Leshchenko was born Feb. 1, 1942 in Moscow, at the 2nd street falconer. His father was Valerian Andreevich Leshchenko serviceman career officer who took part in the hostilities, near Moscow. Claudia Petrovna, mother of Leo Valerianovich, died when his son was only a year, at the age of 28 years. In 1948, the father of Leo married again, to Maria Mikhailovna, who gave birth to Leo sister - Valentine.
Since my father was very busy with work, Leo became a true son of the regiment. Basically, his upbringing was engaged sergeant Andrew Fissenko, he replaced his father Leo. Stepmother, too, could not find time to raise stepson - she had to raise her daughter and nephews. The first musical skills Leo got his grandfather Andrew, who taught Leo to play the violin and sing.
As a child, Leo go swimming, walking in a circle of artistic expression, singing in the choir of the Pioneer and played in a brass band, but, on the advice of the choirmaster, he threw all the other clubs, in addition to the choir.
Leo wanted to go to a theater school, but at first he did not go, so a year from 1959 to 1960, he served as a stagehand at the Bolshoi Theatre, and from 1960 to 1961, worked in a factory precision instruments.
The following year, Leo was drafted into the army. He wanted to serve in the Marine troops, but his father decided for him, Leo was sent to serve in the tank forces in the GDR. In the army of the command sent Lion Song and Dance Ensemble, where he became a soloist. Even in the army Leo began again to prepare for entrance into a theatrical institution.
In 1964 Leshenko finally managed to enter the GITIS. If at first he was treated there with obvious disbelief, then a year later, no one in no doubt that he is a true artist.
In 1966 Leshenko entered Moscow Operetta Theater.
In 1970 he became a soloist vocalist USSR Radio and Television.
In 1970-1972 he was the recipient of several music, including the all-Union, competitions.
Then followed a series of awards: in 1977 Leo Valer'yanovich received the title of Honored Artist of the RSFSR, in 1978 he won the Lenin Komsomol Prize, and in 1980 received the Order of Friendship of Peoples in 1983 Leshchenko became the People's Artist of the RSFSR, and in 1985 received the Order "Badge of Honor" .
In 1990 Leshenko created theater "Music Agency", which two years later became a state.
Many years Leshenko teaches at Musical Pedagogical Institute Gnesin, and among contemporary Russian artists many of his disciples.
February 1, 2002 Leshchenko was awarded the Order "For Services to the Fatherland» IV degree.
A February 1, 2012 Leo Valer'yanovich celebrate his seventy-year anniversary.