Donald James Leslie

Church music is hard to imagine without a Hammond and a Leslie. Thank you, Mr. Leslie.

Our sincere prayers for the Leslie family and deep gratitude and appreciation for the blessing Mr. Leslie was in developing the Leslie Speaker. Kindest regards.

I grew up in church, and visited churches all over the south in particular. The B3 and the Leslie cabinet were a regular fixture. I didn't realize how cool a combo that was then, but the comforting warmth of the sound and the unusual whirling vibrato, when used by a skilled organist, ushered many souls into a peaceful place in their hearts and spirits. I was just creating some soulful music the other day with my best electronic emulation of a B3/Leslie, enjoying the memories and the added...

I never had the pleaure of meeting Don, but I understand he was one of a kind. The world is a better place for what Don added. May God give the family peace and understanding during this time, Suse Stinson - Avnet

Recently, I was telling a colleague about my friendship with Don Leslie. This colleague told me how much the Leslie sound meant to him. I then asked him if he was a keyboardist. He said “No, but I am a Southern Baptist.” He went on to declare “they’re two types of churches in the south. Those that have a Hammond and a Leslie and those that have a special contribution fund to buy a Hammond and a Leslie”.

That conversation made me realize that as much entertainment that the...

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Leslie Family for their great loss & the loss of the rest of the Hammond World. Thank you for the years of enjoyment that you have provided me. You will be in my thoughts forever.

Don was an oustanding patron of the theatre organ performance artform. His support of George Wright and the subsequent creation of the Pasadena WurliTzer was pivotal to the evolution and success of the modern theatre pipe organ.

Don was a charming, friendly, hospitable host with a sparkling, engaging mind. Meeting this legend remains one of the highlights of my life.

My best wishes to Leslie family in their time of loss. Mr. Leslie's speaker was one of the greatest inventions for the electronic organ.

God Speed Mister Leslie. Your inventions made me love the theatre organ sound.