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Leon Frank Sylvers III is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He gained prominence as a member of the family group The Sylvers and later emerged as a leading producer in the R&B and funk genres during the late 1970s and 1980s through his association with SOLAR Records.
Sylvers spent his early years in Memphis, Tennessee, before relocating to Los Angeles, California, at the age of three. His musical influences include Motown artists such as bassist James Jamerson and drummer Benny Benjamin. In the early 1960s, he performed with his siblings in The Little Angels, a harmony vocal group that appeared on various television shows, including “Make Room for Daddy,” “You Bet Your Life,” and “The Spike Jones Show.” They also toured with Ray Charles. In 1971, the family act signed with MGM Records and became known as The Sylvers. Leon wrote several tracks for their debut album, including “Wish That I Could Talk to You” and “Fool’s Paradise.”
In 1978, Sylvers joined SOLAR Records as an in-house producer and A&R director. He played a pivotal role in shaping the label’s signature sound, producing hits for artists such as Shalamar (“The Second Time Around,” “A Night to Remember”), The Whispers (“And the Beat Goes On,” “It’s a Love Thing”), and Dynasty (“I’ve Just Begun to Love You”). His production style, characterized by infectious bass lines and catchy hooks, significantly influenced the R&B music scene during this era.
In 1989, Sylvers released a solo album titled “Leon Sylvers III” under Motown Records, featuring the track “Let’s Go Thru It,” which became a steppers classic. His work has left a lasting impact on the music industry, with numerous rap and hip-hop artists, including J Dilla, Dr. Dre, and Madlib, sampling his productions. Sylvers’ contributions have earned him recognition as a key figure in the evolution of R&B and funk music.
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