Hitmaker Extraordinaire: The Story of Leon Sylvers II

Moshe Lewis, Dr Moshe Lewis, Music And Medicine, Music, Medicine
Leon Frank Sylvers III is an American singer, songwriter, disc-jockey, record producer and multi-instrumentalist. He was a member of the family group The Sylvers and became one of the most successful producers in black music in the late 1970s to the mid-1980s through his association with Dick Griffey's SOLAR Records.Artists such as J Dilla,[3] Dr. Dre, and Madlib have sampled songs written and produced by him.
His HITS include, #misdemeanor #Andthebeatgoeson
His Gene Page single "Love Starts After Dark" and 7th Wonder's song "The Tilt". Shalamar would chart with their Three for Love album at number eight on the US Top Soul Albums. The album would be certified Gold. The Whispers' "It's a Love Thing" was another R&B smash which helped propel the Imagination album to number three on the Top Soul Albums charts. Noting his success, Billboard magazine described him as, "the man of the hour in R & B.
In 1982, Leon produced Shalamar's album Friends. The album topped the US Top R&B Albums chart, propelled by the single "A Night to Remember", which reached number eight on the US R&B charts. The album would be certified Platinum. Leon spent the next couple of years producing hit songs for The Whispers ("In the Raw", "Tonight"), Gladys Knight & The Pips ("Save the Overtime (For Me)"), Tavares ("Ten to One") among others. In that same year, he served as mentor to the production team Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.Dick Griffey said of Leon at the time, "Aside from Quincy Jones, I think Leon is the hottest producer around. He's grown with SOLAR and has been exposed to other creative forces in putting together different kinds of songs and sounds. He's gotten a different kind of polish and sophistication."
In the '90s Leon would work with R&B New Jack Producer Teddy Riley on his group Blackstreet's debut album Blackstreet. Leon helped co-write Blackstreet's US Top 10 hit "Before I Let You Go". Leon would also work with Riley again this time helping write two songs on New Kids on the Block's Face the Music as well as the song "Love Online" on Guy's reunion album Guy III. Riley credited Leon for his ability to make lyrics work with a given melody, saying he was "probably the number one best."
#Leonsylvers #thesylvers #soulmusic #randb #teddyriley #thewhispers #gladysknight #jimmyjam #shalamar #solar

[@djtut_clt5236]

Leon Sylvers III is the most underrated Bassist/Producer/Composer/Musician/Writer in the history of Music…PERIOD!

[@chasjazzz]

Please give this Legend this Flowers. If your my age 55yrs there's No way his music didn't influence you. Thank you for this

[@2008topshelf]

Damn, I woulda swore I wrote this.

[@monicajohnson4855]

I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS GENIUS IS NOT MENTIONED AMONG THE GREATS!!! HE NEEDS TO BE CELEBRATED CORRECTLY 🙏🏽

[@cah8124]

The G.O.A.T in my book. One of the most unrecognized geniuses in the business. He needs a star on the walk of fame!!!

[@musicmedicine9695]

We absolutely agree

[@TheodorePendergrass]

Yes, he's behind some big records, Hot Lines, is a classic.

[@JeremyForest]

Not that... but to be featured in TVOne's documentary series, "UNSUNG" just as Leon Sylvers, III. He was featured on episodes of artists like Shalamar, The Whispers, Lakeside, Evelyn "Champaigne" King, and The Sylvers. And, was featured about the story of "SOLAR Records."

[@andrewdash5101]

Many people don't even know he exists

[@andrewdash5101]

He and Nile Rogers controlled the era after disco with a slightly slower beat

[@dereksmith4965]

Leon Sylvers is one of the most underrated producer and writers in the music business. I too am a longtime fan.

[@brodocbetty4856]

Great work producing the Whispers.

[@ourlegacylectures8937]

This man deserves so much more than he has received in terms of recognition and acclaim, he's a giant in the game, so many hits.

