Leo Chears

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!

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!

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!

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

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.

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!

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