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Donald Leslie Obituary

Leslie, Donald James
Born Danville, Illinois, April 13, 1911. Passed away September 2 at home at the age of 93. Parents were Benjamin Franklin Leslie, and Lucy Keller Leslie. Preceded in death by his sisters Dorothy, Helen, Eva Mary, and brother Robert Joseph. He is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 50 years, daughter Jeanine; sons Scott and James, six grandchildren, and sister Mary Elizabeth Grime. The Leslie family moved to southern California in 1913, settling in Glendale. Don went to Glendale schools, and graduated from Glendale Union High School in 1929. Acquired knowledge in mechanics, radio, electronics, and metals while working at various jobs, including employment at Naval Research Laboratories in Washington D.C. during WWII. He had considerable interest in music, mostly piano and pipe organ. At the introduction of the Hammond Organ in the early thirties, he invented a unique speaker system, which was called the "Leslie Speaker," used on Hammond and other electronic organs by which he became rather famous worldwide. He established Electro Music in Pasadena, and manufactured the Leslie Speaker there for over forty years. CBS acquired his company in 1965, and it became one of the first units of CBS Musical Instruments. The popularity of his speaker invention earned him several awards, including one from Hammond in 1978 that stated "Donald J. Leslie-In recognition of his outstanding contribution and dedication in making the Hammond-Leslie sound responsible for creating the organ industry." This speaker invention led to about fifty patents in the musical field, some of which changed the way in which some music was presented. Other patents awarded to him included radio control of model trains, and control and clorination systems for swimming pools. He was a long time resident of Pasadena and Altadena, and a member of Annandale Golf Club for many years. His hobbies included tennis, music, model railroads, and flying private aircraft around the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Family and friends are welcome for a celebration of life for Don at the Leslie residence in Altadena Saturday, September 11th beginning at 4:30. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Don's memory can be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1132, Fairfax, VA 22038-1132 Cabot & Sons, Pasadena

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Sep. 5, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Leslie

Not sure what to say?





Robert Chandler

May 25, 2025

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

Pastor Dennis Fox

October 4, 2004

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.

Todd Burns

October 1, 2004

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 touch. His contribution to music will live on forever.

Susie Stinson

September 28, 2004

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

Craig Noel

September 23, 2004

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 Leslie Speaker has provided us in rock and jazz, Don Leslie’s invention can also be credited for saving countless souls. Now that’s a legacy.



Don and I often discussed computers, tennis, auto racing and mechanics.



Even though we were separated by 57 years in age, Don Leslie was my friend. For that I will always be grateful.



Rest well Don. In heaven your operating system will work perfectly.

Bill Kostok

September 21, 2004

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.

Ian McLean

September 21, 2004

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.

Matt G.

September 21, 2004

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.

Richard Mogridge

September 21, 2004

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

sean hall

September 21, 2004

Don Leslie had a great life. Every cabinet his company built is a monument to his invention. Simple in design; eternal in sound. A Hammond just isn't one without a Leslie. Don Leslie showed what all of us can do if we follow our dream. He sure followed his.



Hopefully; Laurens Hammond will buy him a drink. It's the least he can do.



sean hall

A102/2-122s

arlington, va

Walter Greenwood

September 20, 2004

What can a nobody like me say about a giant like Don Leslie? Just "Thank you", from the bottom of my heart.

Gene Stroble

September 20, 2004

Perhaps no one has done more for the organ than Don Leslie.



His is a life to be celebrated and to be thankful for.



God bless the family in their time of loss.



Gene Stroble

Lynn Bartlett

September 20, 2004

My condolences to the Leslie family. I grew up on a Hammond B-3 and fondly remember the sounds of the Leslie cabinet next to it. It gave such tremendous warmth and vitality to the instrument. I could just sit there for hours playing. I have played in several churches over the years and am amazed at how many of them have organs with a Leslie attached to them. I will always be thankful for such a great invention. Sincerely, Lynn Bartlett.

F. Richard Burt

September 20, 2004

Those of us who were pursuing the best we could achieve in amplified musical sound all knew of Don Leslie, long before we wondered who this man was or learned of him as a person.



The music of the 21st Century is and will be a much better sound because of his efforts among us.



