Leslie Johnakins was an American jazz musician born on October 1, 1911, and passed away on October 4, 2005. A talented saxophonist, Johnakins played both alto and baritone saxophones and was also known for his skills in composition and arrangement. His career began in the early 1930s with the Territory Band of pianist Jimmy Gunn in Charlotte, North Carolina. He later worked with notable bands and musicians such as Skeets Tolbert and His Gentlemen of Swing, Claude Hopkins, Blanche Calloway, Hot Lips Page, and Earl Bostic.

In 1937, Johnakins joined Andy Kirk's band, contributing as a composer and arranger, with his composition "Wednesday Night Hop" gaining recognition. He also played with Jabbo Smith, Buddy Johnson, and notably with Machito and his Afro-Cuban Orchestra from 1945. His contributions to jazz include recordings with Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, and Machito, among others.

During the late 1940s and 1950s, as jazz opportunities dwindled, Johnakins found steady work with Latin bands, notably anchoring the reed section of Machito’s orchestra. He participated in significant recordings such as Machito's Charlie Parker sessions and Chico O’Farrill’s Afro-Cuban Jazz Suite. Johnakins' powerful baritone saxophone voice was a distinctive feature that stood out in these ensembles.

Throughout his career, Johnakins was involved in various recording sessions with artists like Esther Phillips, Annie Laurie, Big Maybelle, and Wynonie Harris. In the late 1950s, he played with Little Willie John, Bill Doggett, and others. He returned to Machito's band in the 1970s and performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival in 1982. His last recordings were made in 1986 with Mario Bauzá and Paquito D’Rivera. Despite his extensive contributions to jazz and Latin music, much about his life remains under-documented.