[@SS-ii6nz]

I am super happy the world is seeing and talking about a wonderful musical genius Mr. Leon Sylvers. The Sylvers was a legendary group. This family music was played in my home for decades when radio played timeless music. I will forever love and respect Mr. Sylers who created huge hits with some of the most talented musicians in the music business. ❤❤❤

[@angelomaurizio1668]

Business or no business, a manager should NEVER force a group to vote out a family member. I believe it was Leon's sister Angie that mentioned if he wouldve stayed in the group there would've never been hits for Shalamar and The Whispers.

[@jeanaray06]

I love this interview with Leon, he is a genius from a lovely family. Miss you guys.❤

[@halcop]

What a great interview with the much underappreciated Leon Sylvers III. Bass skills off the charts and one of the greatest producers of all time.🐐🐐

[@joffyjazz]

As a bass player I always looked up to Leon. Also his writing and producing skills were off the charts!

[@kurtadams3021]

Leon Sylvers is a musical Genius

[@ohheybih]

Facts

[@ebsuede]

Leon is the soundtrack of my life so many jams what a genius

[@jerryclark3225]

Great artist I love the Sylvers, and yes Foster sounded like MJ but just by accident IMO on Misdemeanor. They were another great group there’s always room at the top. Leon did his thing writing and producing the great song And The Beat Goes On by the Whispers. Where would we be w/o the music in this life. Thank you Masters of Music!

[@BassGods]

Leon was most definitely ahead of his time. That's why so many rap artist sampled one of his first hits, "Misdemeanor 1973". That beat was definitely ahead of it's time. And it related to the beats artists were producing in the 90s and early 2000s.

[@ralphflores4422]

Wow, Leon Sylvers seems like a sweet heart-felt guy with a REAL humble heart. What a pleasant surprise.

[@jameshayden2538]

Leon Has A Very Peaceful Spirit...No Matter What He's Been Through In The Business He Always Bounced Back in Great Spirit By Saying "It Was Cool' And I Believe Thats His Favorite Word "COOL"

[@charlenewilson-dudley5116]

Love this Family 🥰

[@leogolive]

This man is a living legend! I hope he does more interviews because we need his wisdom and knowledge to be passed on. I’d love for him to demonstrate how he played a lot of those great bass lines he wrote.

[@Sheisneika0976]

Misdemeanor was ahead of it’s time period 😫😌

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Legendary I watched unsung about the group very interesting.

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

I missed their gems because I wasn't born in the 70's just yet but I'm adding their songs to my playlists now.

[@ommandababineaux1888]

His mother is from my hometown, Opelousas, Louisiana.

[@CastellaMusic]

Would love to meet you Mr. Sylvers!! 🙏🏾

[@TyStephens]

Still one of the best and still so humble. Great guy! LOVE the Sylvers forever!

[@collinspaulk2023]

Im glad Leon Sylvers"guided" this interviewer, because the reporter kept asking questions about his later years, "before" hearing the whole "back story about The Sylvers family, and their rise within the music industry. He really made Solar Records, and all the groups associated with them, a force in the music world. The man is a genius/legend! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@namersongs]

This is great! Wonder if you saw this Musical doc on The Sylvers ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3aUgGWobdt5eZY

[@driven64]

Collins, I salute you! Leon Sylvers really DID GUIDE this interview! And he really DID make SOLAR RECORDS a force in the music industry in the 80's!

[@collinspaulk2023]

@SC CH So true! Whether it was The Sylvers, The Whispers, Shalamar, Lakeside, Dynasty,...... He was "the engine that made the train run!" One of his most under played songs, "Help Me" by Shalamar, is a masterpiece that still holds up today in 2023! "GENIUS" 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@namersongs]

Yes /And please share this music bio that was put together to honor the Sylvers in their early years kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3aUgGWobdt5eZY

[@doozerace]

Quite possibly one of the best bass players in the history of R&B. Along with Aarron Mills.

[@SuperTony1968]

God Bless,Leon Sylvers III. If There Was A Story About You Can Make No Matter What Your Trials & Tribulations May Bring You. Him & His Family Fulfill That Accomplishment.

