Leon Ware passed away on February 23rd 2017. My first introduction to his music was when my Dad put Marvin Gaye's album, 'I Want You' on cassette for me. That C90 meant a lot. It was impossible for an 11 year old to understand that Leon Ware was the undisputed master of sensual soul, I just liked the music and Marvin's voice. Leon wrote and produced most of that album and although not a success on the level of Gaye's 'What's Going On' its reputation grew and Ware's legendary status was secure. Soul fans revere the man.
Now, my record collection extends to many Leon Ware LPs and his sonically smooth productions. His work on Minnie Ripperton's 'Adventures in Paradise' is seminal and still sounds fresh. He worked right up until his death- most recently on the Omar LP, 'Love in Beats' but in recent times also co-wrote with Maxwell; together they produced the hit song 'Sumthin' Sumthin'.
Many folks introduction to Leon Ware is the classic 'Why I came to California, featured here.
