You may have heard them singing on Court Street or at a sorority event. They serenade you with the latest hits and make your heart melt. They are the Leading Tones, an a cappella group comprised of 17 men. One of them is soloist Danny O’Callaghan.
Danny, better known as “Patches,” is an Engineering Technology and Management major from Rocky River Ohio. Danny is also a member of the Marching 110 and has been a DJ for Red Brick.
Singing is quite the family affair for Danny. He has been singing for a while, but got his start in his 6th grade choir. His mom and sister have both been singers for different choirs and church groups, and his dad is the lead singer for a rock cover band.
Danny knew when he came to OU that he wanted to get involved in an a cappella group and found the perfect fit with the Leading Tones. He knew many members through his involvement with the Marching 110 and had no problem becoming a part of the team. Some of his favorite solos include “1+1” by Beyonce, “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran and “This Is Gospel” by Panic! at the Disco.
Danny is now in his third year with the group and says it has “exploded as far as talent and capability of each member compared to freshman year.” He also notes that the group works well together and knows how to balance work and play. Some of the hardest decisions they have to make include choosing songs and debating over when a song has “had its run.” They like to keep their songs fresh and new and make sure there is always a crowd interested to listen.
The Leading Tones have attended many events including the Delta Zeta Turtle Tug, they sang on Court Street Friday night for Moms Weekend and Saturday morning for the fashion show, and they visited a school in Nelsonville to expose the students to a cappella.
You can also buy the Leading Tones’ first album at mkt.com/LeadingTones.
Follow Danny on Twitter @TheRealDOC93 and on Instagram @oupatches; Follow the Leading Tones on Twitter @OULeadingTones and Instagram @ouleadingtones.
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Ohio University Leading Tones
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Danny with fellow LT members Phil and Greg