Leon Ware (1972 album)
Leon Ware is the self-titled debut studio album by American musician Leon Ware. It was released in 1972 and was his only release for United Artists Records.
| Leon Ware | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1972 | |||
| Recorded | 1972 | |||
| Studio | United Artists Recording Studio | |||
| Genre | Soul | |||
| Length | 30:32 | |||
| Label | United Artists Records | |||
| Producer |
| |||
| Leon Ware chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Leon Ware | ||||
| ||||
Background
In 1971, Ware collaborated with Ike & Tina Turner, co-writing several songs on their album, 'Nuff Said. The moderate success of 'Nuff Said led the Turners' record label at the time, United Artists, to hand Ware a recording contract as a solo artist.[1]
Reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |    [2] |
Although the album failed to chart, the album did receive positive reviews from critics. Bob Talbert of the Detroit Free Press wrote, "Detroiter Leon Ware is a marvelous songwriter". He continued, "Ware is also a superb singer..."[3] Omaha World-Herald commended the album, citing that the album was "the strong, individualistic vocal and piano work of Leon Ware". Moreover, they predicted that "[Ware] should be headed for considerable popularity".[4]
Track listing
Side one
All tracks are written by Leon Ware, except where noted
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Spirit Never Dies" |
| 2:48 |
| 2. | "Able, Qualified and Ready" |
| 3:15 |
| 3. | "Why Be Alone" |
| 3:31 |
| 4. | "Mr. Evolution" |
| 2:57 |
| 5. | "Nothing's Sweeter Than My Baby's Love" | 2:43 |
Side two
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "What's Your World" | 4:25 | |
| 2. | "I Know How It Feels" |
| 3:23 |
| 3. | "It's Just a Natural Thing" | 3:26 | |
| 4. | "Tamed to be Wild" | 4:01 |
Personnel
- Leon Ware – vocals, piano, arrangement, producer
- Doug Gilmore – producer
- Gorden De Witty – piano, organ
- Jeff Brown – organ
- Jackie Clark – guitar, bass
- Ernie McDaniel – bass
- Terry Furlong – guitar
- Jimmy Brown, Stu Perry – drums
- Clydie King, Jesse Smith, Julia Tillman, Maxine Willard, Patrice Holloway – backing vocals
- Christina Hersch, Jerry Burns – recording engineer
- Norman Seeff – art direction, photography
- Dave Bhang – design
References
- Rys, Dan (February 24, 2017). "Renowned Soul Singer and Songwriter Leon Ware Dies at 77". Billboard. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
- "Leon Ware – Leon Ware [1972]". AllMusic. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
- Talbert, Bob (August 13, 1972). "Record Reviews". Detroit Free Press. p. 35. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
- "Lots of Singers". Omaha World-Herald. August 4, 1972. p. 6. Retrieved January 20, 2023.