Charles Alfred Leavell (born April 28, 1952) is an American musician. A member of

the Allman Brothers Band The Allman Brothers Band was an American rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1969 by brothers Duane Allman (founder, slide guitar and lead guitar) and Gregg Allman (vocals, keyboards, songwriting), as well as Dickey Betts (lead guit ...

throughout their commercial zenith in the 1970s, he subsequently became a founding member of the band

Sea Level Mean sea level (MSL, often shortened to sea level) is an average surface level of one or more among Earth's coastal bodies of water from which heights such as elevation may be measured. The global MSL is a type of vertical datuma standardise ...

. He has served as the principal touring keyboardist and musical director of the Rolling Stones since 1982. As a session musician, Leavell has performed on every Rolling Stones studio album released since 1983 with the exception of ''

Bridges to Babylon ''Bridges to Babylon'' is the 21st British and 23rd American studio album by the English rock band the Rolling Stones, released by Virgin Records on 29 September 1997. Released as a double album on vinyl and as a single CD, it was supported by ...

'' (1997). He has also toured and recorded with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, David Gilmour, Gov't Mule and

John Mayer John Clayton Mayer ( ; born October 16, 1977) is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Born and raised in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Mayer attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, but left and moved to Atlanta in 1997 with ...

Biography

Born in

Birmingham, Alabama Birmingham ( ) is a city in the north central region of the U.S. state of Alabama. Birmingham is the seat of Jefferson County, Alabama's most populous county. As of the 2021 census estimates, Birmingham had a population of 197,575, down 1% fr ...

, Leavell is a mostly self-taught musician. He started on piano, learning some basics from his mother, Frances Leavell. The Leavell family moved from Birmingham to

Montgomery, Alabama Montgomery is the capital city of the U.S. state of Alabama and the county seat of Montgomery County. Named for the Irish soldier Richard Montgomery, it stands beside the Alabama River, on the coastal Plain of the Gulf of Mexico. In the 202 ...

when he was five, then back to Birmingham for a few years, finally settling in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1962. He learned to play guitar from his cousin, Winston Leavell, and played tuba in junior high for two years. He started his first band, The Misfitz, in 1966. The Misfitz played a steady gig at the

YMCA YMCA, sometimes regionally called the Y, is a worldwide youth organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, with more than 64 million beneficiaries in 120 countries. It was founded on 6 June 1844 by George Williams (philanthropist), Georg ...

every Friday night, and eventually were the band for a Saturday morning television show, Tuscaloosa Bandstand. After the breakup of the Misfitz, Leavell did session work, and found himself on his first gold record, a single by Freddie North called "Don't Take Her She's All I've Got". Leavell also sought out other local musicians to play with and joined The South Camp in 1968. That band included his early mentor, Paul Hornsby, who had played in

The Hour Glass Hour Glass was a 1960s rhythm and blues band based in Los Angeles, California in 1967 and 1968. Among their members were two future members of the Allman Brothers Band ( Duane Allman and his brother Gregg) and three future studio musicians a ...

, a precursor to The Allman Brothers Band. In 1969, Hornsby moved to Macon, Georgia to work for Capricorn Records as a studio musician and producer, eventually producing such artists as The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, Wet Willie and others. At Hornsby's suggestion, Leavell came to Macon and helped form Sundown, which recorded one record on the

Ampex Ampex is an American electronics company founded in 1944 by Alexander M. Poniatoff as a spin-off of Dalmo-Victor. The name AMPEX is a portmanteau, created by its founder, which stands for Alexander M. Poniatoff Excellence.AbramsoThe History ...

label in 1970. That band broke up shortly thereafter, and Leavell found himself doing session work at Capricorn and eventually was tapped to tour with Alex Taylor,

James Taylor James Vernon Taylor (born March 12, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A six-time Grammy Award winner, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, hav ...

