It’s neither new nor unusual for musicians to meddle in politics. The 2004 presidential campaign and the current Democratic nominating contest are just two recent instances of artists and entertainers trying, with decidedly mixed results, to insert themselves into the democratic process. And watching the Obama/indie-rock love-fest, it’s hard not to be reminded of John Kerry’s decision to share his campaign spotlight with Bruce Springsteen and company a few years ago—though apparently even the Boss can’t make those stubborn swing-staters fall in line.

Of the many musicians and Hollywood-types who inject themselves into high-profile electoral politics on a quadrennial basis with benefit concerts, exclusive fundraisers, or even by strumming a guitar on the stump, few demonstrate more than a rudimentary understanding of the public policy that drives, at least in theory, federal elections. And even fewer still are brave enough to venture outside the relative safety of shallow slogan-based electoral campaigns and into the sausage factory of state and federal legislative politics.

Enter Chuck Leavell. Leavell, a gracious and mild-mannered Georgian who speaks with a charming Southern drawl, is best known for his work as a keyboard player for the Rolling Stones and the Allman Brothers Band. Often credited as “the sixth Rolling Stone,” Leavell’s playing has graced countless albums and concert stages. But his legacy may be more wrapped up in trees than rock ‘n’ roll. Leavell is that rare musician who has managed to find success in legislative politics.

Boiled down to its most basic elements, Leavell’s stance goes something like this: Forests are a natural, organic, and renewable resource that ought to be exploited in a way that’s environmentally responsible and serves the families that make their living off the land. He’s a fierce advocate of ecological conservation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship, but always cognizant of the families, like his own, that rely on the forest, and the timber it provides, to support them. His command of the facts and figures surrounding land use policy is striking—and it generates instant credibility with decision-makers. But, critically, he also knows the context of the issue and comes armed with the ability to predict those pesky unintended consequences that often result from otherwise well-meaning environmental legislation.

He is quick to point out that private families—not corporations—own the vast majority of American forests. The challenge is shaping government programs and incentives so that our forests, and the renewable materials they provide, are preserved without depriving the families who own the land the ability to make a living. Leavell’s passionate advocacy is borne of personal experience, making his arguments for conservation all the more convincing and lending him an authenticity and authority that’s unusual for a celebrity advocate.

“It’s really my wife’s fault,” he joked recently as he told me how he first became involved with land use policy and forest conservation. “My wife comes from a long line of family that’s been connected to land, so when we were married I began to get to see and feel the connection they had to land.” Thirty-five years later, Leavell owns a plantation near Macon, Georgia, where he grows Southern yellow pine—a spread passed down from the previous generation.

Enrolling in a correspondence course while on tour with the Fabulous Thunderbirds some 35 years ago, Leavell became fascinated by forestry and land use methods. Over time, his focus shifted and he began to immerse himself in state and national forestry and conservation policy. His commitment to the issue landed him on several high-profile commissions relating to environmental policy and he authored a highly authoritative book on the subject, the much-acclaimed Forever Green: The History and Hope of the American Forest.

Leavell has worked closely with countless state legislators, scores of federal representatives, three Georgia governors, and two presidents. And though he’s a registered Democrat, his passionate but quiet approach to advocacy has earned him the ear of both parties—whether at the Georgia State House, where he enjoys a prominent commission appointment by Governor Sonny Perdue, in Congress, or at the White House. Not content to serve on commissions and write books, he’s also led by example. Under a Georgia law he helped to pass, he became one of the first to grant the state a conservation easement on 300 acres of his forest, thereby guaranteeing the land will never be developed.

Leavell clearly isn’t in it for the glory or the notoriety. Though he’s well-known in certain circles of the conservation and environmental communities, he makes a habit of staying well under the radar. But his subtle approach to lobbying state and federal officials, if not effective in getting his name in the paper, has worked just fine as far as real results are concerned. Environmentalists and conservationists in Georgia credit his efforts for helping them to achieve significant legislative victories in recent years. “My approach to politics is just a reflection of who I am,” he said. “I like to work behind the scenes and get things done.”

So, with such a zeal for advocacy and public policy, does he harbor any political aspirations? “I certainly don’t have any plans to run for office,” he said. “But sure, absolutely I would if I felt it was the right situation and I thought I’d have a fair shake at winning—but there are a lot of variables. I’m still totally engaged in my musical career now and don’t want to interrupt that. Let’s see, the Stones or, say, maybe a seat in Congress? Hmmm…”

Regardless of what his political future may hold (some readers may recall another rural Georgia farmer doing rather well in that arena), Leavell’s approach to politics and public policy is refreshing. No ego, plenty of substance. And, living in middle Georgia’s Twiggs County, he’s sensitive to the needs of working families—far removed from the elitism that dominates the ranks of politically active celebrities. Leavell’s a valuable reminder that rock musicians and movie stars—heck, even ironic right-wing B-list martial arts actors (yeah, I’m talking to you, Mr. Chuck Norris!)—can serve a larger and more important purpose than a mere campaign prop.

Watch: Chuck Leavell with Mick Jagger [at youtube.com]

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