Leslie West (born Leslie Weinstein; October 22, 1945 – December 23, 2020) was an American rock guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter best known as a founding member of the hard rock band Mountain, which was formed in 1969. West's career began in the 1960s with The Vagrants, a Long Island-based group with a soulful R&B bent. However, it was his heavy, richly toned guitar work and impassioned vocals with Mountain, particularly on the classic track "Mississippi Queen," that solidified his place in rock history.
Throughout his over-five-decade career, West released numerous solo albums showcasing his rugged, blues-inflected guitar playing and raw vocal style. Albums such as "Soundcheck" (2015) and "Still Climbing" (2013) reflect his unwavering commitment to his craft late into his career. Beyond Mountain, West collaborated with a variety of musicians, and his 2011 album "Unusual Suspects" features iconic guitarists including Slash, Zakk Wylde, and Joe Bonamassa. Leslie West's influence is evident in the legions of guitarists who credit his playing as an inspiration, and his indelible mark on rock and blues music continues to be honored, as seen in the posthumous tribute release "Legacy: A Tribute to Leslie West".
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