Fred's Testimony:

At the Age of 16, Fred was attempting to play the organ at his home church in St. Louis becuase at the time they had no organist.  Of course with no formal training he was limited to pecking the notes one by one in an attempt to blend in with the choir.  This was not working out very well for the choir or the membership of 2000 plus, but he was drawn to this instrument by an unmeasurable desire to learn how to play it.  After 3 months had passed, Fred was called to the front of the church by one of the Senior Elders before the end of service.  As he arose from the organ bench in fear of what was about to happen, he raced through thoughts in his mind of the many mischievous things he could have done that would cause him to be in this situation.  Coming up blank from all of the rushing thoughts and the pressure of more than 2,000 pairs of eyes glaring at him, there he stood, small in stature, nervous, and terrified.  The Elder spoke, "God told me to do something and I was disobedient.  He would not let me sleep or have any rest until I obeyed his word and command to me." He then looked down from the pulpit at Fred and said, "God told me to anoint your hands, heart, and mind and tell you that he has anointed you to play music and that you would be second to none."  When he touched Fred's hands and head with blessed oil, Fred knew at that moment that his life would never be the same.  He knew that his life would never be his, but a vessel to deliver music through the anointing and power of God.  Instantly Fred started hearing chords and arrangements that would later build and build as he grew as a musician.  In three years of playing, Fred had passed men that had been playing music for over 30 years.  it was no secret that his gift, talent, and passion was one given by God.

Today, Fred has grown into a well accomplished Jazz Musician, Minister of Music, and Producer.  Although God has given him the ability to play music, he also understands that God can move and work in any situation.  He understands that God can and has anointed him as well as others to deliver music that will touch the hearts of the listeners, restore hope where there is none, tear down barriers that have been established, and heal wounds that are still open, both inside and outside the church walls.

Fred is a living testament of God's annointing and power.  As a Man of God first and a Musician second, Fred's desire is to be a snapshot of what God can and will give if you only believe.  He has written and produced his first gospel jazz Cd entitle,"Don't Worry" that has touched the hearts of many not only in the United States, but as far as London England as well.  Fred is currently in the studio working on the release of his second cd which will be a smooth jazz cd entitled "As I Play".  This new cd release includes soulful solo's from guitarist James Williams and saxophonist Jermaine Mondaine along with some of the finest jazz and gospel musicians.

"When we choose to accept and embrace the spirit of fear, we reject God's personal plan for our individual success and purpose, thus making us the norm and not the exception."          Fred Leonard