Joey Leal

Toledo, early 1960s

Joey Leal was a record store owner, DJ,  and singer, probably in that order of priority. He was from Toledo and recorded a couple 45s in the 'teener' style. 

His first 45 "Pretty Little Girl" was a local hit, recorded for Midnight records. The Midnight label was owned, or at least produced, by Johnny Gibson. Gibson and some other local musicians backed Joey. The record was picked up for national release by Cub records, it was reviewed in Cashbox. The songs were written by Bob Szilagy, a Detroiter who ran a record distribution business, according to info from Cashbox.

A few months later Joey had a second 45 on MIdnight. On the song "You're Breaking My Heart" he is co-credited with the Topics. According to the booklet "Toledo Rock N' Roll" the Topics were Richard Leal, Clarence Johnson, Fred Abbott, and James Abbott. 

While these records were happening, Joey was a DJ on WTOD, he did a bunch of live appearance at Rainbow Acres Roller Rink in Fremont.

His best remembered contribution was Joey's Record Mart, a store he ran during the 1960s. A 2008 interview with him in the Toledo Blade says the store was open for about 10 years. It was located downtown in a theatre building. The store was open up to 1971, we don't know the exact dates.

Discography:
Pretty Little Girl / The Girl With The Curl - Midnight 100 / Cub 9114,  Aug 1962 (Cub release)
Here Comes The Girl / You're Breaking My Heart - Midnight 101, 1963