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David Lasley

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David Lasley
Background information
Birth nameDavid Eldon Lasley
Born(1947-08-20)August 20, 1947
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, U.S.
DiedDecember 9, 2021(2021-12-09) (aged 74)
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
  • actor
Labels

David Eldon Lasley (August 20, 1947 – December 9, 2021) was an American recording artist, singer, musician and songwriter.[1][2] He was best known as a touring background singer for James Taylor, as a session singer on recordings by artists including James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Luther Vandross, Chic, Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Bette Midler, Dusty Springfield and Boz Scaggs; as a songwriter for artists including Bonnie Raitt, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker,[3][4][5] Maxine Nightingale, Rita Coolidge, Crystal Gayle, and Luther Vandross; and for his solo albums, albums with his 1970s vocal group Rosie,[6][7][8] and for his early years in Detroit with his vocal group The Utopias. His best known songs include Maxine Nightingale's "Lead Me On" (co-written with Allee Willis), The Manhattan Transfer's "Shaker Song" (co-written with Willis and Jay Beckenstein), and Boz Scaggs' "Jojo" (co-written with Scaggs and David Foster.[9]

In 1980, David Lasley was signed by David Geffen to Geffen Records.  At the time he was one of the chief staff writers at Irving Almo Music.[10]

In The Advocate, 1985 Adam Block described Lasley as “one of the most heard, least known, figures in pop”, with a “velvet falsetto” and “songwriting reminiscent of early Laura Nyro”.[11] Stephen Holden described Lasley as “the somewhat more refined white soul singer” in a comparison with the high tenor of Mick Hucknall of Simply Red.[12]

Lasley appears in the cast of 20 Feet from Stardom.

Early life and education

Lasley was born in Michigan, the son of Bernice and Roy Lasley. He grew up in Branch, Michigan on a farm north of Grand Rapids.[13] He is the younger brother of Dean and Judy and had a younger sister, Julie Ann, a singer with his group The Utopias. Mabel McKenzie, his maternal grandmother, was the Custer Representative of The News.[14]

Lasley sang with his family in church. He participated in the school band playing cornet with Dan Shoup, the band president, including the annual concert crowning the Band Queen in the Mason County Eastern school gymnasium.[15]

Career

The Utopias, Detroit, Fortune Records

In his teens, Lasley put together an a cappella singing group called The Utopias with his sister Julie and Joan Hughes.[16] Lasley went to Detroit with his group to play the records they made themselves for local radio stations and to record labels looking for a deal.[17][18][19] As reported by Roger Bass in Billboard, The Utopias released their first recording, "Girls Are Against Me" on the LaSalle label, distributed by Solid Hitbounds Productions.[20]

The Utopias were signed by Fortune Records releasing songs written by Lasley, including "Good Friends Forever" and "Sally Bad".[16] Music critic Dave Marsh, who referred Lasley to Fortune Records, says he was "compelled to mention Detroit roots".[21]

The Utopias first manager, John Bosquely, booked frequent club dates for the group whose appearances included the Webb Wood, gigs for the radio DJ Johnny Weems, Swingin' Time TV Show hosted by Robin Seymour, and the Driftwood Lounge at The 20 Grand nightclub, which they played forty Sunday nights in a row. Included in The Utopia's repertoire was Lasley's vocal performance of the Aretha Franklin song "Respect". At the Twenty Grand, Lasley befriended Roger Bass, keyboard player of the house band, who wrote The Utopias third single "Girls Are Against Me".[18]

Lasley met their second manager, Johnny Powers around early 1969.[18]

His first recording as a songwriter was "Just Give Me One Good Reason" by Maxine Brown, written with Roger Bass.[6]

Lasley's cover recording of "One Fine Day" produced by Johnny Powers and Roger Bass was released by Philly Groove 178 (Bell) in 1973 and a Top Single Pick in Billboard.[22]

Hair, Broadway

In 1970 he joined the cast of Hair, performing first in Detroit and then on tour. This led to a move to New York City, and performances on and off-Broadway.[21][23][24] Lasley played a leading singing role in the 1972 Gerome Ragni-Galt McDermot Broadway show "Dude" which opened at the Broadway Theatre in 1972.[25]

