Meet Leon J
Simply Good Music
www.RootsBlues.com
National Heritage Hall of Fame Artist Leon J and his delta infused music at itʼs foundational
core, instantly create a JukeJoint feeling and atmosphere for all in attendance. A sponsored
Artist/Dealer for National Guitar, Leonʼs music is authentic, yet tastefully modern in itʼs
interpretation.
Taking itʼs styling from the old Juke Joints of the delta and the southern United States, Leonʼs
music is indicative of the best of American Music at its roots. Simply put, good ole foot stompinʼ
and hand tapping music!
Each of Leonʼs shows and his JukeJoint, Roots Music is a migrating musical journey, evolving
as it did back in the days of the original physical Juke Joints of the southern US, where the
instruments and musicians that performed together could change depending on the room or
ʻshackʼ size, or what itinerant musical talent may be coming thru the area at that time ultimately
creating an amazing night of artistic expression and special music catered to the environment
and the audience. Performing Solo as well as with his acclaimed Historical Music Showcase
production the ʻAmericana Crossroads Music Tribute Showʼ TM..
Leonʼs special music creates an experience not soon forgotten!
Leon J (Jay Morton)
From early in Leon's youth he was immersed in music. Traveling
in his parents gospel tour bus as a child he performed his first
vocal performance at age 4. Leon's vocal prowess and talent are
what you first notice when experiencing his music. His soulful
vocals, slide and finger style guitar work, and smooth acoustic
grooves, are what he is noted for, that as well as his captivating
stage presence. He has a reputation for uncommonly entertaining
and engaging audiences with his story telling followed by music in
the style of the artist he was sharing history and stories about.
This approach of his music has garnered him an induction into the
National Heritage Foundation Blues Hall of Fame TM. A True
Americana, Blues, Roots & Rock Performer & Historian.
Leon has honed his art of the early Delta Blues, & Country
Blues masters, thru the influence of Eddie ʻSonʼ House a
great delta musical icon and the influence to Robert
Johnson, Muddy Waters, and many after him. Son is
Leonʼs favorite character from that era. Passionate vocals,
incredible rhythms, and powerful delivery are synonymous
in both menʼs musical style. Leon travels widely
performing & “edu-taining” his crowds, sharing stories &
elements of American Musicʼs evolution thru multiple
genres. Consistently in his performances you will literally
“Experience Music” presented tastefully, with traditional
elements, incorporated and performed from a modern day
approach
Son House
(b. 1902 MS, d. Detroit, MI 1988)
Eddie James ‘Son’ House Jr. a definitive character
of American music history, hails from the Delta
born in Riverton MS 1902. Traveling and playing
his blues with acclaimed “Delta King” Charlie
Patton, and Willie Brown, House was a late comer
to the guitar not learning until into his early to mid
20’s, due to the fact that he was ‘Churchified’.
Son was a major innovator of the Delta style. Few
listening experiences in the blues are as intense as
hearing one of Son House's original 1930s
recordings for the Paramount label. One can still
be awestruck by the emotional fervor House puts
into his singing and slide playing over a litany of
strong repetitive rhythms. Little wonder then, that
the man became more than just an influence on
those rockers we know as the British Invasion, but
was the main source of inspiration to both Muddy
Waters & Robert Johnson. It does not get any
more influential than that when it comes to early
American Roots and Blues Music.
For more information and a great musical experience visit
Leonʼs Site:
www.RootsBlues.com
Bluesman, Historian, and Educator for the PBS Sponsored
Blues in Schools Historical Arts Program
To book Leon J for your next event contact:
Acoustic Cellars
Promotions
623.760.3291
acousticcellars@gmail.com