Many of today's newest R&B and Pop performers have been influenced by Lenny's sound, which has transitioned into the new millennium. Lenny sounds better than ever, as evidenced by his latest LenTom Records album Unfinished Business. Lenny was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and relocated to Oakland when he was very young.
His passion for music was sparked when he learned to play the trumpet in elementary school. Singing in gospel choruses and groups across the Bay Area first honed Lenny's vocal abilities. Working with up-and-coming artists Sly Stone, Andre Crouch, Billy Preston, and members of the Hawkins family, Edwin, Walter, and Tremaine, he was in excellent company.
Williams secured his first record deal with Fantasy Records after winning many local talent competitions. Lisa's Gone, now considered an R&B classic among British soul music fans, and Feelin Blue, written by John Fogerty of Credence Clearwater Revival, were among his two songs for the label.
After a brief stint with Atlantic Records, Lenny decided to put his solo career on hold in 1972 to join the rising funk band Tower of Power. So Very Hard To Go' and Don't Change Horses (In The Middle Of The Stream), written by Lenny and Johnny Guitar Watson, were among the successes that followed.
Lenny played on three landmark albums with the band during his two years with them: the gold LP Tower Of Power, Back To Oakland, and Urban Renewal, as well as traveling nonstop across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Lenny returned to his solo efforts towards the end of 1975.
He began his career with Motown Records in 1972 and then transferred to ABC Records in 1977. (which was then purchased by MCA Records in 1979). Over the course of the next four years. Shoo Doo FuFu Ooh, 'Choosing You, You Got ME Running, Love Hurt Me Love Healed Me, and Midnight Girl was among Lenny's 10 charting successes.
From 1977 through 1980, Lenny released four additional albums: Choosing You, his first gold album, Spark Of Love, Love Current, and Let's Do It Today. Lenny's music, notably the mega-hit Cause I Love You from Spark Of Love, developed a solid and dedicated audience for him, and the effect of his music can still be felt.
This song transcends generations and has been featured on several old-schools and slow jam compilations throughout the years. After leaving MCA, Lenny recorded for Rockshire and Knobhill, two indie labels. Lenny was asked to deliver vocals on Don't Make Me Wait For Love, a single from Kenny G's multimillion-selling album Duo Tones, in 1986.
The song was a top 20 pop and R&B success when it was released as a single in 1987. Lenny has continued his solo career in recent years, touring the United States, Europe, and South Africa.
The BMI songwriters award was given to Lenny Williams and Kanye West in 2004 and 2005 for the song Over Night Celebrity, which was recorded by rapper Twista. Aretha Franklin, The Whispers, Rick James, Boney James, Bobby Womack, Ohio Players, Al Green, Usher, K-Ci and JoJo, Alicia Keyes, Anthony Hamilton, Frankie Beverly, and Maze have all performed with him recently.
Lenny has also broadened his multi-faceted career to include acting, appearing in numerous theatrical productions, including Deborah Cox, actor Mel Jackson, and Martha Wash in Love On Lay-Away. He also starred in the successful theatrical drama When A Woman's Fed Up, starring Kenny Latimore, Shante Moore, and Dottie Peoples.
Lenny Williams continues to enhance his musical talent and stretch his newly discovered acting skills as a past and current legend. For decades to come, he will continue to amaze his admirers in the United States and across the world.
