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Leon
F. Sylvers III
It's not an overstatement to say that he is one of the most talented
songwriters, musicians and producers all time in black music. With an
almost unreal production career behind him he produced/wrote what we
today should say is eternal music by such groups like Midnight star,
Dynasty, Lakeside, Shalamar, SOS band, Tavares and The Whispers and
many more. It's almost like we all can't believe and really understand
how it is possible, but it is and Sylvers' part in the success is big.
This article focusing on Leon's career between 1978-1989 when his most
fantastic beats saw the dancelight.
His
early years
Born
on the 7th of March 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee, Sylvers started his
main music career together with his younger brothers and sisters in
the family group called "The Sylvers'" that had a couple of great hits
in mid and late 70s and were considered to be the west coasts answer
to the Jackson five. However, Sylvers started his major production career
with "Shot of love" with Lakeside in 78 and Shalamar's album
"Big fun" from 79 where his talent made the latter release to one of
the biggest that year. That same year he also wrote some material as
well as produced Dynasty's, Lakeside's and the old-time band The Whispers
albums, including Whispers mega hit "And the beat goes on", Sylvers'
biggest achievement. Compared to the others groups Dynasty was a creation
by Sylvers him self and Griffey. The group included his
later wife Nidra Beard, Linda Carriere, both former members of the dance
and song troupe DeBlanco and later members of the group Starfire, and
Leon Sylvers and Kevin Spencer. Dynasty's biggest hit that year was
"I don't wanna be a freak (but I can't help myself)", a number
one hit on the lists. All the albums were released on the new label
SOLAR (Sound Of Los Angeles Records). SOLAR that had emerged from the
Soul train records, founded in 1975 by Don Cornelius and Dick Griffey.
Cornelius was working as a program leader for the popular music program
"Soul train" and Griffey was a producer and promoter for the
artists. All artist had performed on Cornelius show, for example Whispers
track "Up on a soultrain" from 80 had a direct and obvious
connection to the show. Before the new name Soul train had Whispers,
Shalamar, Carrie Lucas Soul train gang and Sunbear (their ballad "Fantasy"
were used by Whispers on their 80 album) in its sleeves. But in 1978
after the departure of Cornelius due to some legal controversies when
he both had a record company and a TV program. Cornelius was still a
companion, but not an official partner in the new company. Griffey decided
to change the name to SOLAR. The work continued under the new name featuring
the same artist. In all this, Sylvers' played a huge role in the renamed
company.
Incredible
success


Two of Leon Sylvers'
most brilliant productions
Nidra Beard
Leon's
lovely wife that he
married in 1981 after
becoming a full time
member of Dynasty
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In
1980 it was once again time for Sylvers' to write and produce
timeless albums with The Whispers, Lakeside, Dynasty and his brother,
Edmund Sylvers' release "Have you heard". All productions included
dozens of hits like "It's a love thing" (Whispers), "Fantastic
voyage" (Lakeside) and "That burning love" (Edmund Sylvers).
This
was probably Sylvers' best year. Especially Whispers album was
an excellent example of the slick, easy listening SOLAR sound
when it showed its absolute maximum and the unbelievable BOMB
"It's a love thing" can blow anyone's head of in a second.
In
1981 his old family group, The Sylvers signed to promoter Dick
Griffey's SOLAR and released their first album "Concept" on that
label. The album however was not a hit and the most interesting
track was the nice Shalamar-ish dance filler "Reach out".
But
the year had just started and at the end of it Sylvers had experienced
his most successful one jam-packed with writing and production
gigs. Dick Griffey had certainly learned how to use his golden
egg to his advantage.
The
incredible success continued in 81 and fantastic albums with Dynasty,
including the classy "In the fast lane", Whispers with
"In the raw" and Shalamars bubblegum hit "Make
that move" were released.
The
SOLAR label grew in size and reputation all over the globe for
its never-ending production of hits in an unbelievable speed with
Sylvers' talent in the driving seat. In 81 Sylvers' married Nidra
Beard from Dynasty. Obviously it wasn't only his interest in Dynasty's
music that made him a full member in 81.
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1982
turned out to be a great year too, even though the mega success from
80 and 81 didn't repeat it self. The two most prominent albums that
year was Shalamars "Friends" with dozen of eternal hits like
"A night to remember" and "There it is" the mention
two. The
other interesting project was SOS bands album "III" on which
he produce a couple of great tracks and the newborn producers Jam/Lewis
a few others. Both Shalamar's and SOS band's albums are for sure one
of the best productions that year. Sylvers' made also a guestplay on
Michael Jackson little sister Janet's debut album "Janet Jackson"
that year when he produced one side and Angela Winbush and René
Moore the other. Janet's album was not a big hit but included three
descent dance jams. Also Sylvers' managed Whispers "This kind of
lovin" and Dynasty's "Right back at cha", both good but
nothing sensational, Whispers title track was maybe the most memorable.
