AWARD WINNING AUTHOR, GRAMMY NOMINATED MUSIC PRODUCER, SONGWRITER, PUBLISHER, ENTREPRENEUR, PHILANTHROPIST
Leonard I. Eckhaus
Leonard was born in the Bronx, New York, and grew up in Newburgh, New York, in an essentially middle-class family.
His first career was in the world of computers. He is the founder of AFCOM (1980), the leading association in the world for Data Center Managers. Through AFCOM Eckhaus represented over 4000 of the world’s largest data centers worldwide.
He also established and presided over The Data Center Institute, a think tank of leading computer industry corporate and data center visionaries; and he created, produced and published DCM, an award-winning magazine about managing large-scale computer centers. His comments and information about the growth and impact of Data Centers have appeared in such major publications as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, the Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, Bloomberg News and others.
After retiring from the computer field, he turned his attention to writing books and music, starting with his memoirs: “My Journey: (Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way), the Memoirs of Leonard I. Eckhaus”. UK Talk Radio named this book number four on their top 10 “must-read” books for 2021.
Today, Leonard I. Eckhaus is an acclaimed figure in children’s literature and music, bringing enchantment and joy to young hearts worldwide. With a background rich in accolades, including a Grammy-nominated album and international songwriting recognition, Leonard’s music and storytelling captivate audiences of all ages. It is his passion for creating magical experiences for young minds that truly defines his artistic journey.
Leonard’s debut children’s book, “Grinza’s Orchard: An Enchanted Tale,” soared to Amazon’s number 1 bestseller status across six categories. His subsequent works, “If I Were a Pony” and “Dare to Imagine,” have garnered international acclaim, earning numerous awards and accolades, including recognition as Creative Child Magazine’s 2021 Children’s Book of the Year.
In the realm of music, Leonard’s ventures have been equally illustrious. Co-founding LL Music, a production company and record label, his first album received two Grammy nominations. His contributions to children’s music have earned him accolades in prestigious competitions such as the International Songwriting Competition and even at International Film Festivals. His animated music video of the song “If I Were a Pony” has received awards at over 170 International Film Festivals worldwide including festivals in London, Paris, Brussels, New York City, Los Angeles, St. Petersburg, Cairo, and many more.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Leonard is deeply committed to philanthropy and community engagement. He has served on the Boards of esteemed cultural institutions like the Nevada Ballet Theater and the Las Vegas Philharmonic, showcasing his dedication to the arts. Alongside his wife Linda, Leonard is a generous patron of the performing arts, supporting institutions such as the Smith Center for the Performing Arts and the Las Vegas Opera.
Book Awards
Creative Child Magazine’s Book of the Year – 2021
2021 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner in the Children Concept genre
2021 Maincrest Media Book Award Winner for Children’s Books
2021 San Francisco Book Festival – Finalist – Best Children’s Book
2021 Hollywood Book Festival – Finalist – Best Children’s Book
2021 New York Book Festival – Finalist – Best Children’s Book
2021 Los Angeles Book Festival – Honorable Mention – Best Children’s Book
2021 Paris Book Festival—Honorable Mention – Best Children’s Book
The UK Talk Radio – Number 4 on their Top Ten ‘Must Read’ Books for 2021
(3) Readers Favorite Five Star Awards
(3) Mom’s Choice Awards for Excellence in Children’s Books
(2) Book Excellence Awards
Music Awards
His song, In Your Arms Forever, charted on UK Radio in its first week on the air and has received over 50,000 views on YouTube.
A children’s song he wrote called Let’s Be Silly, along with another called Johnny Garbage reached the Finals in the 2023 International Songwriting Competition (ISC), the largest songwriting competition in the world with over 14,000 entrants.
And, his most recent children’s song, If I Were a Pony, has received over 25,000 views on YouTube.
Video Awards
His animated music video of the song “If I Were a Pony” has received awards at over 170 International Film Festivals worldwide including festivals in London, Paris, Brussels, New York City, Los Angeles, St. Petersburg, Cairo, and many more.