May he rest in peace.

George Kirkwood

September 20, 2004

Don was an insperation to us all. We had good times talking about the art of organ building. I can remember a bet over a concept and I lost----I think I still owe him a milkshake. His contrabutions to the industry are legendary. The organ world has lost one of the guift givers to music.

Will Light

September 20, 2004

Condolences to the whole family. My Conn organ at home is enhanced by a Leslie 145 and the Conn I use at our church for concerts has no less than 4 Leslie speakers, transforming it from ordinary to superb. Thanks Don.

Mark Trayner

September 18, 2004

Mrs. Leslie and family your loss is shared with all of us.



Most of us only knew of Mr. Leslie through his inventions. The Leslie speaker changed the world of so many different styles of music, and changed the life’s of so many musicians.

I will never forget the first time I heard a Leslie speaker and organ.



I will continue to do my small part in keeping his invention and his name ever prevalent.



We can only give thanks to Mr. Leslie for his invention and pray that he rests safe in the arms of his maker.

Mr. Donald Leslie. Rest in Peace.

Robert Aronstein

September 18, 2004

Don, you have enriched and enhanced my life, and the lives of anyone whe hears the glorious sound of your marvelous invention.

Jim Leslie

September 16, 2004

On behalf of my mother Carolyn and the entire Leslie Family I want to express my sincerest gratitude to all who've sent their kind words, stories and thoughts. Dad was certainly a great man to the family and its obvious he's touched a great many people which is incredibly inspiring.

Thank you all so much, and keep those Leslies spinning!



Kindest Regards,

Doug & Marie Irvine & Anna Rowland

September 16, 2004

To Carolyn, Jim, and the rest of the family, we wish to add our regrets on the loss of a great person. As he said, he would not live forever, but he certainly did leave a trail! Also on behalf of Anna Rowland, the widow of John(Jack)Rowland, who was the Leslie distributor in Canada for many, many years, we all will miss him, but not as you and the family will. Sleep well, Don Leslie, your name will live forever in the world of music.

Marjorie Kirby

September 12, 2004

Dear Lesley Family,

We, your "San Diego" neighbors have missed Don's visits over the past few years. We knew that he was happily tinkering away in his workshop and just didn't have time to frollic here at the beach.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, take comfort knowing that your beloved Don is revered and remebered the world over.

Murph Wanca

September 11, 2004

I have a picture sent to me of Mr. Leslie holding a miniature Leslie Speaker. My hope is that particular photo makes the cover of an encyclopedia covering Mr. Leslie's contribution to the world of music. The Leslie family must be so proud of him. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of the world.

James Gentry

September 10, 2004

The first time I ever heard a Leslie speaker my head spun around and I said "WHAT WAS THAT???" Lord knows that I have been hopelessly addicted ever since. So many sounds have come and gone through the years, but the Leslie speaker, like so very few, continues to endure. Ever emulated, never duplicated, forever appreciated... I am sincerely saddened by the loss of Donald Leslie, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. But I know that Mr. Leslie will forever live on through his wonderful invention, and its immeasurable influence, which, I believe, will outlast us all.

thomas comis

September 10, 2004

i have greatly been influenced by you, mr. leslie. your invention made music all the more beautiful. rest in peace. thomas comis.

Dennis Wage

September 10, 2004

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things



You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there

I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air.



Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,

I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace

Where never lark, or even eagle flew -

And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod

The high unsurpassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand and touched the face of God.



-- Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee

Stan Gamble

September 9, 2004

I am honored to know of a man, who made such a contribution to the world of music. Not a day goes by without hearing this contribution. Thank You Don Leslie! May you rest in Heavenly peace. My sincere condolence to the Leslie family.

Ernie Sample

September 9, 2004

My heartfelt sympathy to the Leslie family. We all feel the loss of a great man who truly left the world a brighter place with his genius.

Rich Ball

September 9, 2004

My thoughts & prayers are with the Leslie family in this loss. The Leslie sound will be with all of us forever. The man is a legend!

Bernardo Paratore

September 8, 2004

Don, your innovation and legacy are priceless and timeless. Thanks!

