Interview with Glenn Leonard

[tempfan]

The Temptations Experience
Liz Senn
North Carolina, Sun Journal

Give in to The Temptations: Indulge your Motown music memories with The Legendary Lead Singers of The Temptations featuring Glenn Leonard, Nov. 27 in Greenville.

A native of Washington, Leonard, 57, is the second oldest of eight children born to Gennie and Pearlie Leonard who were North Carolina natives.

Leonard joined The Temptations in 1975 and had an extensive career as the group's lead singer through the early '80s, the period which encompassed The Temptations' greatest successes.

After leaving The Temptations in 1983, he became a born again Christian, entered into full time ministry, and was licensed in 1986. He was ordained and received a doctorate degree in the early 1990s. He founded and pastors a church in Houston, Texas.

Leonard is married to former Solid Gold dancer Darcel Leonard and has two daughters, one son and one grandson.

Q. Why is the music of The Temptations so timeless?

A. The Temptations have been making music for 40 years, and the quality of the songs transcends time.

Motown came along at a very pivotal time in our nation. Music brings people together, and during the late '50s and early '60s, there was a void. Motown allowed black music to penetrate the mainstream, and The Temptations were a catalyst for the healing and unity that was needed during that time.

Music transcends culture and ethnicity. People who can't even speak the same language can all sit in an auditorium and sing "My Girl."

Q. How did you become a Temptation?

A. I had been the ultimate No. 1 Temptations fan. Eddie Kendricks was an entertainment mentor to me. When I was in D.C., I used tell everyone, 'One day I'm going to sing with that group.' People didn't believe me; they thought I was off the deep end somewhere. But I knew it.

However, when the opportunity came up I really wasn't looking for it. I was living in Toronto, Canada, and a group I put together called 'True Reflections' had just split up after completing an album with Atlantic Records.

I was putting together another group, and I got a call from one of the guys who were in the group with me. He said, 'You're not the going to believe this, but the Temptations are looking for you.' I got in touch with Otis Williams, and he said he'd send me a round-trip ticket to come to L.A. I said, 'Make it one way. I'm coming to stay.' The rest is history.


Q. What can audiences expect from a Temptations Experience performance?

A. We give the people exactly what they want, the classics: "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," Can't Get Next to You," etc.

The Temps were noted for their energy, and the audiences generate energy with them. So when they hear "Get Ready," it gets them going. By the time we hit "The Way You Do the Things You Do," they're up on their feet.

People want to see that you enjoy what you do and because we share the passion for the music, that chemistry kicks in immediately.

Q. What's your fondest Temptation memory?

A. The highlight of my whole career was the reunion tour in 1982. I had a chance to sing with my hero and idol, Eddie Kendricks, who mentored me from afar.

Eddie was a tremendously disciplined and dedicated entertainer. He was serious about the stage, and he gave his all. It was an honor to work with him.

Q. What has been most rewarding for you as a performer?

A. The ultimate reward is being able to do something you love. Most people have dreams that never come to pass. To have my dream come true is like a Cinderella story turned real.

Q. What lessons have you learned in your 35 years of performing?

A. I've learned that if you give people your best, they'll reward you. When people make you famous and make you a star, you owe them your best. You are a role model.

Entertainers are more visible and celebrated than any other group of people in the world. So you owe people a clean life, a good performance, and you owe them respect and humility.

Q. Why did you choose to become a minister?

A. While I grew up, my mama's side of the family all belonged to the same church. I was like most kids; I didn't want to go to church. But it instilled some things in me that were pivotal in helping to shape my character.

Success can be a hard thing to handle, and living the jet set lifestyle, performing all the time; you lose your sense of stability and family. I reached a place in my career where I wanted something more fulfilling. I backed off from entertainment, and I found myself going back to my spiritual roots.

I got back involved in the church and because I was a celebrity and involved with entertainment, people wanted me to talk to young people and encourage them. I found myself in the role of an advisor to young people, and that's how it started.

Q. How do you encourage and guide young people?

A. There seems to be this divide between entertainers and the church world. I think because of some things associated with the entertainment atmosphere are an abomination to church things.

