Leonard William Gill

February 18, 1952 - October 4, 2006

We are very, very sad to report that bassist Leonard Gill passed away at age 54 at his home in Berkeley, California, on the morning of October 4th. Leonard had been in ill health for some time, and passed peacefully, with his fiancé Tressies Wells at his side.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, February 18, 2007, from 3-4 PM at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St at Claremont Blvd (not Ave), Berkeley. Music and dancing will follow from 4-9 PM.

Leonard was born in Sherrill, Arkansas, and later moved with his family to Chicago. His musical career began early in Chicago where he performed with Johnny Taylor, Little Milton, Albert King, Otis Clay, and B.B. King. He recorded two albums with Otis Clay, two with B.B. King, and played guitar and bass on Ron's Magic Touch. While serving five years in the B.B. King orchestra, he played and toured extensively.

During a visit in 2005 with B.B. King after a California show, B.B. stated unequivocally, "This guy Leonard Gill is one of THE most talented musicians on the scene today."

Larry Vann, Ron Thompson, Leonard Gill, and B.B. King. May 22, 2006

Early Days with BB King and His Band

Gill went on to become one of the Bay Area's most sought-after bass and guitar players, playing with Ronnie Stewart's Caravan of All-Stars, Al Rapone, East Bay Mudd, the Tee Fee Swamp Boogie Band and, most recently, as a regular with Ron Thompson & The Resisters. Leonard played and recorded with numerous local and national acts on both bass and guitar, including John Lee Hooker, Queen Ida, Rockin' Sydney, Allen Fontenot, and Maria Muldaur.

Leonard was a musicians' musician, and performed as a mainstay Resistor with Ron for many years. He was sweet and kind, with an infectious smile that lit up any room he entered. Leonard--we will miss you more than words can say!

One of Leonard's last performances was at the Great American Blues and BBQ Festival in San Rafael on August 19th. This picture, with Ron and Leonard creating their special magic together, says it all:

Rancho Nicasio, September 29, 2006 (Leonard's last performance)

Tressies Wells & Leonard Gill

Leonard Gill, Ron Thompson, Jimmy McCrackin, and Larry Vann. May 2005

Shad Harris, Ron, Leonard & AJ, Stockton 2005

Larry Vann, Ron Thompson, & Leonard Gill. July 2003

Oliver Brown, Leonard Gill, Ron Thompson, and Larry Vann. Oakland Art & Soul Festival 2003

"He was a real good guitar and bass player, and we got along well.. Leonard was the epitome of 'cool,' and I really mean that. He was really cool and a gentleman. I don't remember him saying anything bad about anybody."-Ron Thompson

"He was my brother and I loved his spirit and he was a wonderful cat to be on the bandstand with. Smooth and kind, never a bad word to say about anybody, always giving. I never heard him say 'no.' Leonard truly loved Ron and the band and was so excited about being a Resistor. Years ago, he would see us playing from afar and when he came out he had heard so much about the Resistors--he always dug the spirit and the drive and the playing and the musicianship. It knocked him out. When he got the opportunity to play with us he was thrilled. Leonard was truly a RESISTOR ." -- Larry Vann

"A great musician and real nice guy. He truly loved the blues and would always 'get it' when someone played something deep. I will miss him." -- Steve Freund

"Leonard was one of the most challenging players I ever had the privilege to play with. It is a shame that the world never got to see him on the level that they should have. It's really sad. He should have been a world- known musician because he was certainly a world- class musician. He was a wonderful human being, and kind, and dedicated to his art."   -- Oliver Brown  

"Leonard Gill is one of the best blues bassists on the scene." --Dorothy Hill, Blues n' Boogie

"Leonard was a gentle giant. His heart was bigger than anyone one would ever know. He had a sexy smile. The conversations that I shared with Leonard were always on a humanitarian level. He really cared about people. We always shared in those values every time we talked, even if it was only for a couple of minutes. I will miss him but I'll see him later!" -- Mz. Dee

We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of Tressies Wells, Leonard's beloved fiancé, who shared many of these historical photos with us. Also, big thanks to Bob Hakins, who photographs frequently at Rancho Nicasio.

Kelvin Dixon, Ron Thompson, Leonard Gill at Rancho Nicasio, 9.29.06

Tressies Wells and Leonard, Thanksgiving

Leonard, Tee Fee Swamp Boogie promotional photo by Bruce Forrester

Tre Wells and Leonard

Leonard and the BB King Band

Mardi Gras, performing with the Tee Fee Swamp Boogie Band

Mardi Gras, performing with the Tee Fee Swamp Boogie Band

Aaron Neville, Queen Ida, and Leonard

Tressies & Leonard