This was Sylvers' last year of greater success. During the rest of the
decennium only one or two really great tracks was going to be released
each year. Generally his sound turn more electronic, pop-orientdd and
cold, which of course was a reflection of the time as much as by his
own contribution. Understandable his success must have made him comfortable
in a way that affected his creativity.
Studio
work Sylvers (right) in his nice hill side L.A. studio/home with
Howard Hewitt (middle) and Micki Free (left) recording the video of
Shalamar's "Over and over" in 83. The picture taken from the
video featuring Hewitt driving his BMW 733i up the hill to the studio
in the intro. To both watch and listen to this God sent voice is a powerful
and blissful experience in one! Shalamar did a couple of extremely hard-to-find
videos in the mid 80s. I just wonder when we
are gonna see these or other SOLAR videos on a DVD for example!? Watch
entire video!
Sylvers
still holds one to the top
A
new year, 1983 saw the morning light and Sylvers' most interesting project
this year was the new group Real to reel in which he seemed to play
an important role. The album included two very catchy songs "Love
me like this" and "Can you treat me like she does". Sylvers
also did get a try on the old war-horse in soul music Gladys Knights
& the Pips on their album "Vision" which was an expressive
and harmonious release. Most danceable, and in fact a damn good track
was "Save the overtime for me" with its big fat bassguitars
and well used keyboard. Catch the 12" version though when the album
version is way to short and don't include the break. Also catchy "When
you're far away" is a typical Sylvers' from that year and reminds
you of Real to reel. Sylvers' continued his work with Shalmars album,
and "The look" that year, but it did not surpass their excellent
82 release. This was actually a rather average album, but some similar
sound from 82 could be heard with excellent presentation. Despite that,
Shalamar's time in the top league came closer the end. Much better albums
to get that year when Sylvers' showing his excellent touch on its best
was Whispers "Love for love" and Tavares "Words and music".
Both very powerful releases including Whispers top hit "Tonight"
and Tavares "Ten to one" and "I really miss you baby".
Whispers B-side was as always filled with outstanding ballads. In fact
Tavares release, that Sylvers' didn't entirely produced was filled with
lovely music, all danceable and joyfully presented and one of the better
albums that year.
After
the peak
Sylvers
had now past his musical peak but he still produced and wrote a lot
of great music. In 84 he produced the marvelous 12 inch "You keep
me coming back" by Brothers Johnson that is just a splendid piece
of music! Sylvers produce the album as well, but nothing on it could
compare to this track with the exception of the polished jazz funk instrumental
groove "Tokyo". The best album by Sylver' that year became
the former gospel singer of Glenn Jones' second release "Finesse".
Jones' expressive voice together with an excellent song material resulted
in a spine chillin' album, definitely one of that best achievements
that year. Among the rest of his productions in 84 most could be found
in the good to average fields. Krystol's debut album was one of the
good results, a fine R&B production that became the bands best one.
Of course the oldies band Whispers released an album in 84 that Sylvers
naturally produced as he had done since 79. The album was filled with
good sensitive soul ballads, the strong mark of the group in later days
but without any real hit. Really bad releases was Krystol's debut and
Sylvers' family group The Sylvers' that finally made a new, but all
to poor market teaser.
All
in all 84 was a year with ups and downs. The whole music scene had changed
since the early 80s and the white pop music crawling in on every front,
even in to the black music and the decline was unavoidable. Sylvers
tried to adept himself to the new changes with great difficulty. To
do so, even though your name is Sylvers is not an easy task and very
few succeeds.
The
music world is changing
In
the mid of 80 black music had gone threw a major change as it had become
more and more mixed up with "white" pop and synth music. It
had almost lost its roots and the joy and groove from earlier wasn't
there any more. New groups that wanted to stick with the old feeling
mostly headed towards smaller independent record companies. Meanwhile,
most of the old black groups as Kool & gang, Shalamar, Con Funk
Shun, Dynasty and Change became almost musically dead. Of course there
was one or two good song that was released but on a whole it looked
dark. In
the middle of this Sylvers walked in. In 86 ex Shalamar vocalist Howard
Hewitt album "I commit to love" was partly produced by Sylvers.
In 87 Sylvers got hooked up with the new group "Jesse's gang"
and their debut album "Center of attraction" featuring the
mid-tempo deep drum 'n' base like funk track "Back up". The
album however didn't reach any musical or commercial success and vanished
after one more try in 88. That same year a speeded up and absolutely
brilliant and version up of "Back up" was released by Marva
King that also dropped an album before disappearing. Both 12" are
highly recommendable!
One
year later, in 88, Sylvers once again worked with the old disco lady
Evelyn "Champagne" King as a producer and songwriter in the
production of her album "Flirt". It was an album that was
surprisingly good considering the year and included both some nice fast
tracks as well as tasty ballads. Among the faster tracks the hit "Hold
on to what you got" was the most enjoyable and among the ballads
the very smooth and sensual "Kisses don't lie" makes you play
it again.
The
end?
In
89 Sylvers released his self titled debut album "Leon
F. Sylvers III" but it was a poor and uninspiring set. The only
thing good to say about it is that it proved that Sylvers really made
the best tracks for others which was a generous gesture indeed. Further
on in to the 90s Sylvers worked once again with Stacy Lattisaw besides
Smokey Robinson, Double action theatre but didn't show any great potential
over all.