's elder brother. Leavell recorded one record with Taylor, '' Dinnertime'', which was released in 1972. Leavell continued to tour with Taylor for a short time afterwards. When Taylor had a falling out with his manager and the founder of Capricorn, Phil Walden, and quit touring, Leavell found himself playing with Dr. John. Leavell claims this was his "college education." While playing with Dr. John, Leavell caught the attention of Gregg Allman, who tapped him to play on his first solo album, the Johnny Sandlin-produced '' Laid Back''. Allman and Sandlin introduced the rest of the Allman Brothers Band to Leavell, and Leavell joined the band in September 1972, when they decided not to recreate their dual lead guitar sound after the death of Duane Allman, who had died the previous October, but rather to use a different instrument as the second lead. Leavell's work was most prominent on the band's popular 1973 album '' Brothers and Sisters'', and in particular on the heavily played instrumental " Jessica." However, only one studio album, 1975's '' Win, Lose or Draw,'' followed, again with Leavell's piano and keyboard work featured. Sea Level - Chuck Leavell (color fix)

In 1973, Leavell married Rose Lane White, who was working as a staff member at Capricorn Records. The Allmans toured heavily behind ''Brothers and Sisters'', playing stadiums and breaking records for attendance in many venues across the country. Leavell also appeared on a live record with the band, ''

Wipe the Windows, Check the Oil, Dollar Gas ''Wipe the Windows, Check the Oil, Dollar Gas'' is a 1976 double live album by the Allman Brothers Band. It collected a variety of performances from the popular mid-1970s line-up of the band, which featured pianist Chuck Leavell and bassist La ...

'' during this era as well as subsequent compilations, live performances and re-releases in later years. During the mid-1970s Leavell also appeared on Dickey Betts's first solo record, '' Highway Call''. In addition during this time, he made multiple contributions on several other Capricorn artists' recordings like Bobby Whitlock, Bonnie Bramlett, The Marshall Tucker Band, Cowboy and more as well as recordings outside the Capricorn family with Tim Weisberg,

Charlie Daniels Charles Edward Daniels (October 28, 1936 – July 6, 2020) was an American singer, musician, and songwriter. His music fused rock, country, blues and jazz, pioneering Southern rock. He was best known for his number-one country hit " The ...

and others. The Allmans found themselves in turmoil in 1976, and broke up that year. Later the band re-formed, but without Leavell as he had moved on to form his own band, Sea Level in late 1976. While opening shows for The Allman Brothers Band with The Allman Brothers' bass guitarist Lamar Williams and drummer

Jaimoe John Lee Johnson (born July 8, 1944), frequently known by the stage names Jai Johanny Johanson and Jaimoe, is an American drummer and percussionist. He is best known as one of the founding members of the Allman Brothers Band. Johanson played ...

, Leavell stepped up as a frontman for the first time in his career. After The Allman Brothers Band disbanded in May 1976, the trio added guitarist Jimmy Nalls and set about touring behind the moniker

, derived from Leavell's first initial and last name. The group lasted five years and released as many albums, each featuring a different configuration of the group. From 1982 to 1984, he was part of the group

Betts, Hall, Leavell and Trucks Betts, Hall, Leavell and Trucks, often referred to as BHLT, was an American musical group that existed from 1982 to 1984 and that featured former members of The Allman Brothers Band and Wet Willie. Despite a positive reception for their live perf ...

, which had been organized by Betts. Although the group received good critical notices, and is viewed positively in retrospect by Leavell, it was unable to garner a recording contract. Leavell's first encounters with The Rolling Stones were auditions on

Long View Farm Long View Farm Studios was a music recording studio located in North Brookfield, Massachusetts which was founded in 1974 by Gilbert Scott Markle, a professor at Clark University, on his farm property. It was the location of recordings from many ...

for the spot of piano player alongside Ian Stewart for the Rolling Stones 1981 United States tour. Even though Ian McLagan was chosen, Leavell guested at the Rolling Stones' Atlanta gig on October 26, 1981. For the

1982 European Tour The 1982 European Tour was the 11th official season of golf tournaments known as the PGA European Tour and organised by the Professional Golfers' Association. It was the first year that the schedule included a tournament outside Europe, visiting ...

