Where does one even begin to try to make a profile of a person like Leigh Maples, and do it justice? Leigh, along with P, is co-owner, co-founder, and co-visionary of this place we all call home. If peace were loud, rather than something still and sacred, Leigh would exude it. A room changes when she enters. Everything feels safer and items and objects look like they are all settled and where they belong. I don’t think there are many people like Leigh, whose integrity is so humble and yet so consistent, and thus powerful. She’s a hell of a bass player, and it shows in every area of her personality.

I was so excited to get to feature her in today’s installment of Faces of Fanny’s, and to learn a little bit more about her background, what drives her, and her perspective on all things Fanny’s and community. Enjoy!

(If you haven’t read our post Fanny’s — The Quiet Revolution, I recommend starting there first!)

Photo: East Nashvillian

What was your first musical memory?

Hmmm,  my sisters and I gathered at our piano… oldest sister playing piano (one of the best pianists I know), me playing uke and my middle sister singing, and later playing guitar…Well, we all were singing. I think it may have been supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. We were always gathering at the piano…and sang in church a lot too. 

Your first instrument is bass, right? What drew you to that instrument?

Actually, uke was first, then piano, acoustic guitar… and then bass. Our “stage band” in high school needed a bass player, so the band director asked if I would play the bass parts on the keyboard/synth since I could read the lines. Then he gave me his bass, and asked….”you play guitar too? Here, play my bass.” I never put it down after that, and soon got my first bass, a 1977 Fender Musicmaster (yep, it was new then!)

     

Wow! What a journey to bass! Speaking of basses, what is your favorite bass brand, model or maker?

That’s a tough one. Depends on the style of music.  My go-to for jazzy/funky/fusion is a boutique bass that I can’t name the maker. I’ve had it since the 90’s. They still use women as objects (for instance a bikini in front of stacks of speakers,etc) to sell their equipment — so I don’t support them.  For heavy rock, I like a 58 Fender P. I love a Goya Panther Hollowbody for good smooth flat wound sounds. The common thing in terms of playability are thinner necks which helps my hands. 

In what ways has Fanny’s changed over the years? And in what ways has it stayed consistent?

I think we’ve learned ways, (and keep learning)to be more intentional in making a comfortable, inclusive environment for anyone who comes in our doors. No matter the gender, race,  recreational or professional musician.  My hope is that we’ve stayed consistent in showing…or helping people see how awesome their own “specialness”is. 

Who was your hero when you were a teenager?

I’d have to say my mom. And maybe the bionic woman! 

    

There is no doubt that Fanny’s is a Nashville institution. We see so many organizations, young musicians, bands coming out of the space you and P have created. What do you hope its lasting legacy will look like?

I hope that folks will continue to remember how powerful music is — and that learning an instrument, be it playing in a band with others, or playing on your front porch — is really food for the soul. It’s healing, empowering, and life-changing. 

What would it have meant for you to have a Fanny’s when you were a kid?

Wow — I think I would’ve found my voice much earlier.  I would have been more confident in my own opinions and musicality — especially in a band situation where I was usually the only girl player. 

As a founder and employer, what are some of your values? How do you want the Fanny’s team to feel at work?

Compassion, love, making people feel they are special.  I want everyone on our team to know that each one is an important part of our mission.  I want them to feel confident, safe and appreciated.

 

To visit Fanny’s online store, visit: https://fannys-house-of-music.myshopify.com/

To learn more about how you can support Fanny’s in fostering a safe, multi-generational arts space, visit https://www.fannysschoolofmusic.org

Blog by Georgia English  / a Nashville-based musician, writer, illustrator, and educator.