The latest episode of Legends of the Mural: Off the Wall Interviews brings another powerful Brownsville music story to life.

In this episode, MVAA CEO Mark Smith sits down with Danny Leone, one of the musicians featured on the Brownsville Musical Legends mural at the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center. Their conversation is full of music, memories, humor, and local history.

Danny talks about growing up in the Brownsville area, learning music as a young person, playing with local bands, traveling to Maine, Reno, and California, and building a life in music. He also shares stories about fellow Mon Valley musicians, including Jerry Leone, Sam Bill, Jerry Komposky, Ralph Bill, Chuck Suba, John Gresh, and many others whose influence continues to shape the region’s musical legacy.

One of the strongest themes in the episode is the importance of getting young musicians out of the practice room and into real playing experiences. Danny and Mark reflect on how much they learned by playing weddings, polka gigs, jazz sets, club dates, and pickup jobs with other musicians.

That same spirit is at the heart of Mon Valley Academy for the Arts today.

Through private lessons, student ensembles, performance opportunities, and programs like EARS and Listen Up, MVAA continues to help young people experience the power of music, mentorship, and community.

The Brownsville Musical Legends mural reminds us that extraordinary talent has always come from this region. This podcast series helps preserve those stories and pass them on to the next generation.

Watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/R48BdSAw1Lg?si=gq0EjksPwG5d8mAm