THROUGH THE DECADES
From Little Rock, Arkansas to the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame — eight decades of music, milestones, and cultural impact.
Leonard Charles Williams is born February 16, 1945 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Family moves to Oakland, CA. Young Lenny learns trumpet in elementary school and sings in Bay Area gospel choirs alongside Sly Stone, Andre Crouch, and Billy Preston.
Records his first single "Lisa's Gone" on Fantasy Records, marking his entry into the professional music world.
Becomes lead vocalist of Tower of Power, one of the Bay Area's most electrifying funk-soul bands.
Tower of Power's "So Very Hard to Go" hits #11 R&B and #17 Pop. The self-titled album goes GOLD.
Leaves Tower of Power to pursue a solo career. Signs with Motown and releases Rise Sleeping Beauty.
The album Choosing You, released on ABC Records, is certified GOLD. The title track reaches #10 on Disco and #25 R&B.
Spark of Love goes GOLD. The 7+ minute re-recording of "Cause I Love You" becomes one of the most iconic R&B ballads of all time.
"Don't Make Me Wait for Love" with Kenny G reaches #15 Hot 100 and #2 Adult Contemporary — a career milestone.
Kanye West samples "Cause I Love You" for Twista's "Overnight Celebrity," which reaches #6 on the Hot 100, introducing Lenny to a new generation.
Receives BMI Songwriters Award alongside Kanye West for "Overnight Celebrity."
Inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. Launches his own label, Bridle Ridge Records, and releases Still in the Game.
Inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of soul music's greatest voices.
Collaborates with Snoop Dogg on "I Love My Momma," featured on HBO's Sharp Objects.
At 80 years old, continues performing 30+ shows per year and releases the single "It's Yours."
Active tour dates in Fayetteville NC, Charlotte NC, and Jackson MS. The music never stops.
“The music never stops.”
Bridle Ridge Records
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