I to talk to young people about morality and staying away from drugs, and I tell them they can go to church and still be a good performer, and they can endorse and embrace religion and still sing good love songs.

Q. What's in store for the future?

A. I'm looking to establish something I can leave to my own children and to this next generation of entertainers. My vision right now is to build a school of the arts.

One of the things we had at Motown was called artist development. They groomed performers, and you did not hit the stage until you learned how to walk, talk and dress.

If look at our young celebrities today, nobody has groomed them and the polish isn't there.

I want to set up a school of arts where we train people in the art form and in the business of entertainment. I want to see the class and the elegance return.

The Legendary Lead Singers of The Temptations featuring Glenn Leonard will perform 7 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Greenville Convention Center, 303 SW Greenville Blvd.

For more information about the concert, seating and tickets call 321-7671 or go to www.greenvilleconventioncenter.com.

For more information about Glenn Leonard go to www.GlennLeonard.com

[Elbridge]

1975- early 80's: the period which encompassed The Temptations' greatest successes??

Is it possible to get that more wrong?..LOL!!

Ed

[nateboomer]

ThaFunkyFakeTation said:

1975- early 80's: the period which encompassed The Temptations' greatest successes??

Is it possible to get that more wrong?..LOL!!

Ed

It's obvious that Ms. Senn didn't do her homework regarding the Temps greatest success period. I look at it as a generic or innocent walk through an interview with Glenn. I for one am just glad that this information was shared with us Everyone's not a Temptation fan. "Some folks" knowledge of the Classic Five's songs goes no further than "My Girl" and maybe "Just My Imagination"; and some, not even that far.

I remember once on a game show called "The Match Game" a question came up about "Smokey". One of the celebrity panelist responded by saying, "who the hell is Smokey Robinson"? I remember thinking, "man, how can you not know who Smokey is"? Yet, apparently, she didn't.
However, as long as "WE KNOW", the Temptations will flow.

Nate "Boomer"

[Aba21]

Whether it was a pivital period or not, serious Temptation fans are well aware of this music.........if you call yourself a Temptation fan then you owe it to yourself to listen to this music. I have found many young people who were not even born during the classic era fall in love with those sounds............i feel this music will eventually get the attention of folks who right now can't get with the disco era or the music of those times.........living it i could identify with it and even though it dodn't win grammys it still held some magic for me.............Glenn is a fantastic but underated 1st tenor in my opinion.

[nateboomer]

Exactly Aba. Though i have a CD out, at work i sing almost exclusively Temptations songs. I let a young guy listen to 'Legacy". He was knocked out. He liked it so much ( i though i was 'gone' have to dust him off to get it back, i don't play that! ) that he called me to tell me the mini-series was on tv. When my co-workers hear me sing parts of "Your Wonderful Love", "Cindy" or "Two Sides To Love", they always want to know who sings them. Like Joe (i can't get 'nowhere' near that deep though) I say, 'yeahhh, another potential C5 fan'.

When i saw and heard the clip of Louis Price singing "A Song For You", i was spellbound by this man's vocal abilities. Everyone Mr. William's brought in as a new member and stayed awhile, brought something to the table. In Detroit in the early 80's i think, there was a popular tv commercial jingle out called "Go For It" About the same time Glenn sang lead on a song with the same name. Man, let me tell you, when Glenn sings:

"Now's the time to make your move

you see the light, the tunnels through

the wall of darkness, it no longer hides

the Golden chance, you've been denied.

Go for It Your dream is out there."

It makes me think of my life and the many stages i performed on doing stand-up from Detroit to New York, Greenwich Village to New Jersey. Sometimes i wonder, did i have the 'dream but not the drive'. Anyway, i'm still trying to hit 'them' high GC, ALi Bo, Glenn, Dennis and David Superhigh notes. A few thousand more lemon slices and should have it down pat!!!

