Blues Musician. A native of Carthage, Texas, he began playing drums at the age of 14. He is best known for backing such music greats as Muddy Waters, James Cotton, T. Bone Walker, Lowell Fulson, and Howlin' Wolf. Leary began his musical career by touring with Walker and Fulson during the 1940s. He later joined the United States Army, but returmed to music after his discharge in 1953. He appeared on Howlin Wolf's albums, "I'm Leaving You", and "I've Been Abused." He also appeared on several other records for the Chess Label. During the 1960s he sang and drummed on Muddy Waters' hit recordings "The Same Thing" and "You Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had," and worked with harmonica great James Cotton. His other collaborators included Blind John Davis in the 1980s and pianist Erwin Helfer during the 1990s. Leary was inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame in 1995, and was also honored with the Key to the City of Dallas. He died from complications of a stroke and cancer.
Blues Musician. A native of Carthage, Texas, he began playing drums at the age of 14. He is best known for backing such music greats as Muddy Waters, James Cotton, T. Bone Walker, Lowell Fulson, and Howlin' Wolf. Leary began his musical career by touring with Walker and Fulson during the 1940s. He later joined the United States Army, but returmed to music after his discharge in 1953. He appeared on Howlin Wolf's albums, "I'm Leaving You", and "I've Been Abused." He also appeared on several other records for the Chess Label. During the 1960s he sang and drummed on Muddy Waters' hit recordings "The Same Thing" and "You Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had," and worked with harmonica great James Cotton. His other collaborators included Blind John Davis in the 1980s and pianist Erwin Helfer during the 1990s. Leary was inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame in 1995, and was also honored with the Key to the City of Dallas. He died from complications of a stroke and cancer.
Bio by: The Silent Forgotten
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