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Musician Leon 'Zach' Zachery dies at 85

Leon "Zach" Zachery, alto saxophonist and member of Philadelphia International Records' house band who played important venues all over the country, from Jimmy Carter's White House to Carnegie Hall, died Feb. 25 at age 85.

Leon "Zach" Zachery, alto saxophonist and member of Philadelphia International Records' house band who played important venues all over the country, from Jimmy Carter's White House to Carnegie Hall, died Feb. 25 at age 85.

Kenneth Gamble, who with Leon Huff, founded International Records, said, "Zach Zachery was a very instrumental piece to MFSB [Mother Father Sister Brother]. I worked with him for over 30 years and his saxophone interpretations were a signature sound for the 'Sound of Philadelphia.' He played a great role in that."

The MFSB Orchestra was responsible for such hits as "Love Is the Message" and "T.S.O.P." the theme song for the TV show "Soul Train."

Zachery, also a composer, arranger and teacher, played lead alto with Lionel Hampton and the Mercer Ellington Orchestra, and also played with Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., Patti LaBelle and Teddy Pendergrass among others.

Services: 1 p.m. tomorrow at St. Joseph's Pro Cathedral Church, 2907 Federal St., Camden. Friends may call at noon. *

- John F. Morrison