Nate "Boomer"

[Elbridge]

Aba21 said:

Whether it was a pivital period or not, serious Temptation fans are well aware of this music.........if you call yourself a Temptation fan then you owe it to yourself to listen to this music. I have found many young people who were not even born during the classic era fall in love with those sounds............i feel this music will eventually get the attention of folks who right now can't get with the disco era or the music of those times.........living it i could identify with it and even though it dodn't win grammys it still held some magic for me.............Glenn is a fantastic but underated 1st tenor in my opinion.

Ain't that the truth? Glenn should has an amazing voice and he fit in beautifully with the Tempts during the period he was with them.

Ed

[Aba21]

nateboomer said:

Exactly Aba. Though i have a CD out, at work i sing almost exclusively Temptations songs. I let a young guy listen to 'Legacy". He was knocked out. He liked it so much ( i though i was 'gone' have to dust him off to get it back, i don't play that! ) that he called me to tell me the mini-series was on tv. When my co-workers hear me sing parts of "Your Wonderful Love", "Cindy" or "Two Sides To Love", they always want to know who sings them. Like Joe (i can't get 'nowhere' near that deep though) I say, 'yeahhh, another potential C5 fan'.

When i saw and heard the clip of Louis Price singing "A Song For You", i was spellbound by this man's vocal abilities. Everyone Mr. William's brought in as a new member and stayed awhile, brought something to the table. In Detroit in the early 80's i think, there was a popular tv commercial jingle out called "Go For It" About the same time Glenn sang lead on a song with the same name. Man, let me tell you, when Glenn sings:

"Now's the time to make your move

you see the light, the tunnels through

the wall of darkness, it no longer hides

the Golden chance, you've been denied.

Go for It Your dream is out there."

It makes me think of my life and the many stages i performed on doing stand-up from Detroit to New York, Greenwich Village to New Jersey. Sometimes i wonder, did i have the 'dream but not the drive'. Anyway, i'm still trying to hit 'them' high GC, ALi Bo, Glenn, Dennis and David Superhigh notes. A few thousand more lemon slices and should have it down pat!!!

Nate "Boomer"

Well I persoanlly wish you nothing but the best. To not have a dream is to not have anything. Always believe in yourself. Even when no one else does. You are your best salesman. When we were growing up GLenn would come and sing on the front porch of a young lady a couple of doors down form me......I would sing along with him and wish I could sing like him.............I didn't know he secretly wanted to play basketball like me. Life takes us in many different directions. He made it to the pros and so did I. Don't Give up the Dream!

.........And how can I get a copy of your cd?

[nateboomer]

Aba21 said:

Well I persoanlly wish you nothing but the best. To not have a dream is to not have anything. Always believe in yourself. Even when no one else does. You are your best salesman. When we were growing up GLenn would come and sing on the front porch of a young lady a couple of doors down form me......I would sing along with him and wish I could sing like him.............I didn't know he secretly wanted to play basketball like me. Life takes us in many different directions. He made it to the pros and so did I. Don't Give up the Dream!

.........And how can I get a copy of your cd?

Thanks for those uplifting and inspiring words. I won't give up. I owe this to God first for giving me the talent to write, sing and do comedy. 2. I owe it to my late family. My Father who sang and was a Minister; and Mother who was a fantastic singer but very shy.

My Sister was the best singer out of us all. She was a very high soprano. (She was also in a gospel group called "The Inspirational Stars" who frequently appeared on Rev. C.L. Franklin's, Aretha's dad, radio program on Sunday evenings). She was killed in a carjacking in Detroit in May of 1992 while returning from choir rehearsal one night. "The Inspirational Stars" had either signed or were about to sign their first recording comtract with "CBS Records", but it wasn't to be. She hadn't sung for quite awhile. During the week of our Mom's funeral in May of 1991, i told her that she should start singing again. She said "maybe". At the funeral itself she just broke loose!!! But a year to the month later, she was taken. A few weeks before my Sister's death, i auditioned for "Showtime At The Apollo and received a callback, but after her passing, i couldn't perform. It took years to come to grips with it. She's gone but not forgotten. So i am left to carry on.