Silvestro Civitani

September 8, 2004

Sincere condolences

Silvestro Rome Italy

Tom Szakaly

September 8, 2004

As the heavenly choirs of Angels sing, their Harps through Leslies now, shall ring....



God bless you Don, and thank you.

Steve Mungarro

September 8, 2004

I would like to say Thank You Don.

I can't explained how much I love & appreciate the Leslie Speaker and it's unique sound. Forever may you rest in peace. God Bless You & Your Family.

Daniel Wilkinson

September 8, 2004

Thank you, Don, for the sound that brought many of us to the organ and made our lives better for it.

Michel Favard

September 8, 2004

It's been a terrible piece of news to read about Don Leslie's death. As an amateur French jazz and blues musician I've been playing since I was 18 (now I'm 56)with various Leslie Cabinets and now with a Roland VK 77 jazz organ + a new Leslie Model 21.

All I can say is that French musicians had a lot of respect and will always admire and often think about Don for his incredible musical invention of the marvellous Leslie Cabinet.



All my sympathy to his family.



Michel Favard

Le Bourg

24110 Grignols

France

Robert Scarborough

September 8, 2004

My condolences to all of the Leslie family. Don's contributions to the electronic organ were some of the most important ever made. He was also a true lover of music, and a patron of the art. Although he will be missed, his legacy will live on and guide others for all time.

Chris & Ginny Nowak

September 7, 2004

We would like to send our best wishes and deepest sympathies to the Leslie Family Members.

Thank you so much, Don Leslie, for the great gift of musical happiness you have given our family.

You have touched our lives in many ways through one of your greatest inventions, the Leslie Speaker Cabinet. To us, this changed the sound of music forever. For this, you will always be remembered fondly in our home.



Sincerely and with deepest gratitude and sympathy,

Michael Yates

September 7, 2004

Thank you for wonderful contributions to science and music. Your legacy has and will continue to influence many generations ahead. Rest in Peace. Condolences to the family.

Bill Wood

September 7, 2004

My condolences to the family and friends of Don Leslie. Thank you Don for creating the Leslie Speaker that we all love, you're a musical genius.

Scott Shuster

September 7, 2004

To the Leslie family, my most sincere and heartfelt condolensces.



In 1970 I started saving my pennies (litterally!) to buy my first of five Leslie cabinets to hook up to my father's 1948 Hammond CV.



I had to have one to get 'that' sound that would send shivers up my spine when I listened to my favorite recordings of it.



You should be very proud in knowing that Don gave one of THE greatest gifts to the modern music world when he decided to 'better' the Hammond sound!



I will always think of him - and thank him when I crank my Leslies up.



Hopefully he and Laurens are finally getting along now!

Bob Overton

September 7, 2004

I would like to extend my condolences to the Leslie family. He will be remembered everytime one of his speakers is played through, all across the world.

Nothing less than a genius.



Resurrection Electronics

Tim Holloran

September 7, 2004

My condolences to the Leslie family on this great loss. How proud you must be of the great legacy that Don leaves behind. His name will remain in the minds and hearts of all who love "that sound."



Those of us who work on Leslie speakers every day truly appreciate the engineering talent that went into its development. Rest well, Mr. Leslie!

Brock Gillis

September 7, 2004

"Be thinking of B-3's and Leslies goin round" has been my motto for many years now. It was the Leslie, not the Hammond that changed my life, and is still the only real thing I must have when I play.

God bless you Don

Steve Pierce

September 7, 2004

My condolences to you all on your loss.

Dennis Westbrook

September 7, 2004

Invention of the Leslie Speaker brings me pleasure every day when I turn on my 251. Thank you Don Leslie. I remember you daily.

Dennis Westbrook

andy ward

September 7, 2004

i never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Leslie in person, but, his wonderful help many years ago will never be forgotten, as well as his contribution to ALL feilds of music with the invent of "THE SPEAKER".

Roger Danielsen

September 7, 2004

If we are to be measured by the impact we have on others Mr. Leslie's impact was great. Much of my memories of my youth include the music. The music of the sixties and seventies were greatly impacted by Mr. Leslie's influence. I continue to love the "Leslie " sound and presently own three of his speakers. It's a testament to the man's vision and integrity that the speakers I own, one of which dates back to the 1940s still operate and give pleasure to others to this day and will continue to for decades to come. Mr. Leslie most definitely deserves a place in the Rock-and-roll Hall of Fame. Thank you Mr. Leslie.

