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Michael Leech Obituary
Nashville - Michael Anthony Leech , age 76, formerly of Memphis, TN passed on December 12, 2017 in Nashville. He graduated from Catholic High School for Boys and Memphis State University where he was a member of The Mighty Sound of the South Band. An accomplished bass player, producer, and music arranger, he began at Royal Studio in Memphis, then became a member of the famed 827 Thomas Street Band (The Memphis Boys) at American Sound Studio (1967-1972), which produced 122 Billboard Top Ten records. Mike recorded with artists including Elvis Presley, B.J. Thomas, Neil Diamond, the Highwaymen, John Prine, Merle Haggard, and Dobie Gray. His talents are heard on iconic recordings such as Suspicious Minds, Sweet Caroline, Drift Away, Always on My Mind, and several others. In 1972, he moved to Nashville, where he was an A list session player. He was inaugurated into The Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007.
He was preceded in death by parents Thomas Joseph and Norma Leech, siblings Thomas Leech, Jr. and Mildred Key. He is survived by two daughters: Shelley Wood (Robert) and Melanie Paquette (Cian MacBrid); grandchildren Taylor, Madison, and Dalton Wood; his sister Anne Jones of New Jersey; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 555 Church Street, PH2403, in Nashville. Parking is available in the McKendree Garage and the Downtown Library Garage. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to St. Patrick School, 175 St. Patrick St., McEwen, TN 37101.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Leech
Sponsored by The Tennessean.
4 Entries
William Thompson
August 18, 2018
My condolences to his family and friends. His daughters were friends of mine years ago. His love was truly his music.
Michael Cauley
January 20, 2018
Mike and I were best friends when I worked at American c. 1969-70. We had many great times together. He was a fine person when I knew him. Although I haven't seen him since the early '80s in Nashville, I feel a great loss. He was a great guy when I knew him.
Don Coyer
January 4, 2018
My condolences to Mike's loved ones. I didn't know him, unfortunately, but he played on so many of my favorite songs that I always respected him. He will be missed.
John Buffam
December 26, 2017
I am very sorry to hear about Mike passing away. He was a kind gentleman who left a big impact in the world of music and a bigger impact on the people that were lucky enough to have shared moments with him. My condolences to all.
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