[@anderscarlsson3387]

Fantastic bassplayer also!. A mastermind.

[@coachrobinson9958]

The G.O.A.T!🎸🎸🎸🎸🏆🏆🏆🏆🎵🎵🎵🎵🎼🎼🎼🎼

[@TheJetMD]

We are So grateful for the wonderful legacy of music that Leon and his family have provided for us to continue to understand and enjoy. he is So far ahead of his time

[@calvindivinity2011]

A man whose roots are similar to mine, Nickerson Garden and David Starr Jordan High, but a man whose musical genius is second to none. The industry needs to give this man his roses 🌹. He is one of the best in the music business... C. Divinity

[@therealdjspecialk]

Awesome, Leon Sylvers is dope and super talented!

[@livestreamsuk6004]

Living Legend

[@msays1275]

Still love " Misdemeanor"!!!!...

[@mikeymiketheplaya5792]

Great interview. I hope you can do a show with Gregory Williams of Switch and Debarge

[@musicmedicine9695]

Your wish is our command. Check out our interview w/ Gregory Wms Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3bRf59vhcZ2ba8

[@mikeymiketheplaya5792]

@@musicmedicine9695 🤣🤣🤣🤣 You read my mind that's incredible

[@taureanmay7480]

​@@musicmedicine969518:47 can't wait for that.

[@onetwo12onetwo526]

@@mikeymiketheplaya5792 pulled a switch huh😁

[@geoffreyr2356]

Leon's writing skills and deep lyrics guided me throughout my life starting as teen when I heard "I Can Be For Real" at age 12. It was as if he were watching my life. "New Horizons" came out and that became my theme song for the year. Deciding I had to take school seriously and plan a life. Later The Sylvers came out with "Is Everybody Happy", the first time I heard the word gay used in a song. I was floored because I was figuring things out. Even though the word gay in the song meant happy, I felt recognized. The Sylvers Concept album hit as I was hitting my stride. Determined not to end my life after hearing "Reach Out", "Take it to the Top", "I'm Getting Over". I loved all their music but the before mentioned songs were gaming changing! Your music plays in my car constantly, with the top down and the volume up. For Leon Sylvers lll your music is gold. My family thanks you and your family for the hard work, dedication and sharing your great gifts with the world.

[@JeremyForest]

Thank you so much for interviewing a true music legend, the main "in-house producer" of SOLAR Records, and underrated bass player, Leon Sylvers, III! This was awesome! He doesn't get enough recognition for pioneering Contemporary R&B Music. I was getting a lot of education! I "subscribed" your video channel. A job well done.

[@todmatthew8816]

Excellent Interview! Thank you for sharing

[@musicmedicine9695]

Thanks for listening

[@richardrichard5409]

Incredible bass player

[@charlenewilson-dudley5116]

Awesome story ❤

[@duckman6819]

greatest producer ever should have had many number ones though

[@SWOOP_68]

Great interview, great family and talent.

[@robinbarber49]

Genius! What a great interview.

[@noriwilliams4637]

Amazing

[@williemuhammad80]

Leon one of the best Producer's in Music 🎶 History, I think he perfected proper handling of people 👍 Great interview, Music and Medicine a concept 💡

[@slv-tv5290]

Music heals the heart and soul. I like this concept of Music & Medicine. I speak to that in a book I wrote “The Music Through the Storm”. I’m definitely subscribing to this channel

[@slv-tv5290]

This is wonderful! Leon Sylvers has been and is a musical force to be reckoned with! Long time fan of his

[@namersongs]

This is great! Wonder if you saw this Musical doc on The Sylvers ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3aUgGWobdt5eZY

[@patriciayoung9298]

So humble and still good looking give him his props for writing & producing some of the best music ever.

[@TheMusicMan66]

This brother is top 5 producers of ALL TIME. Time the world knows this! Better ask somebody about this dude here!

[@kincamell]

Gratitude.

