Leo Frazier

Leo Herbert Frazier was born November 3, 1933 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  He passed away peacefully on December 24, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.  Mr. Frazier grew up in New Orleans.  His father Josiah “Cie” Frazier was the original drummer for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.  As a young choir boy Leo soloed at Corpus Christi Church.  He worked at a music store as a teenager and fell in love with classical music.  Mr. Frazier graduated from Clark High School in 1952.  Sister Elise, a teacher and mentor, helped him get a music scholarship to Xavier University, New Orleans.  Leo studied opera and music education at Xavier and graduated in 1956.  He was subsequently honored by Xavier as a distinguished alumnus.

Shortly after beginning his teaching career, Mr. Frazier was drafted into the U.S. Army.  He served as a Chaplain’s Assistant at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs.  The Army quickly recognized his talent and had him singing and directing choirs as part of their public relations efforts.  Upon separating from the Army, Leo moved to Los Angeles and sang with the Jester Hairston Singers.  They made recordings but were banned from performing on television due to their race.

In the early ‘60s Mr. Frazier returned to Colorado and settled in Denver.  This began a musical career that spanned over 50 years.  He taught music and directed choir at Cole Jr. High and Hill Jr. High.  Leo directed the Colorado Children’s Choir for several years.  He pursued a graduate degree at Colorado State College where he was featured as a tenor soloist.  Throughout the years Mr. Frazier taught at collegiate institutions including Arapahoe Community College, Regis, and Community College of Denver.

Leo Frazier served as choir director at many churches, to name a few: Notre Dame, Loyola, Blessed Sacrament, Park Hill Congregational, Washington Park United Church of Christ, Most Precious Blood, St. Thomas Moore, and Mt. Carmel.  He soloed at places of worship for many faiths, including Temple Micah, Temple Emmanuel, and Sixth Church of Christ Scientist.  Leo also recorded an album with the Shorter AME Church Choir.

Mr. Frazier sang for the inaugurations of Denver Mayors Currigan and McNichols as well as Colorado Governors Love and Lamb.  He performed in programs for Senator Edward Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Leo hosted a public affairs television program on channel 2 called Black and White Keys.  He also appeared on the 9 File on channel 9.

Among Leo’s favorite performances were singing at Mario’s Restaurant Downtown in the 1970’s.  He liked to do Pops Concerts with his church choirs.  He appeared with the Dave Brubeck Quartet and sang with the Olinger Quartet for years.  Leo enjoyed caroling with groups at St. Joseph’s Hospital during the holidays.  He uplifted and comforted many families with his singing for weddings and funerals.

Mr. Frazier was preceded in death by his parents Josiah Frazier and Eugenia Benoit Frazier, sisters Margaret Isaac, Bernice Johnson, and brother Josiah Frazier Jr.   He is survived by his daughters Elise, Cara, Sarah, and Jessica, and son John, as well as his brothers Donald Frazier and Leonard Frazier. Leo has two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Leo Frazier led an amazing life.  He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

The family is requesting, for those who are able and willing, to please consider a donation in Leo's memory to Xavier University, New Orleans.