Ken Churchill

September 7, 2004

My condolences to the Leslie family. Sadly we all join to thank him for his inventions which will bring joy forever.

Luca Pilla

September 7, 2004

That's sound, forever!

Thanks Mr. Leslie

Mike Lloyd

September 7, 2004

My sincerest condolences to the Leslie family. It certainly appears that Mr. Leslie lead a full life, and was blessed with many friends and acquaintances. His invention will live on for generations to follow, an honorable legacy.

Jerry Welch

September 7, 2004

The Hammond Organ Company was known for creating the "World's Most Glorious Voice". Don Leslie was responsible for creating the means for all Hammond Organ music lovers to feel, hear and enjoy those millions of musical voice tones. Thanks for all your wonderful efforts to the musical field. You will be missed although your contributions will be with us forever. Thanks and condolences from the Organ Service Company, Inc.

Dixson Rudolph

September 7, 2004

My deepest condolances to the Leslie family. Rest In Peace, Don.

I have 9 of your wonderful 'spinny-boxes', including an original 30A, and an oddball 31W.

The fact that Leslie speakers are still being manufactured today in pretty much the same way attests to the greatness of your invention.

Despite extreme opposition, you persevered, and the Leslie Speaker became an integral part of musical history. Thank you for your wonderful contribution. You'll be missed!

Chas DP

September 7, 2004

Edison, Einstein, and Leslie; all great inventors. Not only does the Leslie move the sound, it moves the soul. When I first heard the Hammond organ played through a Leslie cabinet, I practically dropped my electric guitar.

Thank You Don, for such a great sound.

Al Goff, GOFF Professional

September 7, 2004

I'm very lucky to have both worked on Leslie's for more than 35 years and having had the opportunity to talk to Don about their care and feeding.



Don's legacy will forever be the irreplaceable sound of the Leslie speaker.



The Goff family extends our sincerest condolences to Don's wife Carolyn, their children and others in the Leslie family.

Lucas Buckingham

September 7, 2004

Thank you Don.

Rick Prevallet

September 7, 2004

There once was a man named Don Leslie,

whose speaker made Laurens quite crazy.

When you put it in drive, the thing came alive,

and defined that great sound expressly!

James Dudzinski

September 7, 2004

Your's was an invention that touched so many lives musically and spiritually. I've had the privlege of using Leslie speakers for many years and enjoyed every moment. Thank you.

Craig Collier

September 7, 2004

Greatest invention since sliced bread.

Steve Czarnecki

September 6, 2004

My condolences to the Leslie family. Don Leslie left the musical world a richer place.

John Mac Donald

September 6, 2004

Recently at a regional music festival: After huffing and puffing and complaining about the weight of my battered old 122 speaker, one of the guys from the stage crew lovingly rested his hand on its top for a brief moment and said to me: "It's a beautiful machine, isn't it?"



My reply: "Ayup"



Suffice it to say, my bearings will be lubricated, my O-rings kept fresh, and my amplifier kept in good health so that I can continue to enjoy this most elegant of electro-mechanical creations the rest of my life and hopefully, pass it on to my son.



Thank You, Mr. Leslie, Rest in

peace



John Mac Donald

Goff Macaraeg

September 6, 2004

I'm truly sorry for the loss to the Family of Donald Leslie. The world of music grieves with you. Like a rock star whom the fans only know through his music, we lack for not having known Mr. Leslie personally. Forgive us for relating to him in the only way we know how. You've lost your Husband, Father, Relative, Friend. We've only lost a genius and a fellow musician. You have so many great memories with him I'm sure. We have every Leslie Chorale and Tremolo that was a hit on radio, television, movie screen, vinyl, tape and CD, the ones in our homes and garages, stages and recording studios throughout the world, places of worship. At least we are able to be close to him through his invention, which will never fade away. The Leslie speaker is all we know of Don Leslie but we are happy to have joined minds with him at this level. Our praises for Mr. Leslie's invention may seem trite at a time like this. However, allow us to grieve in our small way because he was in our hearts and minds as well, and brought joy to our lives beyond words. In this way, he was a part of us and surely, we are his family too.



