Murph started the band “Leave” back in 2000. He had played in several other bands, but he was ready to move out on his own in a different direction. He had a heck of a time trying to choose the band name; every one he thought of was taken, and so he ended up with “Leave.” He was a very driven musician, and continued to regularly play with The Larkin and Moran Brothers and A Week Back, along with teaching guitar. Murph’s dedication to music was unwavering: guitarist, singer, song writer & music teacher. He played guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, harmonica, accordion, and a bit of piano. He had even started taking violin lessons. He wasn’t afraid to tackle anything.

Murph knew who he wanted in “Leave” and set out to pull them together: Jim Latsis, Joe Herrmann, and Terry Keating. Murph and Jim were the lead guitarists and vocalists, and their harmonies were terrific. They were also the songwriters, and did an amazing job of cranking them out. Joe played a mean bass & Terry was fantastic on the drums. Their first album was “Don’t Go.” From Chicago Arts & Entertainment: “Whether it’s the upbeat ‘Any Other Way’ or the melancholy ‘Gold Top’, the music of Leave consistently features a good balance of light guitar riffs, basic percussion and approachable subject matter.”

Their second album, I’d Rather Not Say,” followed in 2006. As reviewed by NotLame: “2006 release from Chicago`s Leave, whose ‘Don`t Go’ was a favorite for fans of rootsy-styled power pop. ‘I`d Rather Not Say’ delivers on the promise of ‘Don`t Go’ and catapults them upwards with a stronger set of songs, higher production values and a keener sense of tight harmonies and driving rhythms.”

Like all bands, Leave had a dream – a dream that their music would be heard. Change the world – no; but enjoyed by some, yes – and it was, and continues to be. A quote from Murph when he was interviewed by Chicago Arts & Entertainment: “It’s pretty much just about a rock ‘n’ roll band. Whatever happens down the line; if a better song comes out of it, then it was all worthwhile. If it’s over tomorrow, it’s always been a good time.”

“On A Happy Note” was the final album recorded by the band. It wasn’t intended to be the final album. It was intended to be released as their third and latest work. The songs were great. The sound was great. The last song to be recorded was Murph’s “Passed Down The Line”.  On Tuesday June 3, 2008, Murph and Jim completed the recording. The song sequence was decided. Murph wanted “On A Happy Note” to be the last one. The songs were ready to mix. Then life took an unexpected turn. On the night of June 6, Murph crossed the street to collar his dog that was loose. While both of them waited on the side for traffic to clear, a van came around traffic and struck both of them down. “On A Happy Note” was released as a tribute to him by the remaining band members.

The dream they had for their music to be heard came to fruition. Their songs have been streamed in 65 countries. Music has been and will continue to be the universal language. Now, on the 25^th anniversary of the band’s beginning, “The Leave Collection” has been released – a combination of songs, with a selection having been re-mastered. It also includes a bonus CD of songs that had never been studio recorded. This collection has been created as a labor of love and a celebration of the music, the musicians, and the memories.

The Michael J. Murphy Music Scholarship Fund (also known as Murph’s Gift of Music) was created in his honor in 2009. As of year ending 2024, 454 awards have been given. It has served to provide children & young adults without the financial means, an opportunity to incorporate music in their lives via lessons to play an instrument, dance, or sing.