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BORN
1940
DIED
2017
Leon Ware Obituary
Ware’s death was confirmed by his manager, but no cause was given. He had previously undergone treatment for prostate cancer.
Although he was a recording artist, Ware found that his songs achieved their greatest chart success when others performed the tunes. His demo of “I Want You” captured the attention of Motown founder Berry Gordy, who was looking for material for singer Marvin Gaye.
Gaye recorded “I Want You” and several of Ware’s other songs on the 1976 album “I Want You.” Ware also co-produced the album. The single topped the R&B chart and reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album marked a departure from Gaye’s previous style, incorporating disco grooves, but it became very influential with a future generation of neo-soul artists.
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Other notable artists who recorded his songs included Ike and Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, and Minnie Riperton. Quincy Jones also recorded two of his songs on the jazz album “Body Heat.” Maxwell’s 1996 album, “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite,” was co-produced by Ware, who co-wrote the hit “Sumthin’ Sumthin'.”
Born Feb. 16, 1940, in Detroit, Ware began his songwriting career in 1967 with Motown. He wrote for the Isley Brothers, Martha and the Vandellas, and the Jackson 5.
As a solo artist, he recorded several albums including “Musical Massage,” which was released in the same year as Gaye’s “I Want You” and shared a similar style and themes.
85 Entries
David
December 19, 2023
RIP Leon, your music and unique creative vision lives on forever
Ryan Olivas
April 6, 2022
Rest easy Leon. My actual favorite artist of all time.
Richard Barnes
June 14, 2021
RIP FROM DJ Zachoor
Cheryl Poole
October 22, 2019
Rest in Heaven eternally!
How you can show support
January 29, 2018
thank you for the beaitful music it touched my life deeply
Jon Kydd
March 8, 2017
Thanks for the wonderful ballads and top notch songwriting. Condolences to the family and Rest In Peace Leon Ware.
March 7, 2017
Leon and I sang on the Quincy Jones Body Heat album on the song "Buffalo Soldier". We became friends and I worked with him on his songs he recorded at his home and for other artist. I highly admired him for his tremendous talent as well as his fun personality. He will be missed by me and others in the record business. Rest in peace my friend. I send you much love to take with you. Jim Gilstrap
Andrea A
March 7, 2017
Condolences goes out to the entire family of Leon Ware. His musical talents and his funny character will be missed especially on his littel trips over to London. One of our favourite tune in the house dances in London is Loving You Eternally, this will never stopped being played by our little "Rare Groove" fraternity. RIEP
March 4, 2017
May God bless you forever and thank you for all the beautiful words you enable us to enjoy each day!.
Patricia Chaires
March 3, 2017
My condolences to his family. I remember Mr. Ware's portfolio quite well, and I consider his song "I Want You," recorded by Marvin Gaye, to be a classic. May he rest in eternal peace.
Eileen G
March 3, 2017
RIP...and thank you for your music. It will live on.
Geraldine
March 3, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 3, 2017
Condolences to the family of Leon Ware. One of the most underrated songwriters ever. "I want to be where you are" The GREATEST Michael Jackson song EVER.
"I want you" One of Marvin Gaye's Best
songs & albums.
Sharise Ware
March 3, 2017
I would like to give my codolences to my other part of family the ware family uncle leon will truly be missed but never forgotten he was a man of love and caring he was a man full of empowerment and opened hearted he was full of gifts of god my uncle was a inspiring man his soul will carry on for life may he rest in heaven with the rest of all our love ones love u sharise ware and family.
March 3, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
March 2, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Ware passing, you have our sympathy and prayers (John 5:21,28,29).
March 1, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family of Leon Ware, the music he wrote I grew up on. May your memories and the peace that only God can give comfort you at this time. Pour out your heart to God in prayer. He will hear you.(Psalms 65:2)
JW-Atlanta
February 28, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you will be comforted by Matthew 6:9,10 where Jesus promises life on the earth is as peaceful as in heaven.
Carlotta
February 28, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Ware family and friends at this difficult time.
