the going gets tough.