Leroy Hutson
Encyclopedia
Leroy Hutson is an American
soul
and R&B
singer, songwriter
, arranger
, producer
and instrumentalist, best known as former lead singer of the R&B band, which came to fame vocal group, The Impressions
.
He has been characterized as the best-kept secret of Seventies Soul, most recently noted in the June 29, 2006 issue of Rolling Stone
magazine. He is the father of producer JR Hutson
.
In 1968, as part of the duo Sugar & Spice
Lee Hutson and Deborah Rollins recorded for Kapp Records
. They recorded several singles with some success. Their single "In Love Forever" ranked the "Best New Record Of The Week” in the local newspaper column “Soul Sauce.” Two other singles recorded were Ah Ha Yeah and Dreams.
in Washington D.C. to study dentist
ry, Hutson switched his major to music, marking the beginning of Leroy’s musical career.
It was during those years on campus Hutson met many great people – Roberta Flack
, Herbie Hancock
, Debbie Allen
, Phylicia Rashad
, and Donny Hathaway
.
At Howard University, Hutson shared a room with Donny Hathaway
for nearly three years. He also joined The Mayfield Singers, a group (including Hathaway) put together on Howard's campus by music legend Curtis Mayfield
that performed at New York's famed Apollo Theater
and Philadelphia's Uptown Theater. The group released one single for Mayfield in 1967.
There, developing his creative talents, Hutson collaborated with Hathaway on "The Ghetto
", giving the late recording star his first hit record in early 1970.
as the lead singer of The Impressions. He stayed with them for two and a half years, and recorded two albums with the group, before amicably leaving to pursue his own career as a writer, producer, arranger
, and musician.
The first Impressions single to feature Hutson as lead vocalist was entitled "Love Me
", released on Curtom records
in North America in June 1971.
,” and through 1992 established himself with a successful recording career, recording eight albums and charting with some 13 singles in the U.S.A.
Over a ten year period from 1973, he developed a cult following
on the soul scene, which remains loyal and untarnished to this day through solo albums for the Curtom label "Love Oh Love
", "The Man
", "Hutson
", "Feel The Spirit
", "Hutson II
", "Closer To The Source
" and "Unforgettable."
The "Hutson" album is regarded by some soul collectors as one of the best, most enduring albums of the 70s musically. Leroy's last 12" the "Share Your love EP" was released via the UK's Expansion Records
In 2008, Hutson returned to recording under the name Lee Hutson, issuing an album 'Soothe You Groove You on his own Triumph label and via download. Two years later, in August 2010, Hutson made his highly anticipated comeback to European stages, performing at Suncebeat Festival in Zadar, Croatia, at Vintage at Goodwood Festival and at Indigo2 in London. He was backed by the British group The Third Degree and the shows were praised by fans and media alike for the high musical quality and authenticity. Hutson plans to record a new album in 2011, sticking to his original 1970s sound that his fans love.
, Arnold Blair, and The Natural Four
.
As a writer/producer, he has worked for Roberta Flack
("Tryin' Times", "Gone Away"), The Natural Four
("You Bring Out The Best In Me", "Can This Be Real"), Linda Clifford
, Voices of East Harlem ("Cashing In"), Arnold Blair ("Trying To get Next To You"), and Next Movement ("Let's Work It Out"), while more recently one of his own cult singles "Lucky Fellow" was covered by Snowboy
on Acid Jazz records.
Billboard Music Charts (North America) - album
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soul
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
and R&B
Rhythm and blues
Rhythm and blues, often abbreviated to R&B, is a genre of popular African American music that originated in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly to urban African Americans, at a time when "urbane, rocking, jazz based music with a...
singer, songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
, arranger
Arrangement
The American Federation of Musicians defines arranging as "the art of preparing and adapting an already written composition for presentation in other than its original form. An arrangement may include reharmonization, paraphrasing, and/or development of a composition, so that it fully represents...
, producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
and instrumentalist, best known as former lead singer of the R&B band, which came to fame vocal group, The Impressions
The Impressions (American band)
The Impressions are an American music group from Chicago, originally formed in 1958. Their repertoire includes doo-wop, gospel, soul, and R&B....
