Macon Magazine

30 l MACON MAGAZINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 Since moving from his Alabama home to Macon in 1969 to work at Capricorn Records, pianist Chuck Leavell has been a force on the American Music scene. He's been an integral member of the Allman Brothers Band, The Rolling Stones and Sea Level, his influential jazz/rock fusion band. He's had high-profile associations with Eric Clapton, George Harrison and John Mayer. And through it all Leavell has revolutionized the role of the piano in Rock and Roll. But he's so much more. Leavell is an environmental activist, tree farmer and author. He and his wife, Rose Lane, actively manage Charlane Plantation, their tree farm in Dry Branch. He regularly contributes articles to his website Mother Nature News. He's the author of a number of well-received books, including his most recent "Growing a Better America." He also regularly works with state and local governments in favor of policies that conserve natural resources and protect the environment. And he was recently named one of the 100 most influential Georgians by Georgia Trend magazine. Matt Miller caught up with him in Dry Branch, following his successful world tour with the Rolling Stones, celebrating their 50th anniversary. Matt Miller: You won a lifetime achievement Grammy with the Allman Brothers Band this year, among many other accolades. This has been a great year for you. Chuck Leavell: It has indeed been an extraordinary year … back in February of 2012 when things started kicking off with the Grammy, which was wonderful to stand with my old pals Gregg, Jaimoe, Butch and the rest of the guys, and it's very special to be recognized for the work that we did back in the day and to know that that music is holding up after all this time. Just after that, I received an award from the U.S. Forest Service. MM: You were named an honorary forest ranger, right? CL: Yes. Chief (Tom) Tidwell (head of the U.S. Forest Service) came down to Atlanta for the ceremony. To me, what was really exciting about that was to see all those wonderful people, close to 200 in uniform, who work so hard for the Forest Service. That was really impressive, something I'll never forget. MM: In addition to your own record, "Back to the Woods," that came out this year, you also had a chance to work with John Mayer. CL: I was lucky to work on John Mayer's latest album, "Born and Raised." He was by matt miller Photography by danny gilleland 2012 WAS A YEAR TO REMEMBER FOR CHUCK LEAVELL (and that's saying something) Rock on

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