Thank you Don Leslie, for your gifts to the world.



May the blessings be.



Goff Macaraeg

DragonSound Recording Studio

Makati, Philippines

Barry Reynolds

September 6, 2004

My deepest condolences to the Leslie family. I didn't know Don personally, but I've enjoyed playing through his speakers for 40 years!



It may have not been his intention, but his name will be remebered among the greatest equipment contributors to the rock and electric jazz eras: Fender, Rhodes, Hammond, and now Leslie.

Benny H

September 6, 2004

Thank you Don, Gospel music wouldn't have had "the sound" without your inventions! You will be missed and remembered for a long long time!

Todd Phipps

September 6, 2004

Thanks to Mr. Leslie for the speaker that makes one of the greatest sounds in music possible. You invention has given us all voice, and for that we are forever in your debt. Rest in peace, and thanks for the music, may it always play on.

Howard Barker

September 6, 2004

Don, the world would have been a poorer place without your visit. God bless you and peace be with your family.

Harry Lounsberry

September 6, 2004

Greatest musical invention ever, cannot play without a Leslie speaker. My deepest sympathy for the Leslie family, Don will be remembered for many years to come.

Tom Tuson

September 6, 2004

Don Leslie was one of the true innovators and icons in the music industry. His contribution of the Leslie Speaker created a profound effect on the electronic organ industry by inventing something that became a standard in sound.



Thank you Don Leslie for your contribution.





Diversi Musical Instruments

Wm Heydt Jr

September 6, 2004

Condolences to you all. Greatness is always remembered.

Godspeed, Mr. Leslie

Andrew Blowen

September 6, 2004

Two words.......... Thank You.

George Benton

September 6, 2004

Don, your Leslie Speaker helped launch me into my present career of nearly 30 years repairing Organs and Leslies. I love my job...

Thanks and God Bless,

George

Rob Shrock

September 6, 2004

Only a few people leave their mark on the world in a positive way. By contributing significantly to the art of music, Mr. Leslie left the world a little better place than it was before he was here. We are grateful and appreciative.

Doug Sloan

September 6, 2004

Don, you touched the lives of so many. The Leslie speaker has been heard and enjoyed by so many, whether they are aware of the source for that glorious sound. Your entreprenearial spirit made your invention a reality. As a matter of fact, I was listenng to how good one of my Wurlitzer electric piano voices sounded through my Leslie speaker and marveled at how magical this speaker is, beyond just use in the Hammond organ which is of course legendary. Then later in the day, I read the unfortunate news of Don's passing. Don, thank you for enhanceming this stranger's life, and that of oh so many others. - Douglas Sloan

David and Rosanne Tarantolo

September 6, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Leslie family and close friends.

Craig MacDonald

September 6, 2004

My condolences to the family. A very special man, I am sure. Through his creativity he has made a tremendous contribution to jazz/pop/gospel music. My sincere thanks for all that he has given us.

Bob Goodwin

September 6, 2004

My deepest condolences to the members of the Leslie family at this difficult & Painful time. When Don conceived the Leslie Speaker he could not have imagined how he was about to change so many things and so many musicians around the world. His vision was an ultimate one without question and without Don and his Leslie Speakers who knows what may have become of the Hammond Organ. My first encounter with a Leslie speaker was when I was twelve years old and that encounter changed my life and my music, for what I was hearing was pure ear candy and to this day that candy is just as sweet. My love affair with the peaches and Cream combo of the Hammond Organ & Leslie system was sealed at that first encounter and 36 Years on I am still drawn to that magical combination just like so many others.



Don thank you very much for your vision, skill & talent, we will miss you Mr Leslie: R.I.P.

Adrian Case

September 6, 2004

As long as a Hammond is played thru a "Leslie" Don's memory will live on. God Bless his family.

Toussaint Thompson

September 6, 2004

Lets celebrate the life of a great inventor and gentleman!

