Joyce and Phil both began singing early in their childhood. Phil sang harmony with his mom and aunts as a child and Joyce has been entertaining since age four. They met at their church where they sang in a quartette, were high school sweethearts and have continued their love of music throughout their married life. They have performed at countless festivals and fairs, schools, revivals, on radio, TV and in Washington DC on the capital and White House Lawn. You can hear them regularly over WKKM 92 FM on the Back Porch Pickers Show, Sundays at 12:05 PM. They are members of the Back Porch Picers Association and the Western Music Association. They believe the elderly and sick should not be forgotten and entertain regularly at hospitals and nursing homes individually or with the Honeybee Stinger Band.
Joyce placed first in the individual category and second over all at the 1996 Renfro Valley, Ky. Talent contest singing her own "Tumbleweed Yodel" She and Phil returned to the valley in Oct. of '96 and '97 for the Applaciation Fall Festival. Joyce has fronted for Nashville acts throughout Michigan, performed on the Opry House Stage and at the USA Theater in Nashville. She is a Nashville recording artist on the A.M.I. Record Label. Her 1997 album "Joyce Leonard, Where Could You Take Me" has been played throughout the U.S. The title song reached #11 on the Airplay International Independent Chart in '97. The album is currently being requested in England, Scotland, Australia, Belgium, Netherlands and Denmark.
Joyce is also one of the top yodelers in the country. "Fantastic", "the best I've ever heard", are regular comments from fans and promoters. Joyce credits Patsy Montana and Elton Brett fo shaping her into "Michigan's Yodeling Sweetheart". It was "do or die" when she heard these two artists as a small girl from records her mom gave her. Joyce has been invited to take part in the Western Music Associations Yodeling Contest in Tucson, AZ in 1998.
The Leonard's '98 schedule is filling up fast. A few highlights are:Back Porch Pickers Showcase, Harrison, Mi.; Branson, MO.; Prairieville, Delton, MI.; Renfro Valley, KY; and Tucson, AZ. Joyce will again be fronting for Nashville shows in Michigan. The Leonard's are looking forward to saying "Howdy" and shaking your hand somewhere throughout their travels.
Call or write for booking information or complete schedule:THE LEONARD'S, 512 SEAMEN ST., SAINT LOUIS, MI. 48880 PHONE: (517)-681-3935 EMAIL: victra@juno.com
