NOTES FOR LEON BERRY VOLUME 2
Leon Berry, the most celebrated skating organist of all time, was born in Selma, Alabama. Upon graduation from High School, his uncle treated him to a round trip ticked to Chicago. Leon never used the return trip, staying to apprentice for Kimball Pipe Organ Co. and graduating from Chicago Conservatory as a trained classical organist. His career began when a local rink purchased a Hammond Electric Organ and the dealership recommended Leon as their organist.
Leon's first recording was a 78 RPM record of Misirlou and The Sorcerer Tango, to be sold at the Hub Roller Rink as a souvenir. Local DJ's gave Misirlou a lot of air play, and the song gained popularity. Radio industry power brokers convinced Leon that the record needed the promotional push of a major label. A healthy Cash advance and a New Pontiac convinced Leon to go with Dot Recording company. Dot released the record under their label and it hit number six on Billboards Top 10. Dot released additional tunes several year