Leon Ware

Bio

Leon Ware (1940–2017) was an American singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist from Detroit. He began his career as a session musician and songwriter, contributing to Motown and other labels before establishing himself as a recording artist in the 1970s. Ware is best known for his sophisticated blend of jazz-funk and post-disco, highlighted by albums such as Musical Massage (1976) and Rockin’ You Eternally (1981). He wrote or co-wrote several enduring hits, including “I Want You” for Marvin Gaye and “If I Ever Lose This Heaven” for Quincy Jones, cementing his reputation as a behind-the-scenes architect of sophisticated soul music.