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Dr. Leo Casino

About Me

Mr. Casino has been in show business for the past 30 years. His musical training, beginning at the early age of nine, included work with such musical giants as Stanley Turrentine, Sy Morocco and George Benson in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He received a full scholarship to the prestigious Howard University in Washington, D. C.

The first Jazz Major in the United States, he studied under Donald Byrd and the great Quincy Jones.

During his 30-year career, Leo has played with the likes of:

• Dr. Lonnie Smith • George Benson, • Earth, Wind & Fire • Timmy Thomas • Neil Diamond • Mitch Ryder • James Brown • Wilson Pickett • Eddie Floyd • Jimi Hendrix • Spider Martin • Jack McDuff • Carla Thomas • Benny Latimore • Roberta Flack • Donnie Hathaway • Shirley Scott • Diamond Tooth Mary • David Keith • Don Johnson • Jaco Pastorius • Neville Brothers • Bobbie Keys • Robert Cray Band • Meatloaf • Viola Wells • Donna Summer • Gloria Gaynor • Grace Jones • Bob Marley and • Peter Tosh



Mr. Casino has written and acted in numerous plays and musicals. Among the plays are “I am Innocent” performed in February 1990 and “Odyssey” performed in September 1991.

His musical credits include “Land My Father Died” produced in December 1985 and “Funk Opera” in November 1995.

Among his film credits are “Forsythe County” May 1989, “Soweto” June 1988, “East Of Overtown” in progress.

Leo can also be seen in the 1987 German Film “Otto” and in a 1986 episode of “Miami Vice” as Slick.

He has played at numerous benefits and public events such as the White House Party, American Cancer Society, President Nixon's Inauguration in 1968, Orthopedic March and Soul Explosion (a benefit for the homeless).

Mr. Casino has lectured on race relations in Miami at Colleges and Universities around the country including UCLA, Harvard Law School, University of Chicago and Moorehouse College. He is the holder of an honorary Doctorate Degree from Mallory College.

Leo continues to perform as a jazz musician with the “Florida Players. He is also working on his latest documentary film project “Brothers” the story of his chance reunification in May of 1996 with his younger brother Reginald Harris, whom he had not seen or heard from in over thirty years.

Mr. Casino's latest CD, “Better Days” is dedicated to those that lost their lives on 9-11-01 and their Families and Loved Ones.

Leo Casino is under the management of Roy Harris from Jazzii Entertainment & Productions, Corp., Memphis, TN.