Pamela
February 28, 2017
"A good name is better than good oil" says Ecclesiastes 7:1. Mr. Ware certainly made a good name for himself in the music industry. I pray that the family finds comfort in their fond memories. We all look forward to a time when we can see our loved ones again.
February 28, 2017
To the family of Leon Ware;
My condolences to the Ware family. It so sad when we lose someone we love so dearly. The fact that Mr. Ware wrote music for some of the greatest artist known the world over is a testimony to his greatest.
May you find comfort knowing that he is no longer in pain or suffering.
Respectfully Yours,
EDO, Illinois
michelle plakas-kaiser
February 28, 2017
RIP
JM
February 28, 2017
LEON LIFE WAS SHARE WITH THE WORLD THROUGH HIS SONG WRITTING A TALENT THAT WILL BE MISS, LIKE A'BRAM OF OLD, GONE TOO BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.
February 27, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family of Leon Ware. May you gain comfort from your fond memories of Leon and his music. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
M V
February 27, 2017
How painful this must be. Losing a dear loved one is very difficult. May treasured memories be of comfort to you.
Jerry Pittan
February 27, 2017
So glad that we got the chance to see and hear Leon perform "live" a couple of years ago in downtown Los Angeles. He did not disappoint. My favorite of his is "all the way 'round". Marvin Gaye did it justice.
Jerry P.
Los Angeles
Nia Washington Wagner
February 27, 2017
Carol ... i pray that you will have the strength and courage to get through the next few days ... I send you love ... Nia
D. G.
February 27, 2017
So sorry for the death of your beloved Leon. An inspiration and a gift to the music industry we will surely miss him.
February 27, 2017
omg I can't stop crying. rip our king.
Rhonda
February 27, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Ware. May the hearer of prayer and the comforter of heart's, be with you all throughout this most difficult time.
Matthew 21:22
February 27, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
R Y
February 27, 2017
May your hearts find peace and serenity from the God of all comfort who "heals the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn". With heartfelt sympathy.
February 27, 2017
May God give the family peace. So very sorry for your loss.
M T
February 26, 2017
My condelences to the family. Our all powerful and loving creator of the vast universe want to use his power to strengthen and console you at this difficult time. May you find comfort and peace in his embrace. Acts17:26,27 James 3:8.
Kimberly Bright
February 26, 2017
It was an honor and privilege that Mr Ware was allowed to grace this planet with his creativity! We're proud to call him a Detroiter! One Love!
February 26, 2017
Now you can be a singer in God's Choir....sing on!
Mary Green
February 26, 2017
My deepest Condolences to the family of Leon Ware may you find comfort in knowing that others share your sorrow with you. Take Comfort in knowing that God keeps those who die in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. Psalm 116:15.
February 26, 2017
Condolences to all the family - Sue Wall and family, Liverpool, England. His music lives on.
Harry Simpson
February 26, 2017
Godspeed Leon, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
February 26, 2017
To the family of Leon Ware we extend our most heartfelt sympathy. As you take each day one step at a time and hold on to loving memories, may God grant you the strength to see each day through (2 Corinthians 4:7). Jones Family, Chicago, IL
February 26, 2017
Truly saddened to hear about Leon's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! (Luke23:43)
February 25, 2017
To the family of Leon Ware,
I am sorry for your loss.. may warm memories and the God of peace bring you comfort... Phillipians 4:6,7
~agape~
Gaila
February 25, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Leon Ware. Such a talent. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted." and "comforts those who mourn", sustain you all during this very difficult time. Isaiah 61:1,2.
Valenda Newell
February 25, 2017
One of the best songwriter's when OLD SCHOOL MUSIC was KING....One wrote the songs that became the greatest hits on the record charts....ONE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED....RIH
G. Freeman
February 25, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Adrian Barnette
February 25, 2017
We'll miss you !
Karen Davis
February 25, 2017
Condolences to family and friends. Rest in heavenly peace Mr. Ware.