My CD ("Ultimate Love For You") was conceived at the end of an 8 year relationship. Talk about "I'm Losing You" Whew, every line in that song was happening to me. So i started writing. I asked a guy named George Tooks (who was a former and founding member of a group called the "Genies" in the late 50's and early 60's and had a 2 million dollar seller called "Who's That Knocking", won 6 "Audelco Awards" for stage plays, appeared in movies "Still Of The Night, "Fort Apache The Bronx", "Ghostbuster"s and a few more as a stunt man and was a regular on a soap opera for 3 years called "Texas") to listen to 3 songs sung acapella on a recorder. He said i should make a CD. A CD? I said, why not. I had a lot on my mind and in my heart that needed to come out. So we got at it last year. I never knew how much work went into it. Yet after many disaggreements, emotional fights and not talking to each other for days, we finally completed it a few days before my birthday.

"Ultimate Love......." is not elaborate. It's like listening to songs where all you hear is the singer with their guitar or a lone piano. There is a basic rhythm track and the keyboardist playing some simple chord changes, but the words come straight from the depths of my soul. They are full version tracks. Some are over 7 minutes! I am editing and adding more instrument sounds and backgroud vocals to some cuts. I have heard so many people talk about how they went through the same thing. I've seen people cry. Some tell me they have some songs on repeat. Not because i have an outstanding voice, but because of the feeling and meaning in the song. Man, that's the reward. Knowing that what moves you in a song moves other people.

You can go to www.cdbaby.com under Nate "Boomer",
album title: "Ultimate Love For You" to buy or listen to brief audio clips. I wrote all the songs and am proud to be selling my CD on the same site as "Bo", "Best Kept Secret" and "Ali", "Right Here All Along". Good company, huh?

Sorry for the long letter Aba. Sometimes i get that writing bug and can't stop.

P.S. (see) Man you sang with Glenn!!! That must have been outasight! I would give somebody else's right arm to sing with any of the Tempts! Making it to the Pros shows you had your dream defined. For everyone that makes it, a thousand don't. That is an amazing accomplihment. I applaud you!!!

-Nate "Boomer"

[curet30]

nateboomer said:

Thanks for those uplifting and inspiring words. I won't give up. I owe this to God first for giving me the talent to write, sing and do comedy. 2. I owe it to my late family. My Father who sang and was a Minister; and Mother who was a fantastic singer but very shy.

My Sister was the best singer out of us all. She was a very high soprano. (She was also in a gospel group called "The Inspirational Stars" who frequently appeared on Rev. C.L. Franklin's, Aretha's dad, radio program on Sunday evenings). She was killed in a carjacking in Detroit in May of 1992 while returning from choir rehearsal one night. "The Inspirational Stars" had either signed or were about to sign their first recording comtract with "CBS Records", but it wasn't to be. She hadn't sung for quite awhile. During the week of our Mom's funeral in May of 1991, i told her that she should start singing again. She said "maybe". At the funeral itself she just broke loose!!! But a year to the month later, she was taken. A few weeks before my Sister's death, i auditioned for "Showtime At The Apollo and received a callback, but after her passing, i couldn't perform. It took years to come to grips with it. She's gone but not forgotten. So i am left to carry on.

My CD ("Ultimate Love For You") was conceived at the end of an 8 year relationship. Talk about "I'm Losing You" Whew, every line in that song was happening to me. So i started writing. I asked a guy named George Tooks (who was a former and founding member of a group called the "Genies" in the late 50's and early 60's and had a 2 million dollar seller called "Who's That Knocking", won 6 "Audelco Awards" for stage plays, appeared in movies "Still Of The Night, "Fort Apache The Bronx", "Ghostbuster"s and a few more as a stunt man and was a regular on a soap opera for 3 years called "Texas") to listen to 3 songs sung acapella on a recorder. He said i should make a CD. A CD? I said, why not. I had a lot on my mind and in my heart that needed to come out. So we got at it last year. I never knew how much work went into it. Yet after many disaggreements, emotional fights and not talking to each other for days, we finally completed it a few days before my birthday.

