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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


Above: 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.
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.
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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
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Sylvers
|
Forever
yours
|
1978
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Shalamar
|
Big
fun *
|
1979
****
|
Shalamar
|
Disco
garden *
|
1979
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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
|
Imagination
*
|
1980
*****
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Dynasty
|
Second
adventure *
|
1981
****
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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
|
Concept
|
1981
**
|
Whispers
|
Love
is where you find it *
|
1981
****
|
Whispers
|
This
kind of lovin *
|
1981
***
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Carrie
Lucas
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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
**
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Krystol
|
After
the dance is through |
1984
|
The
Brothers Johnson
|
Out
of control
|
1984
***
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The
Spinners
|
Cross
fire
|
1984
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The
Sylvers
|
Bizzare
|
1984
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Whispers
|
So
good *
|
1984
***
|
Gladys
Knight & the Pips |
Life |
1984
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Glenn
Jones
|
Finesse
*
|
1984
****
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Lushus
daim and pretty...
|
More
than you can handle
|
1985
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Rockie
Robbins
|
Rockie
Robbins
|
1985
****
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Howard
Hewitt
|
I
commit to love *
|
1986
***
|
Troy
Johnson
|
Getting
a grip on love
|
1986
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Evelyn
King
|
Flirt
|
1987
***
|
Foster
Sylvers & Hy-tech
|
Plain
& simple
|
1987
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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
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Face
the music
|
1994
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Big
bub
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Timeless
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1997
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Guy
|
Guy
III
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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
© 1999-2025 Legal
notice
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