Leon Ware (1972 album)

For the 1982 album of the same name, see Leon Ware (1982 album).

Leon Ware
Studio album by Leon Ware
Released	1972 (1972)
Recorded	1972
Studio	United Artists Recording Studio
Genre	Soul
Length	30:32
Label	United Artists Records
Producer	Leon Ware Doug Gilmore
Leon Ware chronology
Leon Ware (1972) Musical Massage (1976)
Singles from Leon Ware
"The Spirit Never Dies" Released: 1972

Leon Ware is the self-titled debut studio album by American musician Leon Ware. It was released in 1972 and was his only release for United Artists Records.

Background

In 1971, Ware collaborated with Ike & Tina Turner, co-writing several songs on their album, 'Nuff Said . The moderate success of 'Nuff Said led the Turners' record label at the time, United Artists, to hand Ware a recording contract as a solo artist. ^[1]

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[2]

Although the album failed to chart, the album did receive positive reviews from critics. Bob Talbert of the Detroit Free Press wrote, "Detroiter Leon Ware is a marvelous songwriter". He continued, "Ware is also a superb singer..." ^[3] Omaha World-Herald commended the album, citing that the album was "the strong, individualistic vocal and piano work of Leon Ware". Moreover, they predicted that "[Ware] should be headed for considerable popularity". ^[4] In 1972, Ware appeared in an advertisement on Billboard to promote the album. ^[5]

Track listing

Side one

All tracks are written by Leon Ware, except where noted.

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"The Spirit Never Dies"	Leon Ware Arthur Ross	2:48
2.	"Able, Qualified and Ready"	Ware Bonnie Bramlett	3:15
3.	"Why Be Alone"	Ware Bob Hilliard	3:31
4.	"Mr. Evolution"	Ware Ross	2:57
5.	"Nothing's Sweeter Than My Baby's Love"		2:43

Side two

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"What's Your World"		4:25
2.	"I Know How It Feels"	Ware Bramlett	3:23
3.	"It's Just a Natural Thing"		3:26
4.	"Tamed to be Wild"		4:01

Personnel

• Leon Ware – vocals, piano, arrangement, producer
• Doug Gilmore – producer
• Gorden De Witty – piano, organ
• Jeff Brown – organ
• Jackie Clark – guitar, bass
• Ernie McDaniel – bass
• Terry Furlong – guitar
• Jimmy Brown, Stu Perry – drums
• Clydie King, Jesse Smith, Julia Tillman, Maxine Willard, Patrice Holloway – backing vocals
• Christina Hersch, Jerry Burns – recording engineer
• Norman Seeff – art direction, photography
• Dave Bhang – design

References

1. Rys, Dan (February 24, 2017). "Renowned Soul Singer and Songwriter Leon Ware Dies at 77". Billboard . Retrieved January 20, 2023.
2. "Leon Ware – Leon Ware[1972]". AllMusic . Retrieved October 4, 2022.
3. Talbert, Bob (August 13, 1972). "Record Reviews". Detroit Free Press . p. 35. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
4. "Lots of Singers". Omaha World-Herald . August 4, 1972. p. 6. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
5. "Billboard". May 20, 1972. Retrieved January 16, 2024– via Google Books.

External links

• Leon Ware at Discogs (list of releases)