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Artist
Leon Ware
12+ albums
soulfunksinger-songwritermotownfunky soul
about
Leon Ware (February 16, 1940 - February 23, 2017) was an American musician, songwriter and composer. He was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Besides a solo career as a performer, Ware is best known for producing hits for other artists including I Want You, for his friend and Motown icon Marvin Gaye in 1976. He is also is notable for writing the Top 5 R&B single, "I Wanna Be Where You Are", for a young Michael Jackson in 1972, collaborating with Quincy Jones on the Body Heat album, co-writing the R&B hit "Inside My Love" with Minnie Riperton, and working with neo-soul artist Maxwell in the mid-'90s. Leon Ware started his career as a songwriter in 1967. He co-wrote along with Ivy Hunter and Steve Bowden for The Isley Brothers recording of "Got to Have You Back". In 1971, Leon would collaborate with Ike & Tina Turner, co-writing six songs on their United Artist album called Nuff Said. The album reached the top 40 of the R&B charts and also appeared in the pop charts. Later that year, Ware began collaborating with Arthur "T-Boy" Ross, younger brother of Diana Ross. One of the songs they wrote was 'I Wanna Be Where You Are' recorded by Michael Jackson for his album, Got To Be There. The single reached the runner-up position of the R&B charts and peaked at 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972. Ware's songwriting success led to a contract as an artist to United Artists, releasing his self-titled debut album. Ware wrote for numerous artists during this period including Donny Ha
