J. Leggio has a musical background going back to piano lessons at age 8. Steeped in the classics, he studied classical organ in his early teens, sometimes acting as substitute organist at the venerable Sacred Heart Cathedral in Dallas, Texas. All this might have been more than enough, had it not been for the deep affection for big band standards and swing music his father and mother had instilled in him. After studying and working in stagecraft at Richland College,  J. became a regular member and assistant director for the Red Wind Community Arts Theater in Dallas. In 1978 he co-produced the first Dallas stage production of “THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW” at the Dallas Convention Center. In 1979, he turned in a critically acclaimed performance as “Longshoe Murphy” in Miguel Pinero’s play “SHORT EYES”, while performing in Shakespeare’s “MERCHANT OF VENICE” that same season.
 
Completing a stint as a graphic artist from 1980 to 1982 (plus technical director of the State Fair Of Texas attraction “Haunted Lavin Manor”), J.W. decided to combine his two loves - theater and music - and founded THE BRIEFCASE BLUES BAND in the summer of 1983. J.W. has also appeared in numerous television commercials & corporate films, as well as character-voice work for radio.