Few artists can touch a heart like Lenny Williams. With a voice that aches, soars, and speaks the language of love, Lenny has carved out a place in music history as one of R&B’s most passionate and enduring soul men. His timeless ballads and dynamic stage presence have made him a legend — a crooner whose impact spans generations and genres.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas and raised in Oakland, California, Lenny’s musical journey began in gospel choirs, where his natural talent and deep emotional connection to music first took root. He picked up the trumpet in grade school, but it was his voice — rich, raw, and unmistakably sincere — that would later captivate audiences around the world.
In the early ’70s, Lenny rose to national fame as the lead vocalist for the iconic funk band Tower of Power. His powerful performance on the classic “So Very Hard To Go” helped define the group’s sound and legacy. During his two years with Tower of Power, Lenny recorded three critically acclaimed albums (Tower of Power, Back to Oakland, Urban Renewal), toured globally, and penned hits like “Don’t Change Horses (In The Middle of the Stream)” with blues legend Johnny “Guitar” Watson.
But it was his solo career that truly unleashed the depth of his artistry. Lenny signed with Motown and later ABC/MCA Records, where he released a string of acclaimed albums including Choosing You, Spark of Love, Love Current, and Let’s Do It Today. His 1978 single “Cause I Love You” became an instant classic — a gut-wrenching, confessional love song that continues to resonate with new fans to this day. Sampled by hip hop artists, featured in film and television, and played across old-school radio stations worldwide, the track is a masterclass in emotional storytelling.
Throughout the ’80s and beyond, Lenny continued to evolve, collaborating with artists across styles and generations. He contributed vocals to Kenny G’s Top 20 hit “Don’t Make Me Wait for Love” and later earned BMI Songwriter Awards alongside Kanye West for “Overnight Celebrity” by Twista. His unforgettable vocals have also appeared in collaborations with Snoop Dogg, most notably on “I Love My Momma,” featured in the HBO miniseries Sharp Objects.
Lenny has shared stages with the best — from Aretha Franklin and Rick James to Alicia Keys, Anthony Hamilton, Bobby Womack, Usher, and Frankie Beverly & Maze. No matter the era or the venue, his presence is magnetic. Whether he’s performing for 500 or 50,000, the power of Lenny’s voice never wavers.
In recent years, Lenny has expanded his creative reach into acting, appearing in several successful stage plays while continuing to tour across the U.S., Europe, and Africa. He also launched his own label, Bridle Ridge Records, giving him full creative control as he continues to record and release new music.
In recognition of his incredible contributions to music and the arts, Lenny was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from California State University — an honor befitting a man whose music has touched millions.
“I’m still growing, still learning, still creating,” says Lenny. “I’ve watched the music business change. Now, I’ve got my own label — let me do my thing.”
Lenny Williams is more than a soul singer — he is a storyteller, a trendsetter, and a torchbearer for real music. His songs are emotional blueprints for anyone who’s ever been in love, lost love, or dared to love again. Decades into his career, he remains a shining example of staying true to your craft, your message, and your heart.
From slow jams to stage plays, from classic soul to modern collaborations, Lenny continues to prove that love — when sung with honesty and soul — never goes out of style.
Contact: LennyWilliams.com
