Lenny Williams
Lenny Williams, born Leonard Charles Williams on February 6, 1945, in Little Rock, Arkansas, is an acclaimed American soul and R&B singer renowned for his emotive falsetto and powerful tenor voice. He moved to Oakland, California, at a young age, where he honed his skills playing trumpet and singing in gospel choirs alongside artists like Sly Stone and members of the Hawkins family.
Williams began recording solo tracks in the late 1960s, including R&B classics like "Lisa's Gone" and "Feelin' Blue," before briefly joining Atlantic Records. In 1972, he became the lead vocalist for the funk band Tower of Power, replacing Rick Stevens, and contributed to their peak success with albums such as Tower of Power (1973), Back to Oakland (1974), and Urban Renewal (1974).
During his two years with the band, Williams sang iconic hits like "So Very Hard to Go," "Don't Change Horses (In the Middle of a Stream)," and "What Is Hip?" which propelled Tower of Power's popularity across the US, Europe, and Asia. He left in 1974 after extensive touring to focus on family and solo pursuits.
Signing with Motown then ABC Records (later MCA), Williams released gold albums like Choosing You (1977) and scored ten chart hits, including "Cause I Love You," "Shoo Doo FuFu Ooh," and "Midnight Girl". Later, he recorded for independent labels, guested on Kenny G's "Don't Make Me Wait for Love" (1986), and continued with theater work and albums like Still in the Game. Inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 2012, he remains active in soul music.
Choosing You
Written-By – Bernard Thompson, Lenny Williams 3:21
A2 Look Up With Your Mind
Soloist, Flute – William "Bill" Greene
Written-By – Frank Wilson, Judy Wieder 4:40
A3 Choosing You
Soloist, Guitar – Ray E. Parker Jr.
Written-By – Lenny Williams 6:13
A4 Riding The High Wire
Written-By – Frank Wilson, John Footman, Judy Wieder 4:30
B1 Please Don't Tempt Me
Written-By – Art Posey, Frank Wilson, Josef Powell 7:52
B2 I've Been Away From Love Too Long
Written-By – Art Posey, Josef Powell 4:08
B3 Trust In Me
Written-By – Frank Wilson, John Footman, Terri McFaddin 4:14
B4 Problem Solver
Written-By – David Stallings, Lenny Williams 3:50
Label: ABC Records – AB-1023
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Lenny Williams' 1977 album Choosing You is widely considered a classic of 70s soul and funk, praised for its uplifting, positive vibe, strong dance tracks, and showcasing Williams' powerful, gospel-influenced vocals.
The album was a commercial and critical turning point in Williams' solo career after his departure from Tower of Power.
The LP reached No. 25 on the US Top R&B Albums chart. The title track and "Shoo Doo Fu Fu Ooh!" were particularly popular in clubs and on R&B radio, helping to establish his solo presence. His next album, Spark of Love, would go gold.
Reviewers consistently highlight Williams' "athletic" and unique "fiercely disjointed falsetto style," noting that the album provides an excellent platform for his vocal range, especially on ballads like "Trust in Me" and "I've Been Away For Too Long".
The album is characterized as uptempo, with strong dance and soul-funk cuts. It features high-quality instrumentation, including a notable contribution of signature horn sounds from his former bandmates in the Tower of Power horn section on some tracks. The production by Frank Wilson is also well-regarded.
Many appreciate the album for its positive and spiritual messages on tracks like "Look Up With Your Mind" and "Problem Solver", finding it an inherently "cheery" and "uplifting" listen.
Key Tracks:
"Choosing You": The title track is a popular, hooky, and dance-floor-oriented example of late 70s soul.
"Shoo Doo Fu Fu Ooh! (Oh Yes)": An upbeat, happy singalong track that became one of Williams' signature songs.
"Look Up With Your Mind": Described as a spiritual song with a positive message, often cited as one of the best tracks on the album.
"Problem Solver": A powerful closing track and a signature song for Williams, showcasing his strong vocals.
Overall, the album is considered an essential listen for fans of 70s soul and funk music. Physical and digital copies can often be found on music retail sites like Amazon.
Pray For The Lion
Written-By – Eugene McDaniels
3:19
A2 Open Book
Written-By – Lenny Williams
2:54
A3 Sometimes Love
Written-By – Eugene McDaniels, Lenny Williams
4:07
A4 There's Always Mystery (When You're Making History)
Lyrics By, Music By – Lenny Williams
Music By – David Stallings
3:26
A5 We're Gonna See It Through
Lyrics By, Music By – Lenny Williams
Music By – David Stallings
3:59
B1 River
Written-By – Eugene McDaniels
5:06
B2 Problem Solver
Lyrics By, Music By – Lenny Williams
Music By – David Stallings
3:25
B3 All That's Love
Music By – Mike Melvoin
Words By – Milo Adano
3:10
B4 Money
Written-By – Eugene McDaniels
4:28
B5 Keep On Keeping On
Lyrics By, Music By – Lenny Williams
Music By – David Stallings, Pearl Williams
4:24
Label: Warner Bros. Records – BS 2797
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Lenny Williams’ 1974 debut solo album, Pray for the Lion (Warner Bros.), showcases his transition from Tower of Power lead singer to a powerhouse soul artist, blending R&B, gospel, and blues with high-energy vocals. Produced by Eugene McDaniels, the album features a strong, versatile vocal performance and includes notable tracks like a cover of "Compared to What" and "Money".
The album is noted for its high-powered, emotional, and versatile vocal style, with a mix of soul, funk, and gospel influences. It features acclaimed drummer Lenny White and guitarist Dean Parks.
Produced by Eugene McDaniels, the album features a mix of high-energy soul and mid-tempo, reflective tracks. It marked a transition from his funk-heavy work with Tower of Power to a more varied, solo sound.It is generally well-regarded by fans of 70s soul and funk, often praised for its "classic" sound and raw vocal talent.
While the 1974 release did not sell well initially, it was recognized for its musicality and vocal performance, and served as a bridge in his career, released while he was still establishing his solo identity following his time with Tower of Power (1972-1975).