Work with Luther Vandross and others

Lasley began his career as a back-up singer in 1970.[26] Along with Luther Vandross, he performed on many of Chic's and Sister Sledge's recordings.[27] Darlene Love related in an interview with HiFi Magazine how she met Luther Vandross through Lasley.[28]

In Lenny Kravitz' book Let Love Rule, Kravitz describes meeting Lasley, his generosity offering him a couch to sleep on, being mentored by Lasley with invaluable songwriting advice, and an introduction to Almo/Irving Music which led to a publishing deal. Kravitz was privy to late-night phone calls between Luther Vandross and Lasley, made from Vandross's hotel room after shows.[29]

Performers with whom Lasley worked include Todd Rundgren, Rita Coolidge,[30] Melissa Manchester and Bonnie Raitt, who recorded a number of Lasley's compositions.[31]

In the 1980s Lasley was the radio voice of commercials including Miller Beer and Seagram's Cooler.[16]

Work with James Taylor

In 1977 Lasley began touring with James Taylor as a background vocalist. He also performed as background vocalist with Taylor on The Jay Leno Show,[2] other television and film appearances, and on his recording sessions.[32][33][24][34][35][36]

Rosie

As the band Rosie, with Lynn Pitney and Lana Marrano also on vocals, Lasley released the albums Better Late Than Never (RCA, 1976), which featured "Roll Me Through The Rushes", and Last Dance (RCA, 1977).[37][38][39][40]

Solo artist recordings

Missin' Twenty Grand

Lasley's debut solo album Missin' Twenty Grand was named after The 20 Grand, a Detroit club where he and his sister used to sing for free. Lasley described the album: "it's a lot about my teenage years. I've often wanted to go back to Detroit".[41][42]

The single "If I Had My Wish Tonight" spent 10 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 36 in May 1982.[43][44][45]

Billboard's "First Time Around" section stated about "Missin' Twenty Grand": "Lasley, a session singer and writer, moves into the pop forefront with this collection of personal and sensitive songs. Lasley's unique falsetto vocal style works well on both pop and R&B accented tunes giving this LP broad appeal."[46]

Raindance

Raindance is the second solo studio album by Lasley, released on EMI Records. It was produced by Don Was.[47] "It's A Cryin' Shame (Sha La La La)" was released as a single in 1984.[48]

Soldiers On The Moon

Soldiers On The Moon is the third solo studio album by Lasley, recorded live to 2-track and produced by Jeff Weber.[49] It was released by Pony Canyon in Japan and Agenda, distributed by BMG, in the US.[50] It was reissued in Japan by Cool Sounds.

Demos, Demos 2, Expectations of Love, Back To Blue-Eyed Soul, Now and Again

Billboard Reviews & Previews, wrote of his 2000 album Back to Blue-Eyed Soul: "Lasley delves through his vast catalog, breathing new life into 21 of his finest tunes. (...) Lasley neither mimics the original versions of his hits nor succumbs to the temptation to recast his material with trendy rhythms."[5]

Glenn Hoskins and Barry Towler, Record Corner, wrote of Lasley's 2001 album Expectations of Love: "David's passionate and soaring falsetto is as good as ever and his ability to pen gorgeous songs founded in the best traditions of soul, jazz and Adult Pop has not deserted him. Lovers of quality soul / jazz vocals will be welcoming this with open arms."[51]

Death

Lasley died on December 9, 2021, at the age of 74.[52] Notable people that posted tributes included Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Bette Midler, Desmond Child, Roxanne Seeman, and the ASCAP organization, among others. Taylor tweeted a YouTube video of a David Lasley song that received over 24,000 views in 24 hours, that was shared in Billboard's obituary. Raitt spoke of Lasley as a "beautiful friend and bright light in our music world, golden voiced David Lasley.”[2][53]

On December 10 at the James Taylor - Jackson Browne concert in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Taylor paid homage to Lasley saying "we lost a really close friend last night", pointing out that Lasley had performed with the band since the mid-1970s. "We want to remember David Lasley - a great, great singer and a great artist" and gave a gospel-inspired tribute performance of "Shower the People".[54]

Discography

Solo discography

Singles

Albums

[63][6][64][65][49]

Selected songwriting credits

Notable album appearances

Filmography

Year Film Role
1993 Squibnocket Himself
2013 20 Feet from Stardom Himself

[73]

