DR. PROFESSOR LEONARD KING

Leonard King Jr., also known as Dr. Prof. Leonard King, is a drummer/vocalist/composer/arranger who has been a full-time musician since 1960 (age 12). He is the consummate Detroit, MI musician whose influences and achievements are vast, which is due to the musical climate of that city and the state of Michigan in general. Although the city is musically known for the output of the Motown Records Corporation of the 1960’s and early ‘70’s, Leonard was able to tap into the wellspring of all of the music genres in the city and prosper in the climate of the “Detroit Way” (as famed bassist James Jamerson used to say).

In late 1962, at age 14, he decided it was time to be a band leader and, with his two brothers and a few neighborhood youngsters, started The Jazz Sextet which later became known as Leonard King and the Soul Messengers (1963-73). The group became very popular providing accompaniment for a variety of single artists and groups who did not have their own bands. Additionally the group provided music for fashion shows, industrial presentations, and many social events. These experiences served as a basis for other ensembles: Strata Nova (1976-88), Visger Road Drum Band (1991-2006) Proportioned Orchestra (1989-present), Oopapada (1995-present), Dr. Prof. Leonard King “Drum Fun & Vocals, Too” (1990-present), and the Dr. Prof. Leonard King Orchestra (2010-present).