Mr. Leslie has made his mark by creating the glorious sound of the Leslie speaker enjoyed by music lovers everywhere ~

James Davis

September 6, 2004

My sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Leslie.



What a wonderful invention, the Leslie speaker. I have four of them at my home, and any of my neighbors will attest to that fact!



My 9-year old daughter, who is also fond of them insists on having "one of those spinning things" connected to her own Hammond.



Go in peace, and rest well.





Truly,

James Davis & Family

Robert Klabunde

September 6, 2004

My most heartfelt condolences to the Don Leslie Family. While I never had the honor to meet Mr. Leslie in person, the sound I have enjoyed playing music through his invention over the years has provided me a great respect and admiration of him.

Rest in peace Mr. Leslie.

Jeff Wilson

September 6, 2004

The music world has lost a true great with Don Leslie's passing...

He will continue to live on through his many innovations and inventions......

Edward Plitt

September 6, 2004

What a creative genius. Not only for the Hammond, but the 102 - 103 combination for the Gulbransen Rialto gave it an incredible sound. To this day, I've never heard the incredible string sounds that came from the 103. Go with God!

Bill Bilhou

September 6, 2004

God bless you, Don Leslie, for taking music to a new level and dimension for me and the rest of the music world. I have always had at least one or two of your wonderful inventions, over the last 40 years, and through them you will never be forgotten.

Eric Tucker

September 6, 2004

Inventor, engineer, businessman -- To succeed honorably as any one of these is worthy; Donald James Leslie excelled at all. Thank you, Mr. Leslie.

Richard Wood

September 6, 2004

Been listening to, loving and playing the sound of Leslie speakers for 30 years. Thank you Mr Leslie for a great joy in my life.

Justin Hartz

September 6, 2004

Thank you for your wonderful contribution to the Hammond world.

We will keep on spinning for you!

Pippo Guarnera

September 6, 2004

Addio

Dick Stallings

September 6, 2004

Thank you, Don Leslie.

Darren Brown http://www.hammond-organ.com

September 6, 2004

Although I know very little of the Leslie family, I have upmost respect for Don leslie, a man who, despite his worldwide fame, kept his personal life and family very much to himself. A man who's invention has played no small part in shaping 20th/ 21st century music and has inspired so many.



May you rest safe in God's memory Donald Leslie.

Alan Winter

September 6, 2004

Because of you, the music world has been forever changed. Personally, I own 3 of your fabulous speaker cabinets, and will think of you whenever I hear that warm swirl that still gives me goosebumps after over 30 years of playing. You've surely earned your place among the great inventors of this earth. Rest in peace, Don.

Mike Sellers

September 6, 2004

Don's achievements have touched so many of our lives, and he will be remembered always.

Jim Bull

September 6, 2004

My condolences to the family of Don Leslie and my congratulations to him for a life well-lived. I have played music through his wonderful speakers since 1969 and wish I could have thanked him for the great joy that I have received.

Jeff Garrett

September 6, 2004

Your memory lives on in the music made by all of us Hammond / Lesle enthusiasts.

Luther Nallie

September 6, 2004

I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Leslie's passing. He has given everybody many years of great sounds from his remarkable inventive mind. Thanks, Mr. Leslie.

Andrew Hofstetter

September 6, 2004

Thanks for years of pure enjoyment.

Phil Hyde

September 6, 2004

He never had a no.1 in the hit parade, but contributed to dozens...a grateful thank you from a Leslie user. He will be remembered by thousands for a unique contribution to music.

Ed Greany

September 6, 2004

To all the family and friends of Don Leslie I give my sincere condolences for your loss. Mr. Leslie left a mark in music around the world as evidenced by the tributes and messages being sent. We will certainly miss you Mr. Leslie but your spinning will go on forever.

Mark Hazel

September 6, 2004

The Leslie speaker has brought me countless hours of pleasure over the last three decades, and also I dear say for untold millions of others worldwide. He will be missed, but his accomplishments in life are as eternal as is his spirit, both will live on.

David Gould

September 6, 2004

Love my Leslie speakers.I really appreciate this contribution to the world of music.

Mike and Linda Santarone

September 6, 2004

Condolences to the family and a fond farewell to a great man who changed our lives for the better.

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