"Ultimate Love......." is not elaborate. It's like listening to songs where all you hear is the singer with their guitar or a lone piano. There is a basic rhythm track and the keyboardist playing some simple chord changes, but the words come straight from the depths of my soul. They are full version tracks. Some are over 7 minutes! I am editing and adding more instrument sounds and backgroud vocals to some cuts. I have heard so many people talk about how they went through the same thing. I've seen people cry. Some tell me they have some songs on repeat. Not because i have an outstanding voice, but because of the feeling and meaning in the song. Man, that's the reward. Knowing that what moves you in a song moves other people.

You can go to www.cdbaby.com under Nate "Boomer",
album title: "Ultimate Love For You" to buy or listen to brief audio clips. I wrote all the songs and am proud to be selling my CD on the same site as "Bo", "Best Kept Secret" and "Ali", "Right Here All Along". Good company, huh?

Sorry for the long letter Aba. Sometimes i get that writing bug and can't stop.

P.S. (see) Man you sang with Glenn!!! That must have been outasight! I would give somebody else's right arm to sing with any of the Tempts! Making it to the Pros shows you had your dream defined. For everyone that makes it, a thousand don't. That is an amazing accomplihment. I applaud you!!!

-Nate "Boomer"

Nateboomer -

Have we crossed paths before? Either on stage or at church. You mentioned the Genies and not too many folks remember 'Who's That Knocking?'.

Your buddy in song & Christ

[nateboomer]

curet30 said:

Nateboomer -

Have we crossed paths before? Either on stage or at church. You mentioned the Genies and not too many folks remember 'Who's That Knocking?'.

Your buddy in song & Christ

I Don't think we have crossed paths before. I had been doing stand up comedy for nearly 20 years, singing only when i did impressions of singers like Eddie Levert and Little Richard, but wasn't consistent due to personal situations. George Tooks, "Genies" baritone, produced my CD and is now a member of "Bobby Thomas and the Orioles". You may have crossed paths with the "Genies" in the past, but i wasn't around at that time. I have a cassette tape given to me by George with songs like "Crazy Love", "Baby Let Me Go" and "Twistin' Pneumonia". When i hear those intricate harmonies, i automatically think about the Temptations. As far as church goes, who knows. I have been to many over the years. Thanks for inquiring.

God Bless you and family,
Nate "Boomer"

[kalisa2]

tempfan said:

The Temptations Experience
Liz Senn
North Carolina, Sun Journal

Give in to The Temptations: Indulge your Motown music memories with The Legendary Lead Singers of The Temptations featuring Glenn Leonard, Nov. 27 in Greenville.

A native of Washington, Leonard, 57, is the second oldest of eight children born to Gennie and Pearlie Leonard who were North Carolina natives.

Leonard joined The Temptations in 1975 and had an extensive career as the group's lead singer through the early '80s, the period which encompassed The Temptations' greatest successes.

After leaving The Temptations in 1983, he became a born again Christian, entered into full time ministry, and was licensed in 1986. He was ordained and received a doctorate degree in the early 1990s. He founded and pastors a church in Houston, Texas.

Leonard is married to former Solid Gold dancer Darcel Leonard and has two daughters, one son and one grandson.

Q. Why is the music of The Temptations so timeless?

A. The Temptations have been making music for 40 years, and the quality of the songs transcends time.

Motown came along at a very pivotal time in our nation. Music brings people together, and during the late '50s and early '60s, there was a void. Motown allowed black music to penetrate the mainstream, and The Temptations were a catalyst for the healing and unity that was needed during that time.

Music transcends culture and ethnicity. People who can't even speak the same language can all sit in an auditorium and sing "My Girl."

Q. How did you become a Temptation?

A. I had been the ultimate No. 1 Temptations fan. Eddie Kendricks was an entertainment mentor to me. When I was in D.C., I used tell everyone, 'One day I'm going to sing with that group.' People didn't believe me; they thought I was off the deep end somewhere. But I knew it.

However, when the opportunity came up I really wasn't looking for it. I was living in Toronto, Canada, and a group I put together called 'True Reflections' had just split up after completing an album with Atlantic Records.

