Leigh Rowan

As you might imagine, this Texas girl grew up singing all kinds of country music. Starting around the age of seven, Leigh spent her weekends as a young girl touring the Texas Opry circuit. She performed regularly at the Irving Opry, the Kaufman Opry, the Wylie Opry, the Terrell Opry and even the legendary Johnnie High's Country Music Revue, among many others. Then, at seventeen years old, Leigh scored some regular gigs at a couple of piano bars in Dallas; just herself and some pre-recorded backing music. It was there that she realized she might be onto something with this singing thing. Although she had always loved singing, it had never really occurred to her to choose that as a career. She adored school and had always thrived in academics, so she thought that she would choose a path more devoted to that. But Leigh had always heard it said, ‘Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ And after walking out of a gig one night with $400 in cash tips, she skipped out of there beaming and in awe that she had been PAID to have a blast! It was then that her wheels started spinning and plans were set in motion to move to Nashville.
Once in Nashville (at just barely eighteen; where she knew not one soul), she spent a lot of time networking and recording. She considers herself blessed to end up with a job at 3rd and Lindsley for several years, one of Nashville's finest live music venues. There, she met talent from every aspect of the music industry: writers, musicians, singers, producers, booking agents, publishers, label executives, management...you name it! And it was there that she regularly performed with the famous Wooten Brothers, leading her to fall in love with the blues. She was also given a Patty Griffin cd, and this expanded her style even more. There was inspiration for her on every corner, and there were many important lessons to learn.
After 6 years in 'Nashvegas', Leigh deeply missed her home state. She moved to the Texas Hill Country, just outside of Austin, and began performing with many local legends such as the Fabulous Chevelles, Drew Womack, Debbi Walton, John Arthur Martinez and Mike Blakely. Hill country venues have included Angel's, Poodie's, Escondido Golf & Lake Club, Patton's On Main, House of Blue Lights, Candlelight Ranch, River City Grille, Lost Creek Vineyards and Packsaddle Country Club. And Leigh was honored to provide harmonies on Drew Womack's 'Sunshine to Rain' album. She also began writing during this time...a skill she had always wanted to nurture and explore. Writing is now as fulfilling and enjoyable for her as singing, and she is determined to continue developing and growing that craft.
In 2013, Leigh moved closer to Austin and has been steadily building her fan base there as well. She has teamed up with classically trained guitarist and lifelong Austinite Jimmy Pringle, and the chemistry between her vocal talents and his guitar playing are undeniable. They have played regularly at the exclusive, members only Escondido Golf & Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay for several years. And now they have brought on phenomenal percussionist Julio Figueroa and well-known bass player Jimi Umstattd in order to expand their sound. They enjoy entertaining at private parties and events all over Austin and across the state of Texas. Other regular Austin and Hill Country venues have included the Saxon Pub, Steiner Ranch Steakhouse, Hill’s Café, Angel’s Icehouse, Poodie’s, the Little Longhorn Saloon and Sam’s Boat.
Leigh released her first EP, Petty Fool, in the summer of 2014. It was produced by Emmy award winning songwriter and producer, Trey Bruce, whom Leigh knew from her time in Nashville. It was recorded at Arlyn Studios in Austin, TX, with additional recording done in Nashville. Austin musicians included Roscoe Beck, Chris Gage, Bukka Allen, Tommy Taylor, Robert McEntee and Bill Browder. Vocal harmonies were provided by the phenomenal Texas legend Drew Womack. Nashville musicians included Trey Bruce and Pat Buchanan. All three songs were written by Leigh, Jan Landry and Jessie Wallace….two of her most treasured writing buddies, whom she writes with as much as possible.
During her shows, Leigh always performs a wide range of originals and also cover music where it’s desired. Her writing currently lends itself to more of a heartfelt, country/Americana feel. But she has plenty of variety in her sets to please all types of audiences, and she regularly receives praise about her song selection.
Leigh’s vocal influences (whom she calls her 'teachers', as she honed her craft and taught herself to sing by listening to these artists) include Bonnie Raitt, Patty Griffin, Trisha Yearwood, the Wreckers, Aretha Franklin, Patsy Cline, Etta James, Ruthie Foster, Bekka Bramlett, Reba McIntire, Joss Stone, the Dixie Chicks, Susan Tedeschi, Shania Twain, Adele, Lady Gaga, the Judds, Martina McBride, Norah Jones and Paul Thorn among many, many others.......
Her desire to express herself creatively and to always have an outlet for her emotions is what drives her to keep pursuing a career in music. She has no doubt that music is her life’s calling. On a stage, in the studio, or even in a living room making music is where her heart most wants to be. Leigh believes that to be able to devote a lifetime to doing what she loves is one of the greatest gifts of all! She craves collaboration with other equally passionate and talented writers, musicians, artists, producers and creators. Without it, her world feels incomplete. When it comes to following the fire ablaze in her heart, there are no limits!