b. Philip Pottinger, Greenwich, London, England. Leo is widely known for his work with C.J. Lewis, who enjoyed crossover success in the early 90s. Leo and Lewis shared a love of music from childhood and both pursued careers within the music industry. Leo’s first musical experience was at the Roger Manwood School, playing in the institute’s steel band, which led to his mastering of both kit drums and keyboards. He began his professional involvement in the music business as a songwriter, following the presentation of his initial 90-minute demo to Fashion Records. The latter were suitably impressed and stated that when they asked whether Leo could provide any more, ‘two further tapes arrived within the week!’. Some of the songs on the introductory demos provided hits for a number of the UK’s top singers, including Janet Lee Davis (‘Two Timing Lover’), Peter Spence (‘Crazy Feeling’) and Nerious Joseph (‘Show The World’ and ‘She Gone And Left Me’). Leo’s long-time cohort Lewis was enrolled to provide the DJ skills on the 1989 reggae chart-topper ‘Why Do Fools Fall In Love?’, and in 1990, ‘Good Thing Going’. In 1993 Leo recorded the entrancing ‘Hypnotic Love’, which featured his sparring partner on the ragga mix. Shortly after the hit, Lewis secured a major label contract that included Leo as the DJ’s co-producer, and the duo subsequently released a succession of crossover hits. Following his success with Lewis, Leo diversified into an R&B style for the 1994 release of ‘Second Chance’, which sadly faltered. He had always demonstrated a willingness to expand his repertoire regardless of genre, but his enthusiasm was not greeted sympathetically; he continues to work within the industry and is a much-loved character.
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