I was putting together another group, and I got a call from one of the guys who were in the group with me. He said, 'You're not the going to believe this, but the Temptations are looking for you.' I got in touch with Otis Williams, and he said he'd send me a round-trip ticket to come to L.A. I said, 'Make it one way. I'm coming to stay.' The rest is history.


Q. What can audiences expect from a Temptations Experience performance?

A. We give the people exactly what they want, the classics: "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," Can't Get Next to You," etc.

The Temps were noted for their energy, and the audiences generate energy with them. So when they hear "Get Ready," it gets them going. By the time we hit "The Way You Do the Things You Do," they're up on their feet.

People want to see that you enjoy what you do and because we share the passion for the music, that chemistry kicks in immediately.

Q. What's your fondest Temptation memory?

A. The highlight of my whole career was the reunion tour in 1982. I had a chance to sing with my hero and idol, Eddie Kendricks, who mentored me from afar.

Eddie was a tremendously disciplined and dedicated entertainer. He was serious about the stage, and he gave his all. It was an honor to work with him.

Q. What has been most rewarding for you as a performer?

A. The ultimate reward is being able to do something you love. Most people have dreams that never come to pass. To have my dream come true is like a Cinderella story turned real.

Q. What lessons have you learned in your 35 years of performing?

A. I've learned that if you give people your best, they'll reward you. When people make you famous and make you a star, you owe them your best. You are a role model.

Entertainers are more visible and celebrated than any other group of people in the world. So you owe people a clean life, a good performance, and you owe them respect and humility.

Q. Why did you choose to become a minister?

A. While I grew up, my mama's side of the family all belonged to the same church. I was like most kids; I didn't want to go to church. But it instilled some things in me that were pivotal in helping to shape my character.

Success can be a hard thing to handle, and living the jet set lifestyle, performing all the time; you lose your sense of stability and family. I reached a place in my career where I wanted something more fulfilling. I backed off from entertainment, and I found myself going back to my spiritual roots.

I got back involved in the church and because I was a celebrity and involved with entertainment, people wanted me to talk to young people and encourage them. I found myself in the role of an advisor to young people, and that's how it started.

Q. How do you encourage and guide young people?

A. There seems to be this divide between entertainers and the church world. I think because of some things associated with the entertainment atmosphere are an abomination to church things.

I to talk to young people about morality and staying away from drugs, and I tell them they can go to church and still be a good performer, and they can endorse and embrace religion and still sing good love songs.

Q. What's in store for the future?

A. I'm looking to establish something I can leave to my own children and to this next generation of entertainers. My vision right now is to build a school of the arts.

One of the things we had at Motown was called artist development. They groomed performers, and you did not hit the stage until you learned how to walk, talk and dress.

If look at our young celebrities today, nobody has groomed them and the polish isn't there.

I want to set up a school of arts where we train people in the art form and in the business of entertainment. I want to see the class and the elegance return.

The Legendary Lead Singers of The Temptations featuring Glenn Leonard will perform 7 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Greenville Convention Center, 303 SW Greenville Blvd.

For more information about the concert, seating and tickets call 321-7671 or go to www.greenvilleconventioncenter.com.

For more information about Glenn Leonard go to www.GlennLeonard.com

So...are any of our members in the South anywhere near Greenville? Anybody planning to go? Reviews...we need reviews!!

[mcribs]

kalisa2 said:

So...are any of our members in the South anywhere near Greenville? Anybody planning to go? Reviews...we need reviews!!

I am not that far from Greenville, but I am going to be out of town for the weekend. It figures.

[kalisa2]

McRibs said:

I am not that far from Greenville, but I am going to be out of town for the weekend. It figures.

awwwwwwwww...darn!! :crying :crying

My partner-in-crime, our ((((Davidseafan)))) found THIS:

www.ticketmaster.com/artist/947579

which on further investigation turns out to be Glenn without Bo, according to a reliable source hi (((((ronna))))) ! ...but may include Ray. I'm there!