Leavell landed the position of keyboardist alongside Ian Stewart. Leavell continued to record with the Stones on their next two albums, during a time when the band was not touring. After Stewart's death in 1985, Leavell occupied the role of the group's keyboardist by himself, with the exception of the addition of Matt Clifford on the ''

Steel Wheels Steel is an alloy made up of iron with added carbon to improve its strength and fracture resistance compared to other forms of iron. Many other elements may be present or added. Stainless steels that are corrosion- and oxidation-resistant ty ...

'' record and tour. He has continued to tour and record with The Rolling Stones ever since, as well as recording with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards on solo projects. The Stones' most recent studio recording was in 2012, '' Doom and Gloom''. He continued to go on tour with The Rolling Stones, as of 2006, as part of their record-grossing A Bigger Bang Tour. He served as the unofficial "musical director" for the band and devised each night's set list with Mick Jagger. "It's my job to keep Mick, Keith, Charlie and Ronnie all happy", Leavell stated on his web page. He began keeping notes on the songs during rehearsals, which eventually led to his role with the band. In addition to his work with The Rolling Stones, Leavell has worked with George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Gov't Mule, Train, Tinsley Ellis,

The Black Crowes The Black Crowes are an American rock band formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1984. Their discography includes eight studio albums, four live albums and several charting singles. The band was signed to Def American Recordings in 1989 by producer G ...

, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Montgomery Gentry,

, Miranda Lambert,

Blues Traveller Blues Traveler (formerly known as "The Establishment" or "The Black Cat Jam" or "The Establishment Blues Band") is an American rock band that formed in Princeton, New Jersey in 1987. They are known for extensive use of segues in live performance ...

amongst many others in the studio and on the road, in addition to recording five solo albums. In 2003, Leavell participated in the annual improvisational musical experiment known as Zambiland Orchestra in Atlanta. Leavell was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2004. He is also a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. In an April 2007 radio interview on WOR-AM, Leavell said his favorite contributions to songs in his career were "Jessica" with The Allman Brothers Band, "Old Love" on Eric Clapton's '' Unplugged'',

Out of Tears "Out of Tears" is a song by English rock band the Rolling Stones featured on their 1994 album, ''Voodoo Lounge''. It was released as the album's third single. The song was moderately successful, reaching the top 40 in several countries, but was ...

on The Rolling Stones' '' Voodoo Lounge'', and '' Drops of Jupiter'' by Train. In 2011, Leavell played on John Mayer's album ''Born and Raised'' which was released in May 2012, reaching Number One on the Billboard Chart. He also worked with David Gilmour, who reached to him out of the blue years after meeting on a session with Eric Clapton in the early 1990s. In February 2012, he and the other existing members of the Allman Brothers Band received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to his time in the band from 1972 to 1976, Leavell performed two shows with the reunited Allman Brothers Band in 1986. Since 2001, he has performed as a guest pianist at more than a dozen Allman Brothers Band concerts, including multiple shows at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. Leavell enjoys "giving back" to the community of his birth. In 1992, he played on a record title
"Mr. President"
which was produced by noted Birmingham jazz keyboardist and vocalist Ray Reach for the purpose of raising money for the homeless in the Birmingham area. Leavell and several other well-known Alabama musicians (including Wayne Perkins,

Chuck Tilley Sixwire is an American country music band from Nashville, Tennessee, United States. The group consists of Andy Childs (lead vocals, guitar), Steve Hornbeak (keyboards, vocals), John Howard (bass guitar), Steve Mandile (guitar, vocals), and Chuck T ...

Charlie Hayward Charles Edward Daniels (October 28, 1936 – July 6, 2020) was an American singer, musician, and songwriter. His music fused rock, country, blues and jazz, pioneering Southern rock. He was best known for his number-one country hit " Th ...

, and

Kelley O'Neal Kelley may refer to: * Kelley (name), a given name and surname Places ;United States * Kelley, Iowa * Kelley Hill in Fort Benning, Georgia * Kelley Park, in San Jose, California * Kelley Square, in Worcester, Massachusetts * Kelley Township, R ...