Sylvers had long
time ago reached his zenith. Like most musicians in black music from
the early 80s he had some difficulties to adapt himself the to always
ongoing changes in the music, especially after the mid 80s. To produce
such an amazing music again that he did back in the hey days is most
likely not possible but when it comes to this God blessed talent no
one knows for sure!
Leon
F. Sylvers III's discography
A
list over his productions, both as a songwriter and producer, as far
as i know. Note that Sylvers engaments otherwise as instrumentalist
and arranger for example are not listed here.
If
you got anything to add please feel free to send me an e-mail to:
PSFS
Artist
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Title
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Productions
1978 - 1992 (not complete)
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Lakeside
|
Shot
of love *
|
1978
|
Sylvers
|
Forever
yours
|
1978
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Shalamar
|
Big
fun *
|
1979
****
|
Shalamar
|
Disco
garden *
|
1979
|
Whispers
|
Whispers
*
|
1979
***
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Whispers
|
Whispers
in your ear *
|
1979
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Dynasty
|
Your
piece of the rock *
|
1979
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Lakeside
|
Rough
riders *
|
1979
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7th
wonder
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Thunder
|
1980
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Carrie
Lucas
|
Portrait
of Carrie *
|
1980
**
|
Dynasty
|
Adventures
in the land of music *
|
1980
|
Edmund
Sylvers
|
Have
you heard
|
1980
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Whispers
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Imagination
*
|
1980
*****
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Dynasty
|
Second
adventure *
|
1981
****
|
Midnight
star
|
Standing
together *
|
1981
****
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Shalamar
|
Three
for love *
|
1981
****
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Shalamar
|
Go
for it *
|
1981
***
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The
Sylvers
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Concept
|
1981
**
|
Whispers
|
Love
is where you find it *
|
1981
****
|
Whispers
|
This
kind of lovin *
|
1981
***
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Carrie
Lucas
|
Still
in love *
|
1982
****
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Dynasty
|
Right
back at cha' *
|
1982
****
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Janet
Jackson
|
Janet
Jackson *
|
1982
****
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Shalamar
|
Friends
*
|
1982
*****
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SOS
band
|
SOS
III
|
1982
*****
|
Evelyn
King
|
Face
to face
|
1983
**
|
Gladys
Knight & the Pips
|
Visions
|
1983
***
|
Real
to reel
|
Real
to reel
|
1983
|
Shalamar
|
The
look
|
1983
***
|
Tavares
|
Words
and music
|
1983
****
|
Whispers
|
Love
for love *
|
1983
****
|
Joyce
Kennedy
|
Lookin' for trouble |
1984
**
|
Krystol
|
After
the dance is through |
1984
|
The
Brothers Johnson
|
Out
of control
|
1984
***
|
The
Spinners
|
Cross
fire
|
1984
|
The
Sylvers
|
Bizzare
|
1984
|
Whispers
|
So
good *
|
1984
***
|
Gladys
Knight & the Pips |
Life |
1984
|
Glenn
Jones
|
Finesse
*
|
1984
****
|
Lushus
daim and pretty...
|
More
than you can handle
|
1985
|
Rockie
Robbins
|
Rockie
Robbins
|
1985
****
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Howard
Hewitt
|
I
commit to love *
|
1986
***
|
Troy
Johnson
|
Getting
a grip on love
|
1986
|
Evelyn
King
|
Flirt
|
1987
***
|
Foster
Sylvers & Hy-tech
|
Plain
& simple
|
1987
|
Jesse's
gang
|
Center
of attraction
|
1987
|
Whispers
|
Just
gets better with time * |
1987
***
|
Five
star
|
Rock
the world |
1988
|
Living
in a box
|
Gatecrashing
|
1988
|
Marva
King
|
Back
up
|
1988
****
|
Howard
Hewitt
|
Howard
Hewitt
|
1989
|
Leon
F. Sylvers III
|
Leon
F. Sylvers III
|
1989
**
|
Stacey
Lattisaw
|
What
you need
|
1989
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Smokey
Robinson
|
Love,
Smokey
|
1990
|
Double
action theatre
|
Double
action theatre
|
1992
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Blackstreet
|
Blackstreet
|
1994
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Howard
Hewitt
|
It's
time
|
1994
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New
kids on the block
|
Face
the music
|
1994
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Big
bub
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Timeless
|
1997
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Guy
|
Guy
III
|
2000
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All original release years
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*)
In print Sources: Some parts have been taken
from "The solar hit album...and the beat goes on" from
1987 and "The best of Dynasty" booklet from 1994. Also
some parts have been taken from "Boogie fever: The best of
The Sylvers'" booklet from 1995. Thanks to Dam-funk in L.A.,
Francis Depuydt, Jeffrey Nelson, Michael Krogh and Johnny Croon.
This article can't be used in any form without my permission.
Copyright © 1999-2007 Legal
notice
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