Leon Ware - Leon Ware (Orange Crush Vinyl) Vinyl LP

Few artists have recorded two highly collectible, self-titled albums a decade apart, but singer-songwriter and keyboardist Leon Ware achieved that rare feat—first with his debut solo record for United Artists in 1972, and again with this release on Elektra in 1982. In the years between, Ware built an equally remarkable résumé, writing and producing for Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Minnie Riperton, and Marvin Gaye, for whom he helmed the classic I Want You.

By the time of his 1982 release, expectations were high. The album showcases Ware’s soaring falsetto—often compared to Gaye’s—set against arrangements by the legendary Marty Paich, with standout contributions from saxophonist Gato Barbieri and vocalist Flora Purim, who duets with Ware on the classic “Somewhere.”

Like many cult classics, Leon Ware initially struggled commercially and ultimately led to his departure from Elektra. Over time, however, it has been recognized as a key early-’80s R&B release, with “Why I Came to California” emerging as a particular favorite among later listeners.