He first took up the piano when he was just 4 years old. He played his first public recital at 8, and at 16 played with the New York Philharmonic. Wait, it gets better!
In his 20s, he was considered one of the greatest pianists in the world. But then it happened. What’s the worst thing that can happen to a piano player? He lost the use of his right hand. The reason why was a mystery for decades.
So, he learned to play concertos with his left hand only, and he became a renowned conductor and teacher.
Then, quite recently, a unique treatment restored his hand. He began to play two-handed once again, and 40 years after he left the studio, he recorded an album again.
In 2007 he received Kennedy Center Honors and was described as a “consummate musician whose career is a moving testament to the life-affirming power of art.”
Listen and you’ll see that even in his 80s, Leon is all that, and then some!
Want to see Leon in action? Click here to watch our video story about Leon’s remarkable comeback.