Legacy—the dream and pursuit of it is a common thread that connects many people. So much of our being longs to build something great, to leave something unique for the world to remember us by. Whether we write profound philosophies, rise as politicians or simply spend time with children and grandchildren, we put forth effort in building something great, for now, and hopefully, for the future.

Charles and Evans Davis are no different.

“We moved to Nashville to pursue a professional career of a long over-due songwriters dream,” Charles began. “We had been plucking away on guitars and singing cover tunes until we were introduced to the FloraBama’s Frank Brown Songwriters Festival in the early 90s.”

“After meeting such accomplished songwriters as Rock Killough, Sony Throckmorton and the legendary Mickey Newberry, we were told, ‘until you lose your jobs, your marriage and your home, don’t take songwriting too seriously, and furthermore, don’t move to Nashville!’”

Within two years, all three had inconveniently fallen into place, he said, and with the move to Nashville and all past life left behind, they named themselves The Leavin’ Brothers.

“We left it all, and with only a car full of clothes, guitars, dreams and a pocket full of potential one-liners they set up shop on 16th Avenue in a one-room, $600 garage apartment and commenced writing our own material,” he recalled. “After only one year, we had formed a group of fellow musicians who loved our original ‘take on life’ original tunes, and the next thing Nashville knew, the band was born.”

And the gamble paid off.

“With a six-piece band, we were soon opening shows for Clay Walker, Sawyer Brown and Alan Jackson,” he said. “We signed a publishing deal with HoriPro Entertainment, managed by songwriter Ashe Underwood, and fell into the ring with the future hit group, Montgomery/Gentry and continue, to this day, opening for Nashville Recording Artists such as 2011 Country Male Vocalist, Blake Shelton.”

Charles explained that they kept on keeping on, by staying true to their sounds and their roots.

“After all was said and done, we had produced three albums, working with RCA, Sony and several Indy Labels, only to find our music would be on the shelves until a later date. The later date kept coming later, and later until we found ourselves back in Point Clear, Ala., picking songs with a newly-formed Leavin’ Brothers Band.

“Our songs still reflect who we have always been, Gulf Grass mixed with a little Country and Rock-N-Roll with such songs as ‘Loretta Lou Ann’ and ‘Here Comes The Farm.’ There were a few ballads, but certainly better known as a band with a fan base that was ready to party and release their inner inhibitions as workin’ folk that just clocked out and were ready for a Bud.”

The brothers have built a band that the average man can enjoy, and one that encompasses the talents of driven men. They have put together a sound by creating energy and passion within the group.

“Throughout our careers as musicians and songwriters, the most important thing was not to have just back up players, but guys who dug the show, as you see each time they continue to perform,” he explained. “It’s not just the front men but the whole band, which makes up The Leavin Brothers to this day.”

“Catch a show--it’s the same infusion of a party band as it was the day it was created. We laugh together, drink together and foremost, play together with an inner action from the crowd that creates the whole. The eclectic energy is amazing!”

The brothers found their niche in the world of music and encouraged other members to do the same.

“Evans was always a rhythm guitar player due to the band’s success, as you could pick and choose much greater lead guitar players living on Music Row,” Charles explained. “Seeing that Evans was one of the two, front men or lead singers, it gave him the room to concentrate on his vocals.”

“After moving back home to Alabama, he pursued the lead guitar role with great success to this day.”

In speaking of his own path, Charles said that he, “on the other hand, I never took off on the guitar for my main instrument as there were too many other great guitar strummers in the band. Because I was and continue to be the front man of the band as well, I took up a Mandolin, as no one else played such an instrument.”

He said, “It gives me freedom to express myself as a vocalist and I can always swing it to my side when I’m ready to grab the mic and tell the folks what I really think.”

He said that relationship building creates fusion in each person’s music and in the band as a whole.

“We are all true friends and family; the group, now in Fairhope, Ala., consists of long-time Nashville drummer and member, Craig Riches who even comes to all the Davis family gatherings and enjoys his own life as a very successful copper sculpture artisan here in Baldwin County,” he said. “Doctor David Trice, a local in the Fairhope community and a Cardiologists at Thomas Hospital, has been with the group as the bassists and back up vocalist for the last 12 years.”

“The newest addition to The Leavin’ Brothers, is Brian Britt, who has freed up Evans to perfect his lead guitar riffs. Brian sings back-up vocals and several, lead roles as well, and with his talent creates a wonderful foundation for the band. Brian is a lawyer here in Fairhope.”

Charles and Evans continue in their hope of building the Gulf Coast music scene and in giving up-and-coming musicians a chance to be heard.

They created a local, songwriters’ festival eight years ago, and will hold the event again this year. The 8th Annual Lower Alabama Songwriters’ Festival will be Sept. 13-15 at Fairhope’s American Legion. Post 199 is located at 700 S. Mobile St.; and proceeds will benefit The Haven Adoption Guarantee Animal Shelter.

Presently, more than 30 original songwriters are scheduled to appear, in addition to vendor exhibits, food and other activities throughout the event. Admission is $15 per day. For more, call 928-9132.