Leon Johnathan McCrary
Leon Johnathan McCrary In 1976, Leon was born in the San Fernando valley of California into a musical family. By his early years as a toddler he was frequently accompanying his dad, uncles and aunts to studio sessions, concerts, various programs and most importantly, church. Though he was born as the only child to Sam and Jayne McCrary, he had a tight bond with his numerous amounts of cousins. He would go on to do many musical projects alongside various groups of cousins.
Though learning to carry a tune in church, Leon received his first professional music training in a small school named Mitchell Singing Boys. It was an all boys school located in Hollywood, CA. He was enrolled 4th until the 8th grade along with 3 other cousins and It was here Leon was introduced to professional musicianship. While attending this school Leon learned to read music and was trained in classical, pop, musical theatre and more. While in his tenure he also sang in boy choirs which sand professionally for movie soundtracks (Big, Empire in the sun and more), TV shows (Quantum Leap among others) , commercials, weddings, concerts, bat & bar mitzvahs and church services (including a mass for the late John Paul the Pope)
For high school, Leon was enrolled in a musical magnet program at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles. Here he continued his training and majored in voice. This also place where he was inspired to peruse a musical career.
Aside from his training, Leon also had a foundation in Christianity. With large influences from his grandparents, which was how Leon was introduced to the Lord. He is also is a son of a former pastor who baptized him at the age of 13. In church, other than singing in church Leon also learned to play the piano. He didn't start off that great because his aspirations were mainly to play the drums and guitar.
Having the opportunity to sing with, for or as background for the likes of Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Chaka Kahn, The Letterman, Andrea and Sandra Crouch, Jessica Simpson, Jon B, Ringo Star, Donnie McClurkin, The Popcorn kids, All Gods Children, Ali- Ollie Woodson, Billy Preston, Phillip Bailey and many others, Leon has been blessed to be in the company of greatness but it still left him empty.
It wasn't till he went through the hardship of being married twice and 4 children later that he realized his calling. Being born in a musical family meant that music was the biggest influence in his life. Though great at times, this life also had its snares. In gospel and in secular markets, there was always the lure of sex, alcohol, drugs, bad politics, money and rush of being in the spotlight. There were times his foundation could steer him from these things and sadly, there were many times it didn't. He became turned off from the music scene and lost his desire for music and almost his soul. Music came easy for him because music was all he new. He tried pursuing sports, computers, work as an electrician among other things. He played piano for churches, sang and lead worship while living this "false prophet" lifestyle which should've taken his life long ago... But God saw different.
God used these people, places and things to help equip Leon for ministry. Leon had all the material things he wanted (new cars, tv shows, churches, women, recording contract) and God snatched them all away and broke him down for his purpose. His life has been turned around where he uses these experiences to teach others music, commitment and a genuine love for privilege to serve God in and through music. He is not perfect by any stretch and is still is a work in progress but he is now able to use the gift of music for Him. In 2008 life was changed. God has blessed him with a beautiful wife and 5 children.
Totally surrendered, Leon now serves as minister of music of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Ontario where leads a 35 voice choir, 4 musicians, 14 voice male chorus, praise dancers and his church in worship. God's grace has kept him safe this far and His grace will lead him home.
May the Lord bless you...
Leon McCrary