References

  1. ^ "David Lasley obituary". the Guardian. 2021-12-15. Retrieved 2021-12-21.
  2. ^ a b c Mims, Taylor (2021-12-11). "David Lasley, Musician-Songwriter and Prized Backup Singer for Music Legends, Dies at 74". Billboard. Retrieved 2021-12-21.
  3. ^ "You Bring Me Joy - Norman Connors | Song Info". AllMusic. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
  4. ^ Holden, Stephen (1986-06-28). "JAZZ FESTIVAL; Anita Baker Debut At Avery Fisher Hall". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
  5. ^ a b Holden, Stephen (1986-07-06). "BLACK FEMALE VOCALISTS BANISH FORMULA POP". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
  6. ^ a b c d Radio Programming, New On The Charts, David Lasley "If I Had My Wish Tonight". Billboard. 1982-05-01. p. 36.
  7. ^ a b Reviews & Previews. Billboard. 2001-02-17.
  8. ^ Wikane, Christian John (2020-12-11). "He's the Leader: An Interview with Aretha's "Main Man" Fonzi Thornton, PopMatters". PopMatters. Retrieved 2021-12-03.
  9. ^ "Songs Written by David Lasley". SecondHandSongs. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  10. ^ "Geffen Signs Three" (PDF). Cashbox. November 8, 1980. p. 41.
  11. ^ Block, Adam (May 14, 1985). David Lasley, White Hot Soul (PDF). {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  12. ^ Holden, Stephen (1986-08-24). "POP: SIMPLY RED, WITH SOUL". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-01-01.
  13. ^ "Ludington Daily News Junior High League Meets". Ludington Daily News. January 30, 1958. p. 9.
  14. ^ McKenzie, Mabel (August 21, 1953). "David Lasley Honored". Ludington Daily News. p. 7.
  15. ^ McKenzie, Mabel (May 14, 1962). "Miss Anne Hudlestun Crowned Band Queen". Ludington Daily News. p. 5.
  16. ^ a b c "Singer Lasley on a Constant High; 4-Octave Range Keeps Him There". Los Angeles Times. 1986-10-30. Archived from the original on 2021-12-04. Retrieved 2021-12-05.
  17. ^ Seymour, Robin; Rosenthal, Carolyn (2019). THE DJ THAT LAUNCHED1000 HITS. ISBN 9781792059100.
  18. ^ a b c Miller, Billy; Hurtt, Michael (2020). Mind over Matter. pp. 445–455. ISBN 9781940157146.
  19. ^ Shoup, Jim (June 1, 1967). "David Lasley From Johnny's Bandstand To Manhattan...New Orleans...Lasley Is Reaching The Top". Ludington Daily News. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
  20. ^ Billboard Magazine (PDF). January 6, 1968. p. 37.
  21. ^ a b "RARE January 1978 DISCOWORLD Magazine K.C. & THE SUNSHINE BAND Disco KC Cover | #415547969". Worthpoint. Retrieved 2021-12-07.
  22. ^ Top Single Picks. August 18, 1973. p. 51. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  23. ^ Dietz, Dan (2015-09-03). The Complete Book of 1970s Broadway Musicals. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-1-4422-5166-3.
  24. ^ a b Dean, Maury (2003). Rock N Roll Gold Rush: A Singles Un-Cyclopedia. Algora Publishing. ISBN 978-0-87586-227-9.
  25. ^ Gaver, Jack (October 10, 1972). "'Dude' is loud, pretentious effort". Bucks County Courier Times. p. 29.
  26. ^ Block, Adam (1985-05-14). David Lasley: White Hot Soul.
  27. ^ "David Lasley". www.smooth-jazz.de. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
  28. ^ "Q&A with Darlene Love". hifimagazine.net. Retrieved 2021-11-18.
  29. ^ Vernon, Polly. "My life and times: Lenny Kravitz talks about his new memoir, Let Love Rule". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  30. ^ "Career Ups, downs haven't robbed spark from Coolidge". Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph: 43. September 7, 1984 – via newspaperarchive.com.
  31. ^ Myers, Paul (2010-10-15). A Wizard, a True Star: Todd Rundgren in the Studio. Jawbone Press. ISBN 978-1-906002-33-6.
  32. ^ Holden, Stephen (1991-10-28). "Review/Pop; James Taylor Sings the Old And the New". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  33. ^ Herbst, Peter (1979-09-06). "James Taylor: the Rolling Stone Interview". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  34. ^ "No Backup Is Plan: Voice Behind Stars Goes Solo". The Vineyard Gazette - Martha's Vineyard News. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  35. ^ "James Taylor Online feature David Lasley". James-taylor.com. 26 March 2013.
