Greg Leisz

Greg Leisz is an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist whose remarkable career has been shaped by a lifelong curiosity about music and a deep appreciation for the role of collaboration. Raised in Fullerton, California, Greg was surrounded by music from an early age. His mother was an opera singer, and his musical horizons expanded further through the sounds he discovered on his transistor radio during the folk music boom of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as the surf music that was flourishing in Southern California. Encouraged by his parents, Greg began playing guitar and soon immersed himself in the local music scene. Although he did not fully realize it at the time, he grew up just a short distance from Fender, one of the world’s most influential instrument makers. He and his friends would occasionally visit the factory to purchase guitar parts, while lessons at Fullerton Music and careful saving eventually allowed him to purchase his own Fender electric guitar. Eager to play with others, Greg learned additional instruments whenever opportunities arose, even taking up bass simply because a band he hoped to join needed one. During this period he discovered the lap steel and pedal steel guitars, instruments that would become central to his musical identity. Throughout his career, Greg has become highly respected for the artistry, versatility, and musical sensitivity he brings to recordings and live performances. During his NAMM Oral History interview, he reflected on the craft of serving in a supportive role as a studio musician and shared lessons learned while performing with artists including Joni Mitchell, John Stewart, k.d. lang, and Bob Dylan. He spoke with fervent admiration for the musicians who inspired him as a young player, recalling how he would listen repeatedly to records, trying to decipher and emulate their licks and techniques. Today, he finds it both humbling and rewarding to know that young musicians are now studying and learning from his own recordings in much the same way. Greg also expressed appreciation for the camaraderie found within the music community and for the preservation of its history. Having watched several interviews from the NAMM Oral History collection, including one with The Ventures co-founder Don Wilson, he was inspired to reminisce about his own experiences getting to know members of The Ventures and recording with the legendary group. His reflections offer a thoughtful reminder of the connections, influences, and shared musical heritage that continue to inspire generations of musicians.