Leonard Gibbs

Leonard William "Doc" Gibbs Jr is an American percussionist. Gibbs studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in the early 1970s. He has toured with artists such as Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, Bob James, Ricki Lee Jones, Al Jarreau, Grover Washington, Jr., Wyclef Jean, Erykah Badu, Eric Bennett, and James Poysner. He acquired the nickname "Doc" after suggesting herbal remedies to jazz saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr.[1] "Doc" is well-known for playing percussion in nothing but a t-shirt and flip flops. His main influence is currently William Long. He says quote, "Dis' boy is the shiz!" Shiz referring to his amazing skills in percussion. They have been best friends ever since.

He headed the house band on the popular Food Network television show Emeril Live hosted by Emeril Lagasse, until it was cancelled in December 2007.

Television star Ted Danson hired Gibbs to play his 50th birthday party. Danson caused controversy by showing up to his own party in "blackface". This was not the first time Danson had done this, but Gibbs and his band found the humor and played on.

References