The Life and Legacy of Leslie West, Mountain’s Towering Voice and Guitar
Leslie West, the unmistakable voice and guitar force behind the hard rock band Mountain, remains one of the most influential figures to emerge from the heavy blues rock movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Born Leslie Abel Weinstein on October 22, 1945, in Queens, New York, West grew up immersed in the cultural diversity of mid century urban America, an environment that quietly shaped his musical instincts.
His life changed after watching Elvis Presley on television, a moment that ignited a lifelong devotion to rock and roll. Music soon became both refuge and purpose, particularly during difficult family circumstances. As a teenager, he adopted the surname West, signaling the beginning of a carefully forged artistic identity.
West first gained recognition with the Vagrants, a New York based garage rock band known for their raw energy and spirited covers of soul and R and B material. Although national success remained out of reach, the band earned a strong local following and helped sharpen West’s fiery guitar style.
The defining chapter of his career began in 1969 when he partnered with producer and bassist Felix Pappalardi to form Mountain. Their appearance at Woodstock introduced them to a massive audience, and the release of Climbing! in 1970 cemented West’s place in rock history. “Mississippi Queen” became a signature anthem, its massive riff and commanding vocal delivery turning it into one of the most recognizable hard rock recordings of its era.
Mountain’s subsequent releases, including Nantucket Sleighride, Flowers of Evil, and the live album Twin Peaks, expanded the band’s reputation for power, volume, and emotional weight. After the original lineup disbanded in 1972, West continued his creative journey through the supergroup West, Bruce and Laing and a long running solo career that reflected his deep blues roots.
Despite battling addiction and serious health issues later in life, including diabetes and the amputation of his right leg, West never retreated from music. He continued to record, perform, and collaborate with artists across generations, often appearing on major platforms and performing even from a wheelchair.
Leslie West passed away on December 23, 2020, at the age of 75. His legacy endures not only through iconic recordings like “Mississippi Queen,” but through the unmistakable tone, resilience, and passion that defined his life. In sound and spirit, Leslie West remains larger than life.