.
He has been characterized as the best-kept secret of Seventies Soul, most recently noted in the June 29, 2006 issue of Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
magazine. He is the father of producer JR Hutson
JR Hutson
JR Hutson is an American soul and R&B producer and songwriter, who has worked with artists including Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild.-Biography:...
.
Early years
As a teenager, Lee was a member of "The Nu-Tones," a four man vocal group based in New Jersey. They were the premier local group and won several major talent shows during Lee's grammar school years. In addition to Hutson, the members of the Nu-Tones were Ronald King, Bernard Ransom, Ed Davis, and Irving Jenkins.In 1968, as part of the duo Sugar & Spice
Sugar & Spice (Duo)
Members of the Sugar & Spice duo were Leroy Hutson and Deborah Rollins.The two recorded several singles for Kapp Records with some success. Their single “In Love Forever” ranked the “Best New Record Of The Week” in the local newspaper column “Soul Sauce.” Two other singles recorded were “Ah Ha...
Lee Hutson and Deborah Rollins recorded for Kapp Records
Kapp Records
Kapp Records was an independent record label started in 1954 by David Kapp, brother of Jack Kapp . David Kapp founded his own label after stints with Decca Records and RCA Victor Records. Kapp licensed its records to London Records for release in the UK.In 1967, David Kapp sold his label to MCA Inc...
. They recorded several singles with some success. Their single "In Love Forever" ranked the "Best New Record Of The Week” in the local newspaper column “Soul Sauce.” Two other singles recorded were Ah Ha Yeah and Dreams.
College Years
Initially attending renowned Howard UniversityHoward University
Howard University is a federally chartered, non-profit, private, coeducational, nonsectarian, historically black university located in Washington, D.C., United States...
in Washington D.C. to study dentist
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a 'dental surgeon', is a doctor that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. The dentist's supporting team aides in providing oral health services...
ry, Hutson switched his major to music, marking the beginning of Leroy’s musical career.
It was during those years on campus Hutson met many great people – Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who is notable for jazz, soul, R&B, and folk music...
, Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock
Herbert Jeffrey "Herbie" Hancock is an American pianist, bandleader and composer. As part of Miles Davis's "second great quintet," Hancock helped to redefine the role of a jazz rhythm section and was one of the primary architects of the "post-bop" sound...
, Debbie Allen
Debbie Allen
Deborrah Kaye “Debbie” Allen is an American actress, dancer, choreographer, television director, television producer, and a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities...
, Phylicia Rashad
Phylicia Rashad
Phylicia Rashād is an American Tony Award winning actress and singer, best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on the long-running NBC sitcom The Cosby Show....
, and Donny Hathaway
Donny Hathaway
Donny Edward Hathaway was an American soul singer-songwriter and musician. Hathaway contracted with Atlantic Records in 1969 and with his first single for the Atco label, "The Ghetto, Part I" in early 1970, Rolling Stone magazine "marked him as a major new force in soul music."His collaborations...
.
At Howard University, Hutson shared a room with Donny Hathaway
Donny Hathaway
Donny Edward Hathaway was an American soul singer-songwriter and musician. Hathaway contracted with Atlantic Records in 1969 and with his first single for the Atco label, "The Ghetto, Part I" in early 1970, Rolling Stone magazine "marked him as a major new force in soul music."His collaborations...
for nearly three years. He also joined The Mayfield Singers, a group (including Hathaway) put together on Howard's campus by music legend Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Lee Mayfield was an American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer.He is best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and for composing the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, Mayfield is highly...
that performed at New York's famed Apollo Theater
Apollo Theater
The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous, and older, music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with Black performers...
and Philadelphia's Uptown Theater. The group released one single for Mayfield in 1967.
There, developing his creative talents, Hutson collaborated with Hathaway on "The Ghetto
The Ghetto
"The Ghetto" is a 1990 single by Oakland rapper Too Short from his album Short Dog's in the House. The song was featured on the fictional radio station Radio Los Santos in the videogame Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The instrumental was based on the Donny Hathaway song of the same name...
