THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 11, 1994 TAG: 9409090282
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
``I was raised in music,'' said Doris Leigh.
She remembers that there was always music around when she was growing up. Her dad had a 12-piece orchestra. Her brother played the piano and organ. Leigh herself took voice and dance lessons.
``I sang and danced at little clubs, and as I got older I sang at larger places,'' she said.
Her blues performances included the Gates Theater on High Street in Portsmouth and the Colonial Theater, which is now Wells Theater in Norfolk.
``I piddled with the piano, but could not play very well,'' she said. So at 49 she made up her mind to polish her keyboard skills.
``While I was taking lessons, a group of musicians started getting together for our own amusement. We had fun practicing.''
Soon, the group, which called itself the Doris Leigh Combo, was invited to play at an event. Soon there were other invitations. In time, they were even paid for their appearances.
``We thought we were pretty good,'' she said.
The musicians came from varied professions. There was a stockbroker, an Internal Revenue Service agent, a government worker, the owner of a cleaning establishment and the proprietor of a hot dog stand.
``We stayed together for seven or eight years,'' she said. ``We all got along so well, and we had some wonderful times.''
Lately, Leigh has been content to stay at home and work in her flower garden.
Full name: Doris S. Leigh
Birthdate: ``Nov. 9, 1919. I don't feel it though. I still play golf and do my thing.''
Grew up: ``I was born and raised in Portsmouth.''
Childhood memories: ``I had such a wonderful family and such a wonderful life. I bowled. I took dancing lessons.''
Children: One son, J.P. Leigh III
Hobbies: ``I used to bowl. I'm in the Virginia State Hall of Fame and the National Duckpin Bowling Hall of Fame. And flowers. I planted 300 begonias and impatiens. It took me five days. In July my yard was chosen yard of the month. I was so excited. I just like to do everything. I adore sports. I love to watch football, tennis and baseball. I'm mad at the baseball people for striking.''
Last book read: `` `Gone With the Wind' and I followed it up with `Scarlet.' ''
Favorite song: ``I have so many. One I used to sing a lot was `Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home.' `Stars Fell on Alabama'' was a favorite to me and my husband.''
Favorite movie: ``I don't really have a favorite. You have to pick and chose your movies. I just go to have something to do.''
Pets: A cockateel
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``There are so many. I'd like to be a better Christian. I try. And I'd like to have better health. That's the most important thing in the world.''
Greatest accomplishment: ``When I had my son.''
Favorite TV program: ``I like the news, `20/20,' `Prime Time' and `60 Minutes.' ''
Biggest problem facing Chesapeake: ``I think the biggest problem facing our whole country is education. We've got to get this country back to where it used to be. Youth is the future of our country. We need them.''
Favorite way to spend a day: ``Playing a little golf at Elizabeth Manor Country Club.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
Doris Leigh, who will turn 75 in November, enjoys playing golf and
working in her flower garden.
by CNB