Leo Nocentelli

# Leo Nocentelli

Leo Nocentelli is an American guitarist and founding member of the Meters, the New Orleans funk pioneers whose rhythmic innovations fundamentally shaped electronic and dance music. As the architect of seminal funk compositions like "Cissy Strut" and "Hey Pocky A-Way," Nocentelli's syncopated guitar work and groove-oriented approach became foundational to modern dance music production, influencing generations of electronic producers and DJs who sampled and reinterpreted the Meters' catalog.

Beyond his work with the Meters, Nocentelli's session guitar contributions have enriched recordings across multiple genres, demonstrating his versatility and deep understanding of rhythm and groove. His legacy as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient underscores his pivotal role in developing the funk aesthetic that remains central to contemporary dance music culture and production.