) donated their time for this project. On March 20, 2008, Leavell was given a BAMA Award (Birmingham Area Music Award) for his contributions to the Birmingham, Alabama musical heritage. The 2008 BAMA Awards ceremony was held at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame (in the historic Carver Theatre in the Birmingham Civil Rights District). Leavell performed at this ceremony accompanied by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars directed by Ray Reach. Also, at the same ceremony, a BAMA Award was bestowed upon keyboardist/producer Peter Wolf. Leavell makes time to involve himself with other causes, and in 2008 performed with a supergroup which opened for Chuck Berry in Boston. The concert raised money for artists struggling with addiction. Leavell also serves on the Georgia Commission for Hearing Impaired and Deaf Persons. In 2013, Leavell was nominated for a

Blues Music Award The Blues Music Awards, formerly known as the W. C. Handy Awards (or "The Handys"), are awards presented by the Blues Foundation, a non-profit organization set up to foster blues heritage. The awards were originally named in honor of W. C. Handy ...

in the 'Pinetop Perkins Piano Player' category. Leavell is the celebrity spokesperson for Sealevel Systems, Inc. The Allman Betts Band- In November 2018, the sons of Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts announced the formation of The Allman Betts Band. They will kick off 2019 with a new Allman Betts Band album and a worldwide tour that will feature new music, songs from their solo projects and classic Allman Brothers and Gregg Allman tunes in honor of the 50th Anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band. The new album, which is slated to be released in the Spring of 2019, will be produced by Matt Ross-Spang (Jason Isbell, Margo Price, John Prine and Elvis Presley) with Leavell on keyboards. A documentary of Chuck Leavell's career and life outside of music, ''Chuck Leavell: The Tree Man'', directed by Allen Farst, premiered at Dayton, Ohio's "The Neon" theatre on November 6, 2020. The film, featured in a number of film festivals in 2020, won the Sedona Film Festival's People's Choice Award. The film, featuring Mick Jagger,

Keith Richards Keith Richards (born 18 December 1943), often referred to during the 1960s and 1970s as "Keith Richard", is an English musician and songwriter who has achieved international fame as the co-founder, guitarist, secondary vocalist, and co-princi ...

, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, David Gilmore, Dickey Betts, Warren Haynes,

, Julian Lennon,

Billy Bob Thornton Billy Bob Thornton (born August 4, 1955) is an American actor, filmmaker and musician. He had his first break when he co-wrote and starred in the 1992 thriller '' One False Move'', and received international attention after writing, directing, ...

Bonnie Raitt Bonnie Lynn Raitt (; born November 8, 1949) is an American blues singer and guitarist. In 1971, Raitt released her self-titled debut album. Following this, she released a series of critically acclaimed roots-influenced albums that incorporate ...

Bruce Hornsby Bruce Randall Hornsby (born November 23, 1954) is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. His music draws from folk rock, jazz, bluegrass, folk, Southern rock, country rock, jam band, rock, heartland rock, and blues rock musical trad ...

, Chris Robinson, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church,

Mike Mills Michael Edward Mills (born December 17, 1958) is an American multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer who was a founding member of the alternative rock band R.E.M. Though known primarily as the bass guitarist and backing vocalist of R.E.M., ...

, Pat Monahan, John Popper, and

Lee Ann Womack Lee Ann Womack Liddell (; born August 19, 1966) is an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician. Her 2000 single, " I Hope You Dance" was a major crossover music hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Country Chart and the Top ...

among others will be available for streaming beginning December 1, 2020.

