biography
When your name is followed by "III" it's a sure bet that you've got a legacy to be proud of. For Leland Harding III, that legacy is music. Now, after years of recording and engineering for some of the most talented, up and coming artists in the Midwest, Leland Harding has taken his singing, songwriting and musicianship to the other side of the microphone and is gearing up to bring you his debut album, "Turn To Me". The traditional country sounds of "Turn To Me" will take you back to a time when George Jones, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Marty Robbins ruled the radio and remind you why you love country music. Leland Harding III is a singer, songwriter and musician from Watertown, SD. Even as a young boy, his interest in music was evident and his gift of singing and playing the drums came naturally. As soon as he learned his first two chords on the guitar he received at age 16, he discovered his love of songwriting, too. As a teenager, those first chords spawned rock songs and fueled his interest in all genres of music. But it was the pivotal year 1999 when Leland had the exciting opportunity to showcase his music at the famed Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, that his country roots took hold and he found his renewed passion for traditional country. Leland Harding III has more than a name to live up to, there's also a musical legacy. Music was always part of the Harding household. In fact, his parents met "on the road" when their musical tours crossed paths. His father, Leland (Skip) Harding II, toured as guitarist and steel guitarist with the famed, "Harold White Show" throughout the 70's. Leland's mother Rita was a recording artist with Tennessee Records. In the 80's his family formed the group, "The River Oaks Band" which toured throughout the Midwest until the band's retirement in 1985. In addition to singing, playing and songwriting, Leland is also an independent record producer and engineer. As the proprietor of Gopher Studios in Watertown, SD, Leland has had the opportunity to work with a myriad of talented bands and individual artists who appreciate his perspective as an artist as well as a "techie". His success with the production of other artists inspired him to take the leap and move to the other side of the microphone. Leland's debut album of original songs and tracks co-written with recording artist, CC Hagen, is schedule for release this fall. Leland's goal for the album, "Turn To Me", is a fresh new sound with traditional country flair that's reminiscent of the melodies that made you fall in love with country music. Leland currently resides in Watertown, SD.