About Leo Nocentelli

Leo Nocentelli, born on June 15, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is an American musician and songwriter best known as a founding member and lead guitarist of the legendary funk band the Meters. Growing up in New Orleans, he began playing guitar at age twelve and gave his first professional performance at thirteen. By fourteen, he was already backing prominent artists including Otis Redding and Clyde McPhatter. As a primary songwriter for the Meters, he wrote funk classics such as "Cissy Strut," "Hey Pocky A-Way," and "People Say." As a session musician, he has recorded with Dr. John, Robert Palmer, and Etta James, among others. In 2018, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as a member of the Meters. He also recorded a solo album, Another Side, in 1971, which remained unreleased until 2021.