Tree farmer and conservationist

In addition to his musical career, Leavell is a tree farmer in Twiggs County outside Macon, Georgia, an occupation that began when his wife, Rose Lane Leavell, inherited land in the early 1980s. Together they created Charlane Plantation, now a 2500-acre award-winning Tree Farm and hunting preserve. The Leavells are two-time Georgia Tree Farmers of the Year, and were selected as National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year in 1999. They are staunch supporters of sustainable forestry, conservation and environmental protection. Chuck Leavell wrote his first book, ''Forever Green: The History and Hope of The American Forest'' in 2000. His autobiography, ''Between Rock and a Home Place'' was published in 2005, and is acclaimed as one of the best rock autobiographies ever published. In 2006, Leavell wrote a children's book, ''The Tree Farmer''. His most recent book is ''Growing A Better America: Smart, Strong, Sustainable'' (2011, with J. Marshall Craig), the theme of which is "smart" growth. It has been called one of the best "common sense environmental books of all time". Leavell was appointed by former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to the Georgia Land Conservation Council in 2008. He has also served on the Boards of The American Forest Foundation, The United States Endowment for Forestry and Communities and other influential non-profits and makes frequent trips to Washington, D.C. to discuss forestry and environmental policy matters with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. In February 2012, the same month he received the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, he was given an Honorary Forest Ranger award from the

United States Forest Service The United States Forest Service (USFS) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that administers the nation's 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands. The Forest Service manages of land. Major divisions of the agency inc ...

. He has stated that he reveres both of these honors equally. Leavell and Joel Babbit are the co-founders of The Mother Nature Network, an environmental news and information website that launched in January 2009. The site has grown to be the most visited independent environmental website in the world. Leavell serves as Director of Environmental Affairs, and sits on the board of directors for the company. He hosts two video series on mnn.com: "Love of the Land," in which he discusses sustainability and conservation issues, and "In The Green Room," a series in which he interviews fellow celebrities about the environment and their philanthropic work. Leavell hosts the public television series ''America's Forests with Chuck Leavell''. In 2022, Leavell was recognized as an honorary lifetime member of the Society of American Foresters in recognition of his “commitment to understanding forest management practices, engaging policymakers to support our nation’s forests, and using his platform to communicate the critical benefits and pressing challenges of our forests”.

Educator

In response to requests from fans and teachers alike, Leavell and Howard Citron co-founde
IROCKU
a rock and blues piano instructional website that launched in June 2011. The website includes classic rock and blues piano arrangements, video lessons, and also offers live lessons with stage and session musicians. In August 2017, Leavell and Citron received a United States Patent entitled “ Apparatus, System and Method for Teaching Music and Other Art Forms” related to IROCKU's web-based teaching methodology.

Discography

Solo albums * (1996) ''A Homemade Christmas from Charlane Plantation'' * (1998) ''What's in That Bag?'' * (2001) ''Forever Blue: Solo Piano'' * (2005) ''Southscape'' * (2007) ''Live in Germany: Green Leaves and Blue Notes Tour'' * (2012) ''Back to The Woods: A Tribute to the Pioneers of Blues Piano'' * (2018) ''Chuck Gets Big (with the Frankfurt Radio Big Band)'' Alex Taylor * (1972) '' Dinnertime'' Sailcat * (1972) ''

Sailcat Sailcat was an American rock band that was signed with Elektra Records in the early 1970s, and best known for the hit song " Motorcycle Mama". History Creation of the band The band, an early Southern pop/rock setup, was the innovation of John D. W ...

Self-titled'' Gregg Allman * (1973) '' Laid Back'' The Allman Brothers Band * (1973) '' Brothers and Sisters'' * (1975) '' Win, Lose or Draw'' * (1976) ''

'' * (1989) '' Dreams'' Chuck Berry * (1987) ''Hail Hail Rock 'N' Roll - (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)'' Dickey Betts * (1974) '' Highway Call'' Aretha Franklin * (1986) ''Aretha'' Sea Level * (1977) ''

'' * (1977) '' Cats on the Coast'' * (1978) ''On the Edge'' * (1979) ''Long Walk on a Short Pier'' * (1980) ''Ball Room'' * (1997) ''Best of Sea Level'' Duke Jupiter * (1978) '' Sweet Cheeks'' (producer) The Rolling Stones * (1983) '' Undercover'' * (1984) ''Rewind (1971–1984)'' * (1986) '' Dirty Work'' * (1989) ''

'' * (1991) '' Flashpoint'' * (1993) ''Jump Back: The Best of The Rolling Stones'' * (1994) '' Voodoo Lounge'' * (1995) ''

Stripped Stripped may refer to: Music * "Stripped" (song), by Depeche Mode, 1986 * ''Stripped'' (Christina Aguilera album) or the title song, 2002 * ''Stripped'' (Daniel Ash album), 2014 * ''Stripped'' (Macy Gray album), 2016 * ''Stripped'' (Pretty Ma ...

