Lenny Williams has put on his glasses and pulled out a copy of “Spark of Love” the 1978 album that spawned several top hits including the classic love song, “Cause I Love You.”
So many years have passed that not even Williams can remember which songs were on what albums, but he does remember how much fun it was to record them. “I enjoyed making those songs back in the '70s,” said Williams by phone from his home in Oakland. “I think I’m going to listen to that album today.”
Williams is headed to Atlanta as one fourth of the "Men of Soul" tour, an all-star grouping of some of the top rhythm and blues singers of all time. Joining Williams, are Jeffery Osbourne, Peabo Bryson and Freddie Jackson, all known for their chart-topping love ballads.
“It’s exciting to be on the stage with [them],” Williams said. “Early in their careers we did shows together and all these years later we are still out here doing our thing.”
Like his peers, Williams’ career began at a young age. After moving from Little Rock to Oakland, he played trumpet in elementary school and sang in gospel choirs in the area. His first record deal with Fantasy Records came after winning several talent competitions. But it wasn’t until he joined Tower of Power as a lead singer in 1972, that his distinctive vocals began racking up the hits.
After only two years in Tower of Power, known as a blue-eyed funk and soul band, Williams was ready to go out on his own. But when he first returned to life as a solo artist, nothing happened.
“Two years is a long time for doubt to creep in and for you to start wondering if you made the right decision. People were saying, ‘I bet you wish you didn’t leave,'” Williams said. He eventually landed at Motown where he recorded one album before leaving for ABC Records. At his new label, Williams decided to re-record one song from his Motown days and thank goodness he did.
The first version of “Cause I Love You,” didn’t include Lenny talking, begging and ... stalking, his object of affection. It was his drummer who suggested he insert some dialogue. "At first I was offended,” Williams said. “Then I started breaking it down.”
The song, which was never released as a single, became Williams’ signature.
“That song has kind of distinguished itself … because a man is saying that he cried and is not ashamed of saying it. And me saying, ‘Oh, Oh, Ohhh,' which people interpret as crying, sounds like a man is being vulnerable which we really don’t have as much,” he said.
"Cause I Love You," quickly overshadowed the more up-tempo songs on the album and cemented Williams' place as a great balladeer.
He may have to look back at old albums to remember the songs, but that hasn't stopped him from making new music. Williams has released a new CD "Unfinished Business" on LenTom Records, the self-owned label for which he serves as accountant, stock boy and everything else.
His garage is filled with boxes of new CDs, but every now and again, he pulls out the old albums, puts them on the player, and remembers the way things used to be.
Concert Preview
Men of Soul Tour featuring Peabo Bryson, Freddie Jackson, Jeffrey Osbourne and Lenny Williams
7:30 pm. Saturday. $55.65-$87.85. The Fox Theatre. 660 Peachtree Street N.E. www.ticketmaster.com . 800-745-3000.
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