[@lenardshaw6037]

Met him twice and other than his musical talent this is one great man keep that good spirit bro🎶🔥

[@zennor_man]

A fascinating insight into how my favourite producer & bassist (& songwriter ) created those musical masterpieces……Back in the late 70’s I’d lost my way musically & then found Shalamar….my epiphany!

[@Brassneck77]

Would love to hear The Sylvers' version of "Are You My Woman" by the Chi-Lites!

[@rhondahamilton7956]

Very transparent interview! Such a humble genius

[@msays1275]

Very interesting, I looked up that family ....For Years from day one. Wow brings it back, Awesome 💖💖💖💖💖💖🙏🏽

[@mjmajestic2354]

Leon Sylvers is still the man and still my inspiration this interview was definitely fire🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥I love to hear the stories about how some of my favorite songs he wrote and produced came into Fruition I wanna work with him in this present day and time no cap.🙏

[@Sheisneika0976]

Thank you for this interview!!!! I love Leon and his family ❤

[@ksager123]

People don't know about him because they're too busy giving acknowledgment to the artists who the Media tells them to.

[@kendraadman7229]

Brilliant observation. So true. He is a gent.

[@blueser100]

Huge talent this guy and the Sylvers. It’s a tragedy about what has happened to Foster.

[@rasta487]

Why is this man not doing more interviews, appearances and receiving public honors for his art.?

[@alwanthony6910]

Great Interview 👍🏾

[@TheJetMD]

THanks sooo much for the support

[@pavelusa3423]

Gr8 interview, I second that for sure ..thanx

[@danahoward759]

We always read the inserts and credits on every album. And Leon Sylvers name was on so many albums back in the day, especially anything from SOLAR records

[@hamutendimeck3407]

Solar music pioneer

[@vinnybell5075]

Love Leon and the Sylvers, one of my favorite bands. I brought all there albums. In highschool girls use to say you look like the sylvers, lightskin with a huge afro. Being a young producer & musician too. When they came out i was maybe 13. Closer to Ricky's age. Leon's a amazing talent. Y'all should do a movie about the Sylvers journey. N produce a new album to go along with the film.

[@asu5cx]

One of my all time favorite artists. So underrated!! Great interview!! Always loved his sound, don’t forget “Dynasty”…

[@jamessmallwood5061]

Leon held the 80s down with his work at Solar a true genius and my 2nd favorite bass player next to James Jamerson just a beast on that bass. Listen to Shalamars make that move ridiculous...

[@dannyboyd9462]

Leon Can Wake Up The Dead With That Base.

[@PjRjHj]

One of my top 3 favourite Bassists. Great Interview 🙌

[@leej2311]

I always looked up to him also I always felt like we was family because his mother, my father come from the same area in Louisiana and down there everybody’s kin

[@aqueenceereid4249]

Super handsome 😍

[@jameshumphrey6852]

Wow! Didnt know he was, so bad!! His talking voice, sounds like wynton!

[@CoOlTy3000]

🔥

[@staceyrichard7664]

U look just like my uncle BL. Wobble and Uncle Milton. I your cousin from Louisiana.

[@AlmighTee]

Were your uncles educators in Houston?

[@jeffthekillercriticremixer5968]

He also wrote for 5 star and the Jackson's

[@CurtisGabrielMusic]

Far too many ads on this. Made it hard to watch.

[@namersongs]

No ads on this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3aUgGWobdt5eZY

[@neonstagerj]

What ever happened to Dana Meyers ?

[@ertfgghhhh]

He was phine in the 70s

[@edwardp268]

I wonder why he didn't ask Leon about Dynasty?

[@user-ch9kr8cp2b]

The outsiders came into sabotage the group and the family.

[@anchmcle]

And controlled their Name as property.

[@sidneygwaltney9931]

They were upper against the Osmonds they were with mgm sylivers with capital

[@onetwo12onetwo526]

This Gentlemen seems genuinely difficult to work with

[@staceyrichard7664]

Wyble