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Leo Chears Obituary
He was known as "the man in the red vest" starting in the early 1970s, when he hosted a jazz show on KSD-AM that was sponsored by Budweiser beer. They liked the gimmick and gave him a closet full of handmade vests.
He started in radio in 1962 in East St. Louis and had been at WSIE since 1987. His show always started with "Desmond Blue," a tenor saxophone solo by the late Paul Desmond, and closed with Quincy Jones' "Quintessence."
"I play jazz as a culture," Chears said during an interview in 1995. "Whether it's Stan Kenton or Miles (Davis) or (John) Coltrane or whomever, it's the way I feel like it ought to be. Can't nobody accuse me of 'He's just leaning to one particular artist.' We try to do a variety of stuff. I think that's the reason people tune in at night, because they know they're not going to hear the same bland music all through the show."
Arrangements for Chears are being handled by Nash Funeral Home in East St. Louis. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, 144 N. 16th St., East St. Louis.
Memories and Condolences
for Leo Chears
13 Entries
Roscoe Turner
March 26, 2020
I'm sitting here at work thinking about mine time living in St. Louis. Then the thought of the "Man in the Red Vest" crossed my mind. There was a many of nights that I stayed up listening to Leo Chears jazz tunes. His musical style helped me grow up through the years. Man, memories!!! Life and times were great back then. Rest in Heaven. You are truly missed!
David Rider
April 19, 2014
Leo and his music were a lifesaver for me at work,they always made my work so much easier!Thanks to Leo and Jim Bolan for all the great Jazz!
Bob Hoffman
July 17, 2010
Gone but not forgotten. He helped nurture a love of jazz for a young man away from home at school in 1980-83. His reach was further than perhaps he realized, all the way to Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL. The 'Red Vest' was always close at hand on those late nights studying and Leo, though he didn't know it, became a great friend. Now thirty years later I think of him fondly and hope others do too. Thank you Leo!
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Peter Gilster
February 1, 2006
To the family, the friends, and the many admirers of this great man, Leo Chears, I extebd my humble condolences, for I am deeply grateful to have shared the spirit, the warmth and the music. Leo taught us so very much about music, about endurance, about human warmth, about human spirit. We will not forget this greatness. We will not forget the magic of hours spent listening and learning about his beloved jazz. Leo is forever with us.
MaryAnn Morgan
January 5, 2006
MaryAnn Morgan
Mac Chambliin
January 4, 2006
For over five-years I worked with Leo at WMRY during the mid to late 80's. He would come on his evening shift as I signed off of mine. Those were, in many ways, some of the best years of my broadcast career. Much of it because of Leo. I take great pride in having known and worked with one of the most influencial broadcasters in the St. Louis market. He set the standard by which all of our work at the station would be judged. I respect Leo for both his professionalism and artistry.
phil acton
January 4, 2006
Mr. "Red Vest" was my late nite companion for a long time when I worked nites for American Telephone & telegraph in Collinsville, Ill He had such a great voice and most of all pure knowledge, we will all miss him!
Lowell Denny
January 4, 2006
Leo was always a class act who dedicated his life to the furtherance of "America's orginal art form" Like Tony Bennett and too few others he did not let us forget the timelessness and true artistry of jazz.
He continued Da Music in the midst of da noise & da funk.
Thanks Leo!!
Lowell B. Denny, II
Anne Walker
January 4, 2006
Cheers to "the Man in the Red Vest", named Leo Chears. Most people will recall his dedication to Jazz, but his dedication to the Arts was broader. I got to know the man behind the legend years ago, as we worked for the Greater East St. Louis Arts Council. Yes, he knew his Jazz...and he promoted and appreciated other art genre and Artists. That sultry voice, our door to the unlimited resources stored in his gray matter, will be missed.
Cindy Layman (Gibbs)
January 4, 2006
I remember fondly the year or so (1993 - 1994) that I was a volunteer DJ at WSIE on Sunday nights ahead of Leo. He was a kind man and a wealth of knowledge about jazz! My sympathy to his family and gratitude for them sharing him with all of us fans!
Kevin Wilson
January 4, 2006
Leo gave me an appreciation for jazz that has carried over for 20+ years. I first started listening to him when he was on WMRY. He had a knowledge of jazz far beyond anyone I know. My biggest regret is that I have been unable to listen to him for the past several years because of reception. But he will always be on my mind whenever I listen to Miles Davis, Coltrane and all the greats. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Mark Lehr
January 3, 2006
I remember listening to Leo for many years while living & working in the Belleville area. He had a style, a voice, and a love of Jazz that could not be mistaken. Leo Chears will missed, never forgotten.
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