Dr. Prof. Leonard King prefers to describe his performances as “the music of my ancestors”. When he began gigging professionally in 1960, at age 12, he knew he wanted to cultivate an ensemble that could play blues, rhythm ‘n’ blues, Cuban music, jazz, and more. Beginning with Leonard King and the Soul Messengers in 1963 and continuing with the Lyman Woodard Organization, Strata Nova, and the Visger Road Drum Band, Oopapada is everywhere musically speaking.
From 1995 to 2015 the group existed as an organ trio. Currently it is a quintet and on this engagement will feature John Douglas-trumpet, Alex Colista-saxophones, Matt Lorusso-guitar, Sam Harris-bass, and Dr. Prof. Leonard King-drums & vocals.