Taking a break from performing with the Rolling Stones on their "50 and Counting Tour," keyboardist Chuck Leavell stopped by NPR's Washington, D.C. headquarters to talk with Morning Edition's David Greene.
Widely thought of as the "fifth member" of the celebrated band, Leavell told Green about his time with the Stones and his long career in music. He talked about how his career got started at the age of 20 playing with The Allman Brothers Band as well as the highs and lows he's experienced through the years both on and off the stage.
It's no surprise that pandemonium follows Leavell and the Stones where ever they perform, as was the case at Washington, D.C.'s Verizon Center the night before Leavell's NPR interview. We were surprised, however, to see a lower-key version of the rocker, who showed up at NPR without any hint of an entourage.
The lack of a following was quickly remedied when NPR President and CEO Gary E. Knell, who turns out is a fan of the Rolling Stones, stopped by the studio to chat briefly with Leavell after the interview. Before getting back on the road, Leavell paused in front of our own one-man (and very respectful) paparazzi to show his love for NPR.
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