", giving the late recording star his first hit record in early 1970.
Years with the Impressions
In 1971, three months out of college, Hutson was asked to replace Curtis MayfieldCurtis Mayfield
Curtis Lee Mayfield was an American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer.He is best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and for composing the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, Mayfield is highly...
as the lead singer of The Impressions. He stayed with them for two and a half years, and recorded two albums with the group, before amicably leaving to pursue his own career as a writer, producer, arranger
Arrangement
The American Federation of Musicians defines arranging as "the art of preparing and adapting an already written composition for presentation in other than its original form. An arrangement may include reharmonization, paraphrasing, and/or development of a composition, so that it fully represents...
, and musician.
The first Impressions single to feature Hutson as lead vocalist was entitled "Love Me
Love Me
Love Me may refer to:*"Love Me" , a 1954 song by Leiber and Stoller, made popular by Elvis Presley*"Love Me" , a song by the Bee Gees, made popular by Yvonne Elliman in 1976...
", released on Curtom records
Curtom Records
Curtom Records was a record label started by Curtis Mayfield of The Impressions along with Impressions associate Eddie Thomas in 1968 although the name was used as early as 1963. The labels name was a combination of Mayfields first name and Thomas' surname...
in North America in June 1971.
Solo career
In 1973 Hutson wrote, produced, arranged and recorded his first solo album, “Love Oh LoveLove Oh Love
After working as a writer and producer for such soul music stalwarts as Donny Hathaway and a stint replacing Curtis Mayfield as the lead vocalist in The Impressions, Leroy Hutson embarked on a solo career with 1973's Love Oh Love...
,” and through 1992 established himself with a successful recording career, recording eight albums and charting with some 13 singles in the U.S.A.
Over a ten year period from 1973, he developed a cult following
Cult following
A cult following is a group of fans who are highly dedicated to a specific area of pop culture. A film, book, band, or video game, among other things, will be said to have a cult following when it has a small but very passionate fan base...
on the soul scene, which remains loyal and untarnished to this day through solo albums for the Curtom label "Love Oh Love
Love Oh Love
After working as a writer and producer for such soul music stalwarts as Donny Hathaway and a stint replacing Curtis Mayfield as the lead vocalist in The Impressions, Leroy Hutson embarked on a solo career with 1973's Love Oh Love...
", "The Man
The Man
"The Man" is a slang phrase that may refer to the government or to some other authority in a position of power. In addition to this derogatory connotation, it may also serve as a term of respect and praise....
", "Hutson
Hutson (album)
-Review:Released on Curtom Records in 1975, Hutson illuminates the fickleness and unpredictable nature of the music business. Leroy Hutson seemed to have it all going for him; he replaced Curtis Mayfield in The Impressions, then branched out solo, was a friend of Donny Hathaway , and was given...
", "Feel The Spirit
Feel the Spirit
Feel The Spirit is the fourth solo album by Leroy Hutson. Released February 1976 on Curtom Records.-Track listing:#It's The Music - 4:50#Let's Be Lonely Together - 3:32...
", "Hutson II
Hutson II
Hutson II is the fifth solo album by Leroy Hutson. Released November 1976 on Curtom Records.-Reception:Every Leroy Hutson album features a sweeping, make-you-feel-good opening tune; this time "Love the Feeling" warms you for a collage of soulful ballads, mid-tempo romps, and steppers...
", "Closer To The Source
Closer to the Source
After a series of albums where he handled much the production and writing as a one-man show, Leroy Hutson teamed up with a number of collaborators to record 1978's Closer to the Source. The result is an unambitious but slick album of pop-soul...
" and "Unforgettable."
The "Hutson" album is regarded by some soul collectors as one of the best, most enduring albums of the 70s musically. Leroy's last 12" the "Share Your love EP" was released via the UK's Expansion Records
Expansion Records
Expansion Records is a British record label founded by Northern soul DJ Richard Searling and Soul Bowl owner John Anderson. In 1989 DJ, Author & Journalist Ralph Tee joined the label, which both he and Searling run to this day.-Label history:...
