Leas Campbell Dies

Leas Campbell, 70, one of the veteran names of concert promotion, died of pneumonia in Miami May 25.

Campbell is well-associated with Florida promotion, but his career, which spans 40 years, once elevated his name to the likes of Bill Graham and Jerry Weintraub as one of the top promoters of the ’70s.

Campbell began his career by promoting shows in the Coconut Grove section of Miami, then produced shows in Florida and the southeastern U.S. before becoming a joint venture partner in Concerts West.

The Miami Herald dubbed him “The King of Rock and Roll” and he promoted acts from Led Zeppelin, Elvis Presley and The Rolling Stones to Sugar Ray and Green Day.

He retired in 1982 but returned in 1993, touring The Moody Blues and Andrea Bocelli.

He also helped promote the Ali-Foreman “Rumble in the Jungle” fight and the Frazier-Ali “Thrilla in Manila.” He also toured “The Odd Couple” starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman.