Biography
The Alex Leach Band, founded in 2019 by Knoxville, Tennessee native Alex Leach and his wife Miranda, is a progressive bluegrass group that blends deep traditional roots with forward-thinking innovation. Alex Leach began his musical journey as a prodigy, becoming a bluegrass DJ at WDVX radio at just nine years old and earning two 'DJ of the Year' awards from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America by age fifteen. His early exposure to bluegrass history and culture shaped his encyclopedic knowledge and authentic Appalachian sound.
Leach's professional career as a musician took off at nineteen when he joined Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, contributing banjo, lead vocals, and harmonies. He later played with the Larry Gillis Band before forming The Alex Leach Band with Miranda and a rotating cast of skilled musicians, including JT Coleman (bass), Joshua Gooding (mandolin, vocals), and Brandon Masur (banjo). The band's music draws from a wide range of influences, from The Stanley Brothers and Porter Wagoner to The Beach Boys and Curtis Mayfield, resulting in a sound that is both nostalgic and progressive. Their albums, such as 'I'm the Happiest When I'm Moving' (2021) and 'All The Way' (2022), feature original compositions and inventive covers, earning critical acclaim for their purposeful evolution of the bluegrass genre.
In 2023, Alex Leach disbanded his group and rejoined Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys as their banjo player, continuing his legacy as both a performer and a bluegrass radio voice. His work is recognized for its authenticity, innovation, and deep respect for bluegrass traditions, positioning him as a bridge between the genre's storied past and its vibrant future.
Fun Facts
- Alex Leach began his career as a bluegrass DJ at WDVX radio when he was only nine years old, making him one of the youngest bluegrass DJs in the country.
- He played banjo on the Grand Ole Opry stage in 2014 as a member of Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys.
- The Alex Leach Band's influences range from classic bluegrass pioneers to unexpected sources like The Beach Boys and Curtis Mayfield.
- Alex Leach is known for his encyclopedic knowledge of bluegrass history, having spent over 20 years immersed in the genre as both a DJ and musician.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ralph Stanley II - Band leader and mentor; recruited Alex Leach to join the Clinch Mountain Boys, providing professional guidance and influence. (Touring, live performances, and recordings with the Clinch Mountain Boys.) [2012–2019, 2023–present]
Key Collaborators
- Miranda Leach - Wife and co-founder of The Alex Leach Band; frequent co-writer and vocalist. (All The Way (2022), I'm the Happiest When I'm Moving (2021)) [2019–2023]
- JT Coleman - Bassist and band member of The Alex Leach Band. (All The Way (2022), I'm the Happiest When I'm Moving (2021)) [2019–2023]
- Joshua Gooding - Mandolinist, vocalist, and band member of The Alex Leach Band. (All The Way (2022), I'm the Happiest When I'm Moving (2021)) [2019–2023]
- Brandon Masur - Banjo player and band member of The Alex Leach Band. (I'm the Happiest When I'm Moving (2021)) [2019–2023]
- Jon Weisberger - Producer and co-writer; produced 'All The Way' and co-wrote songs. (All The Way (2022)) [2022]
Artists Influenced
- Wyatt Ellis - East Tennessee mandolin prodigy; Alex Leach has performed with and supported him. (Live performances and collaborations) [2023–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| All the Way | 2022-08-19 | Album |
| I'm The Happiest When I'm Moving | 2021-03-26 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Take The Long Way Home (I'm The Happiest When I'm Moving)
- Take the Long Way Home (Take the Long Way Home)
- Little Secret (All the Way)
- Golden Rule (I'm The Happiest When I'm Moving)
- Mandy Mae (I'm The Happiest When I'm Moving)
- Slip Slidin' Away (Slip Slidin' Away)
- Little Secret (Little Secret)
- The Turntable (I'm The Happiest When I'm Moving)
- I’m Happiest When I’m Movin’ (I'm The Happiest When I'm Moving)
- Ellen (I'm The Happiest When I'm Moving)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
ALEX LEACH BAND has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19, 2025 | 10:42 | OCTOBER FALLfrom I HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD LI8KE | Old Time Country and Bluegrassw/ Hazel The Delta Rambler |