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Ten things Chuck Leavell loves about Macon (and Central Georgia) C huck Leavell just may be Central Georgia's finest import. The Alabama native arrived in Macon in 1969 as a young, hungry musician. By way of the Allman Brothers Band, he made a name for himself as a sought-after pianist, multi- talented artist and extraordinarily gifted composer. If being discovered wasn't enough, he also met the love of his life, Rose Lane White, who, at the time, worked as an office assistant at Capricorn Records. Fast forward nearly 50 years since, and the Leavells continue to call Central Georgia home. That is, when he's not on the road with The Rolling Stones. Since 1982, he's held the steady gig as The Rolling Stones's keyboardist and bandleader, traveling the world and performing to thousands of audiences along every tour stop in the Stones's modern day history. But here, Chuck is everyone's favorite tree farmer. He and Rose Lane's sprawling Charlane Woods and Preserve in Twiggs County is a landmark of land stewardship, where music and sustainable forestry are at home in natural harmony. You can go backstage to Chuck's incredible life and twin passions through his recent documentary, Chuck Leavell: The Tree Man, available on demand through streaming services like Amazon. You can also catch him on his PBS television show America's Forests with Chuck Leavell. And when he's not on the tree farm, on the road with the Stones or in the studio laying down the next great piano track, you'll find him taking in some of the top 10 things he loves about home. 1. The People: I am a "dyed-in- the-wool" southerner, and having the chance to travel all over the world in my role as a musician, I can say that the people in the South are the nicest and most congenial on the planet. That includes Macon and Central Georgia! 2. The Music: I may be a bit biased, but when you realize that artists like Otis Redding, Little Richard, The Allman Brothers Band, James Brown, Robert McDuffie and others owe their heritage to Macon and Central Georgia, that pretty much says it all. 3. The Food: Let's start with the legendary H&H Restaurant. When I first came to Macon and settled in to work at Capricorn Studios and for the Capricorn Record label back in 1969, it wasn't long before someone suggested we go to "The H" for lunch. Mama Louise, as she was known to all of us, served up the best soul food I ever had. Even though she is retired now, the tradition continues, and we are all very grateful for that. 4. More Food: Macon isn't known for just soul food, and two other favorites of mine are The Rookery and Dovetail restaurants: the Rookery for good 'ol burgers and such, always top quality, and Dovetail just above it on the second floor for a more elegant cuisine and atmosphere. 5. And More Food: Some other excellent offerings in Macon include Kudzu Seafood, Famous Mike's, Michael's, Oliver's, Natalia's, Fish n' Pig, Downtown Grill, The Bear's Den, Jim Shaw's Seafood, La Parrilla Mexican and many more. Okay . . . I could go on, but I'm getting hungry now. 6. Mercer University: I say this not just because they bestowed upon me an Honorary PhD some years ago but LEFT: KEYBOARDIST CHUCK LEAVELL WITH THE ROLLING STONES. PHOTO BY TERRY ALLEN. 88 maconmagazine.com | JUNE/JULY 2022