Born in San Francisco, California on January 1, 1947, Leon Patillo is truly a musical pioneer turned legend. A favorite across all age groups and ethnic boundaries, Leon offers the ‘whole enchilada’ in the way he dances, sings and preaches. When one hears the exciting praise and worship which fill his concerts, it is hard to believe he once sang with Carlos Santana.
The late 1960s witnessed the birth of Patillo’s musical career. Beginning with a group called ‘Creation’, it was later renamed “Leon’s Creation”. Atlantic Records signed the ‘funk’ group, pattering themselves along the line of Sly & the Family Stone. In addition to working with Creation, Patillo lent his talents to the likes of Martha & the Vandellas, prior to joining Santana. His career with Santana ended in 1979 when he went solo with Word Records.
Word Records released his first album, Dance Children Dance. Since then, his collection of releases include such titles as J-E-S-U-S, Cornerstone, The Sky is the Limit, and a special wedding favorite – Flesh of My Flesh.
During the 1980s, Patillo released a number of popular albums and had his own television show entitled Leon & Friends on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). By 1990, he founded his own record label, Positive Pop.
In 1995, Leon was featured in a docudrama produced by Warren Chaney entitled America: A Call to Greatness.
Over the past 10 years, Leon has traveled with the Get Motivated Seminars. Here he shares the stage with such noted speakers as Zig Ziglar, Colin Powell and Mayor Giuliani. He also travels the country on his own ministering in different churches and doing concerts. With his music, he proclaims a special message entitled You Can Begin Again. This message serves as a powerful reminder to those who seem down on their luck in restoring hope and encouragement to their lives and relationships.
After retiring from the pulpit of Rock House Church, located on the historic ship Queen Mary in 2009, Leon has returned to taking his ministry on the road in the form of seminars and song.
"Man, let me tell you, it's been an incredible ride! The Lord is good and He's been using all the experiences I've had in music to help me become a more effective speaker. A lot of times people want to hear stories from the old days, and that's allowed me to open up my heart and prepare a place for them to hear my message." Leon Patillo
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