In 2008, Hutson returned to recording under the name Lee Hutson, issuing an album 'Soothe You Groove You on his own Triumph label and via download. Two years later, in August 2010, Hutson made his highly anticipated comeback to European stages, performing at Suncebeat Festival in Zadar, Croatia, at Vintage at Goodwood Festival and at Indigo2 in London. He was backed by the British group The Third Degree and the shows were praised by fans and media alike for the high musical quality and authenticity. Hutson plans to record a new album in 2011, sticking to his original 1970s sound that his fans love.
Work with other Artists
Consistently touring through the late 1970s and 1980s, Hutson also devoted time to lending his well-crafted musicality to production work with fellow Curtom artists Linda CliffordLinda Clifford
Linda Clifford is an American R&B, disco and house music singer and actress, who scored hits from the 1970s to the 1980s, most notably "If My Friends Could See Me Now", "Bridge over Troubled Water", "Runaway Love" and "Red Light"....
, Arnold Blair, and The Natural Four
The Natural Four
-History:Formed in 1967, the Natural Four first signed with a local Oakland label, Boola Boola Records. The first 45 release was "I Thought you were mine" A side b/w "You Did This for Me". "I Thought you were mine" sold 30,000 locally as it was played on KDIA where it rose to #7 on the chart. "Why...
.
As a writer/producer, he has worked for Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who is notable for jazz, soul, R&B, and folk music...
("Tryin' Times", "Gone Away"), The Natural Four
The Natural Four
-History:Formed in 1967, the Natural Four first signed with a local Oakland label, Boola Boola Records. The first 45 release was "I Thought you were mine" A side b/w "You Did This for Me". "I Thought you were mine" sold 30,000 locally as it was played on KDIA where it rose to #7 on the chart. "Why...
("You Bring Out The Best In Me", "Can This Be Real"), Linda Clifford
Linda Clifford
Linda Clifford is an American R&B, disco and house music singer and actress, who scored hits from the 1970s to the 1980s, most notably "If My Friends Could See Me Now", "Bridge over Troubled Water", "Runaway Love" and "Red Light"....
, Voices of East Harlem ("Cashing In"), Arnold Blair ("Trying To get Next To You"), and Next Movement ("Let's Work It Out"), while more recently one of his own cult singles "Lucky Fellow" was covered by Snowboy
Snowboy
Snowboy is a UK-based Afro Cuban percussionist, bandleader, DJ, music critic, journalist and music promoter.Featured in the Who's Who of Latin American Music, Snowboy has released 11 albums and 17 singles in a career that spans over 15 years and has taken him and his authentic Afro-Cuban sound to...
on Acid Jazz records.
Television
- The Midnight SpecialThe Midnight Special (TV series)The Midnight Special is an American musical variety series that aired on NBC during the 1970s and early 1980s, created and produced by Burt Sugarman. It premiered as a special on August 19, 1972, then began its run as a regular series on February 2, 1973; its last episode was on May 1, 1981...
(Episode 20 aired 8 June 1973 - Leroy Hutson performed "Love Oh Love", guest hosted by Curtis MayfieldCurtis MayfieldCurtis Lee Mayfield was an American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer.He is best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and for composing the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, Mayfield is highly... - Soul TrainSoul TrainSoul Train is an American musical variety show that aired in syndication from October 1971 to March 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared.As a nod to Soul Trains...
(Episode 32 aired 18 May 1974) – The Spinners / The IndependentsThe IndependentsThe Independents may refer to:*The Independents *The Independents *The Independents *The Independents , 1910...
/ Leroy Hutson - Soul TrainSoul TrainSoul Train is an American musical variety show that aired in syndication from October 1971 to March 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared.As a nod to Soul Trains...
(Episode 37 aired 7 June 1975) – Curtis MayfieldCurtis MayfieldCurtis Lee Mayfield was an American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer.He is best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and for composing the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, Mayfield is highly...
/ Leroy Hutson / Natural Four
Albums
- Love Oh LoveLove Oh LoveAfter working as a writer and producer for such soul music stalwarts as Donny Hathaway and a stint replacing Curtis Mayfield as the lead vocalist in The Impressions, Leroy Hutson embarked on a solo career with 1973's Love Oh Love...
