He grew up in Newington, Connecticut and began performing in bands at the age of 11, initially covering artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin.

During his adolescence he developed an interest in jazz through musicians such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter.

He studied music at The Hartt School, the performing arts conservatory of the University of Hartford, under jazz saxophonist Jackie McLean.

It was during this time that he began going to Lexington, Massachusetts weekly for lessons with the great drum teacher, Alan Dawson.

[4] Other artists that Leone has recorded and performed with include Anders Osborne, Shooter Jennings, Rickie Lee Jones, Donald Fagen, Phoebe Snow, Garth Hudson, David Bromberg, Keb' Mo', Chip Taylor, Jim White, Marshall Crenshaw, Jimmy Vivino, Steve Earle, Allison Moorer, Bruce Springsteen and The Allman Brothers Band.