  36. ^ Rodman, Sarah (2011-06-26). "He's got a friend (four, actually) singing on tour". Boston.com. Retrieved 2021-12-21.
  37. ^ "Better Late Than Never - Rosie | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  38. ^ "Singles Reviews: Picks of the week. Rosie: The Words Don't Matter" (PDF). Cashbox. October 1, 1977.
  39. ^ "RARE January 1978 DISCOWORLD Magazine K.C. & THE SUNSHINE BAND Disco KC Cover | #415547969". Worthpoint. Retrieved 2021-12-07.
  40. ^ "A Second Disc Special Feature: David Lasley and Rosie". The Second Disc. 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2022-02-03.
  41. ^ Cashbox Magazine - New Faces To Watch (PDF). June 5, 1982. p. 8.
  42. ^ Billboard Magazine - New On The Charts (PDF). May 1, 1982. pp. 25, 27.
  43. ^ "The Hot 100: Week of May 8, 1982". Billboard. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  44. ^ Billboard. 1982-04-03.
  45. ^ "US Top 40 Singles For The Week Ending March 13, 1982". Top40Weekly.com. 1982-03-13. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
  46. ^ Billboard Magazine - First Time Around (PDF). March 20, 1982. p. 69.
  47. ^ Raindance - David Lasley | Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 2022-02-06
  48. ^ "12" Reviews" (PDF). Cashbox Magazine. May 19, 1984. p. 10.
  49. ^ a b Holden, Stephen (1991-04-05). "Sounds Around Town". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  50. ^ "David Lasley Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Retrieved 2022-02-03.
  51. ^ "The Lowdown - R&B CD reviews". www.soulexpress.net. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
  52. ^ Rest in Peace, Recording Artist David Lasley (James Taylor, Boz Scaggs, Bonnie Raitt): 1947-2021, Rock Cellar. December 9, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2021
  53. ^ "David Lasley - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2022-02-25.
  54. ^ "James Taylor and band 'Shower the People' with charm". Local Spins. 2021-12-11. Retrieved 2021-12-21.
  55. ^ "News Dance Trax". Billboard. December 21, 1984. p. 63.
  56. ^ "Billboard Singles pick It's A Cryin Shame (Sha La La La La)" (PDF). Billboard. April 21, 1984.
  57. ^ a b "Robert Christgau: CG: David Lasley". www.robertchristgau.com. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  58. ^ Gavin Report - Jazz New Releases (PDF). August 24, 1990.
  59. ^ Cashbox Magazine (PDF). September 15, 1990. p. 8.
  60. ^ "Soldiers on the Moon - David Lasley | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
  61. ^ David Lasley (2001). "Expectations of Love". Thursday Market Music. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  62. ^ "Expectations of Love - David Lasley | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  63. ^ Now and Again - David Lasley | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 2022-02-28
  64. ^ Billboard (PDF). 1982-03-27.
  65. ^ Holden, Stephen (1982-07-11). "Two Debut Albums in Search of an Audience". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  66. ^ Ganz, Caryn; Seelye, Katharine Q. (2019-12-25). "Allee Willis, 72, Dies; 'Friends' Theme and 'September' Songwriter". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  67. ^ "Baltimore Outloud" (PDF). 2014-10-17. p. 17.
  68. ^ "POP MUSIC REVIEW : Raitt's Transition to a Balladeer for the '90s". Los Angeles Times. 1990-09-28. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  69. ^ Chin, Brian (May 9, 1981). "Disco File" (PDF). Record World. p. 31.
  70. ^ Billboard. 1986-10-18.
  71. ^ Shewey, Don (1984-02-16). "Busy Body". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  72. ^ "David Lasley | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  73. ^ "Journal on the Art of Record Production » "That extra thing"- the role of session musicians in the recording industry". www.arpjournal.com. Retrieved 2021-12-03.
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