(1973) - The Man!The Man!-Review :A quick look at some incredibly impressive credits. Leroy Hutson graduated with a bachelor in music from Howard University, 1970. While still an undergraduate he co-wrote “The Ghetto” with room mate Donny Hathaway...
(Spring 1974) (#36 1974) - HutsonHutson (album)-Review:Released on Curtom Records in 1975, Hutson illuminates the fickleness and unpredictable nature of the music business. Leroy Hutson seemed to have it all going for him; he replaced Curtis Mayfield in The Impressions, then branched out solo, was a friend of Donny Hathaway , and was given...
(Spring 1975) (#46 1975) - Feel The SpiritFeel the SpiritFeel The Spirit is the fourth solo album by Leroy Hutson. Released February 1976 on Curtom Records.-Track listing:#It's The Music - 4:50#Let's Be Lonely Together - 3:32...
(February 1976) (#21 1976) - Hutson IIHutson IIHutson II is the fifth solo album by Leroy Hutson. Released November 1976 on Curtom Records.-Reception:Every Leroy Hutson album features a sweeping, make-you-feel-good opening tune; this time "Love the Feeling" warms you for a collage of soulful ballads, mid-tempo romps, and steppers...
(November 1976) (#26 1976) - Closer To The SourceCloser to the SourceAfter a series of albums where he handled much the production and writing as a one-man show, Leroy Hutson teamed up with a number of collaborators to record 1978's Closer to the Source. The result is an unambitious but slick album of pop-soul...
(February 1978) - Unforgettable (October 1979) (#69 1979)
- ParadiseParadise (Leroy Hutson album)Paradise is the eighth solo album by Leroy Hutson and his first on Elektra Records.-Track listing:# "Classy Lady"# "Nice and Easy"# "You Make It Happen"# "Paradise"# "She's Got It"# "Nobody But You"# "Stay at It"-Review :...
(1982) - The Best of Leroy Hutson Vol. 1 (May 2006)
- Soothe You Groove You (2009)
Compilations
- There's More Where This Came From (1992)
- The Very Best of Leroy Hutson (02/25/1997)
- The Best of Leroy Hutson (UK) (1997)
- More Where That Came From: The Best of Leroy Hutson, Vol. 2 (03/10/1998)
- Lucky Fellow: The Curtom Anthology 1972-79 (11/14/2000)
- The Best of Leroy Hutson, Volume 1 (2006)
Chart positions - Leroy Hutson
Billboard Music Charts (North America) - singles| Year | Single | Chart | Chart position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | "Love Oh Love" | Black Singles | 75 |
| "When You Smile" | Black Singles | 81 | |
| 1974 | "Ella Weez" | Black Singles | 81 |
| 1975 | "All Because of You" | Black Singles | 31 |
| "Can’t Stay Away" | Black Singles | 66 | |
| 1976 | "Feel the Spirit" | Disco Singles | 5 |
| Black Singles | 25 | ||
| "Lover’s Holiday" | Black Singles | 68 | |
| 1977 | "Blackberry Jam" | Black Singles | 82 |
| "I Do, I Do (Want To Make Love to You)" | Black Singles | 55 | |
| 1978 | "In the Mood" | Black Singles | 56 |
| "Where Did Love Go" | Black Singles | 45 | |
| 1979 | "Right Or Wrong" | Black Singles | 47 |
Billboard Music Charts (North America) - album
| Year | Album | Chart | Chart position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | The Man! | Black Albums | 36 |
| 1975 | Hutson | Black Albums | 46 |
| 1976 | Feel the Spirit | Black Albums | 21 |
| Pop Albums | 170 | ||
| 1977 | Hutson II | Black Albums | 26 |
| 1979 | Unforgettable | Black Albums | 69 |
Chart and singles history – The Natural Four
- Can This Be Real (the flip, Try Love Again) (#10 R&B, #31 Pop,late 1973,"
- Love That Really Counts (#23 R&B,#98 Pop Spring 1974)
- You Bring Out The Best In Me (#20 R&B, Summer 1974)