Leon Haywood
Leon Haywood was an influential American funk and soul singer, songwriter, and producer known for his 1975 hit "I Want'a Do Something Freaky to You." Born Otha Leon Haywood on February 11, 1942, in Houston, Texas, he began playing piano at age three and later performed with blues artists like Guitar Slim before moving to Los Angeles in the early 1960s. He passed away on April 5, 2016, at age 74.
Haywood worked as a keyboardist for Sam Cooke until Cooke's death in 1964 and recorded early singles like "Without a Love" and "She's with Her Other Love," which charted on the R&B lists in 1965. His breakthrough solo hit came in 1967 with "It's Got to Be Mellow," reaching No. 21 on the R&B chart and No. 63 on the pop chart, becoming a beach music staple in the Carolinas.
In the 1970s, Haywood shifted to funk and disco, joining 20th Century Records and scoring with "I Want'a Do Something Freaky to You" (R&B No. 7, Pop No. 15), later heavily sampled by Dr. Dre. He wrote and produced Carl Carlton's 1981 hit "She's a Bad Mama Jama" and had later R&B singles like "Tenderoni" in 1984.
Haywood founded Evejim Productions in 1967, named after his parents, and later worked as an executive at Edge Records while producing blues on his own label. His career spanned session work with acts like Dyke & the Blazers and over 20 Billboard R&B chart entries.
Back To Stay
A2 Sweet Loving Pair (Bill Williams, Jr., Marshall McQueen, Jr., Winston Ray Williams 3:15)
A3 Show Me That You Care (Leon Haywood, Marshall McQueen, Jr. 3:23)
A4 Let Them Walk (Sonny Thompson 2:52)
A5 Fair Warmin' (Marshall McQueen, Jr. 2:52)
B1 One Way Ticket To Loveland (Jimmy Lewis, Leon Haywood 3:00)
B2 Make Me Yours (Bettye Swann 2:56)
B3 Long As There's You (I Got Love) (Leon Haywood, Marshall McQueen, Jr. 7:52)
B4 There Ain't Enough Hate Around To Make Me Turn Around (Leon Haywood 3:12)
Label: 20th Century Records – T-411
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The 1973 album Back To Stay by Leon Haywood is considered a strong example of 1970s pop soul and features his signature blend of smooth ballads and mid-tempo funk.
The album is characterized as a "70s soul timepiece" with pleasing examples of 70s pop soul. Haywood was known for his "cheerful derivations of '70s mid-tempo funk and romantic ballads, usually embellished by smooth string charts".
The track "Long As There's You (I Got Love)" is a notable love song featured on the album. The album also features interesting cover versions of other artists' work, including a "great version of Bettye Swann's 'Make Me Yours'" and an "adventurous take on Gene McDaniels' 'One Hundred Pounds Of Clay'".
The arrangements are often handled by the legendary Gene Page, contributing to the record's polished, professional sound.
While the album itself didn't feature Haywood's biggest commercial hits, it set the stage for his later success. His most famous track, "I Want'a Do Something Freaky To You," appeared on his next album (Come and Get Yourself Some), but its style is consistent with the sound developed during this period. That track would later become massively influential when sampled by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg for the iconic hip-hop track "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang".
Overall, Back To Stay is a well-regarded album for fans of classic 70s R&B and soul, showcasing Haywood's talent as a singer, songwriter, and arranger. You can often find it bundled with Keep It In The Family on platforms like Amazon.
Naturally
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm] – Tony Coleman
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm], Written-By – Leon Haywood 5:28
A2 Daydream
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm] – Tony Coleman
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm], Written-By – Leon Haywood 5:22
A3 That's What Time It Is
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm] – Leon Haywood, Tony Coleman
Written-By – James Ingram 4:05
A4 Love Is What We Came Here For
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm] – Leon Haywood, Tony Coleman
Written-By – Bunny Sigler, Phil Hurt 4:55
B1 If You're Lookin' For A Night Of Fun (Look Past Me, I'm Not The One)
Arranged By [Horns] – Tom Tom 84
Written-By – Leon Haywood 5:29
B2 Who You Been Giving It Up To?
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm], Written-By – Leon Haywood
Arranged By [Horns] – James Mitchell
Arranged By [Strings] – Gene Page 2:51
B3 Lover's Rap
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm] – Tony Coleman
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm], Written-By – Leon Haywood 6:56
Label: 20th Century Fox Records – T-613
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco
Leon Haywood's Naturally (1980) is a pivotal album in late '70s/early '80s soul and funk, acclaimed for its smooth grooves, catchy hooks, and hits like "Don't Push It, Don't Force It," blending signature Haywood funk with disco-infused production and featuring notable contributions from keyboardist George Duke and guitarist Michael McGloiry. While some listeners find it uneven or dated ("soup"), it's celebrated by fans as a quintessential funk/soul classic, showcasing Haywood's knack for crafting infectious tracks and memorable ballads, making it a must-have for genre purists despite mixed reviews on deeper tracks.
The album captures Haywood's mid-tempo funk and soulful ballads, often compared to Marvin Gaye, with lush strings and arrangements.
It features two massive crossover hits: the funky "Don't Push It, Don't Force It" and "If You're Looking for a Night of Fun (Look Past Me, I'm Not the One)".
Incorporates modern elements for its time, like synths and Chic-style guitar riffs, making it danceable and radio-friendly.
George Duke (keyboards) and Michael McGloiry (guitar) were crucial to the album's polished sound. Keyboards: Leon Haywood, Tony Coleman, and a young James Ingram (who also provided backing vocals). Rhythm Section: James Gadson (drums), David T. Walker (guitar), and Scott Edwards/Rick Jones (bass).
Despite the era, many find it a "20th Century Classic" and an unmissable record for funk and soul lovers and is considered a landmark album for its successful blend of smooth soul, irresistible funk, and early '80s production, solidifying Leon Haywood's legacy as a master of the genre, even if not every track hits the same high notes as its iconic singles.