Michael Anthony Leech

1941 - 2017

Michael Anthony Leech

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.