'' * (1998) '' No Security'' * (2002) ''Forty Licks'' * (2004) '' Live Licks'' * (2005) '' A Bigger Bang'' * (2005) ''Rarities 1971–2003'' * (2008) '' Shine a Light'' * (2012) ''Light the Fuse'' (a digital download through Google Music) * (2012) ''GRRR!'' * (2013) '' Hyde Park Live'' * (2015) ''From the Vault – Live at the Tokyo Dome'' * (2015) ''Sticky Fingers Live'' * (2015) ''Live at Leeds'' * (2016) ''Totally Stripped'' * (2016) ''Havana Moon'' * (2016) '' Blue & Lonesome'' * (2017) ''Sticky Fingers – Live At The Fonda Theatre 2015'' * (2018) ''San Jose '99'' * (2018) ''Voodoo Lounge Uncut'' * (2019) ''Bridges to Bremen'' * (2019) ''HONK'' * (2019) ''Bridges to Buenos Aires'' * (2020) ''Steel Wheels Live'' (10" Vinyl, 2 track, Picture Disc, RSD 2020) * (2020) ''Steel Wheels Live'' * (2021) ''A Bigger Bang Live'' (10" Vinyl, 2 track, RSD 2021) * (2021) ''A Bigger Bang: Live on Copacabana Beach'' * (2022) ''Licked Live in NYC'' The Black Crowes * (1990) '' Shake Your Money Maker'' Eric Clapton * (1992) '' Unplugged'' * (1991) '' 24 Nights'' Gov't Mule * (1998) '' Live... With a Little Help from Our Friends'' Train * (2001) '' Drops of Jupiter'' John Mayer * (2012) '' Born and Raised'' * (2013) '' Paradise Valley'' David Gilmour * (2017) '' Live at Pompeii'' George Harrison * (1992) ''

Live in Japan ''Live in Japan'' can refer to one of the following albums or videos: Albums * ''Live in Japan'' (21st Century Schizoid Band album) * ''Live in Japan'' (22-20s album) * ''Live in Japan'' (B.B. King album) * ''Live in Japan'' (Beck, Bogert & Appice ...

'' Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit * (1992) '' Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit''

Bibliography

* Leavell, Chuck, with Mary Welch. ''Forever Green: The History and Hope of the American Forest''. Evergreen Arts, 2001. . * Leavell, Chuck, with J. Marshall Craig. ''Between Rock and a Home Place''. Mercer University Press, 2004. . * Leavell, Chuck. ''Chuck Leavell: Piano Instruction, Vol. 1'' (DVD) 2005. * Leavell, Chuck, Nicholas Cravotta, and Rebecca Bleau. ''The Tree Farmer''. VSP Books, 2005. . * Leavell, Chuck, with J. Marshall Craig. ''Growing A Better America: Smart, Strong, Sustainable'', Evergreen Arts, 2011.

References

External links

Official website

Chuck Leavell (b. 1952)
'' New Georgia Encyclopedia'' * Leavell, Chuck
"Family Forestry in Twiggs County, Georgia / Live in Macon at the Douglass Theatre"
'' Southern Spaces'' February 2006. * Interview and article focusing on Leavell's activism
"Chuck Leavell: Wrapped up in Trees"
'' Crawdaddy!'' March 2008.
Interview
'' Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz'', NPR, 4-18-08 *
Mother Nature Network

Chuck Leavell's online piano lessons
{{DEFAULTSORT:Leavell, Chuck 1952 births Living people American rock keyboardists Musicians from Georgia (U.S. state) American session musicians The Allman Brothers Band members Farmers from Georgia (U.S. state) Musicians from Birmingham, Alabama Capricorn Records artists 20th-century American pianists 20th-century American male musicians 21st-century American keyboardists 21st-century American male musicians American male pianists American educators Sea Level (band) members 20th-century American keyboardists Cowboy (band) members