February 25, 2017
My condolences to the family of Mr Leon ware. He certainly added much joy to others by his contributions to the music world. May you have comfort and joy in your fond memories of him.
Sincerely
SP
February 25, 2017
Hope your family find peace and comfort.
Jaae
February 25, 2017
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Verge Brinson
February 25, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Leon Ware. May you all find comfort in the many fond memories and happy time all shared with Leon.
February 25, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
February 25, 2017
Were very talent person, extending my prayers and condolences to his family, friends,associate and fans.
Artis,Georgia
February 25, 2017
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Leon and extend my deepest sympathies. He was very talented and I enjoyed his contributions to the music world. May treasured memories comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time.
February 25, 2017
I still love many of his songs. May this legacy about him and others soothe your heart.
Jane Dowling
February 25, 2017
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
L L
February 25, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Ware family.
R. C.
February 25, 2017
To The Family Of Leon Ware
My condolences to the family on the loss of your dear beloved one. May the God of all comfort,comfort you and grant you peace and strengthen you now and in the days ahead.
Mary Green
February 25, 2017
My deepest Condolences to the family of Leon Ware may you find comfort in knowing that other share your sorrow with you . Take Comfort in knowing that God keeps those who die in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. Psalm 116:15.
Jeneva Thomas
February 25, 2017
I would like to offer you my thoughts and prayers during this unexpected time of your life. There are no words that could bring mourning or grieve to an end, but please know that God has a much greater way that will bring these things to an end Matthew 5: 4.
February 25, 2017
Our prayers n condolences go out to the family and friends of Leon Ware. His writing abilities were truly awesome because the songs he wrote and the Artists who sang those songs touched millions of hearts. Cherish the memories of Leon and May Almighty God give you strength, courage but most of all peace in the difficult days ahead. Isa. 43: 10, 13
VH -IL
Lillie Reed
February 25, 2017
Your loved one, Leon Ware, has left us all a full legacy that can never be forgotten.
Please Lea n on family and close friends for support during these very difficult hours and days ahead. Draw comfort from the many encouraging scriptural texts and comments on this site.
February 25, 2017
To the Ware Family and friends So sorry for your loss. I pray you find peace and comfort by the words found in Psalms 119:76 and John 6:40. Linda
February 25, 2017
My condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one and may God comfort you during this difficult time ( John 11 : 25 ). So sorry for your loss.
Teresa
February 25, 2017
I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Ware, to the Ware family and friends. As we mourning those we love, the mourning may subside it is the love that we have for our love one that remain a constant for us. Our love and our memories. May the promise and hope of the "Kimgdom" comfort you at this time, we were told to pray for the Kingdom to come to the earth.Matt6:9,10
February 25, 2017
Condolences to the Ware family. Many certainly enjoyed Leon's musical contributions.
Davis Family
February 25, 2017
We are very sorry for your loss, but please find comfort knowing God can be a refuge for us during these sad times (Psalm 9:9)
February 25, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
T C
February 25, 2017
My condolences to the Ware family for the loss of Leon. May God's Word strengthen you during this difficult time. (Isa. 41:10,13)
February 25, 2017
I am truly sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you peace and strength during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11.
February 25, 2017
I am sorry to hear of the passing of such a talented individual . He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. May the God of all comfort be with his family at this sadden time.
February 25, 2017
Ware Family, Friends,
Our prayers are with the Family at this difficult time.
May you soon smile as you think about the good times and the precious memories that you shared with him. You, I and others will always have his music!!
THF
February 25, 2017
The loss of a love one is so very difficult.
Love of family and friends can be a comfort.
May you also find comfort in the words Jesus
spoke at John 6:44.
February 25, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May the loving promises from our Heavenly Father bring you a measure of comfort
Shelly Stearns
February 25, 2017
Sincere condolences to your family on your passing. Your music was fantastic and I enjoyed dancing to it. May you RIP with the Lord and be at peace. Shelly Stearns
February 24, 2017
What a fantastic artist... We will miss your new creations. Until again, rise well & let the music play!
teresa gates
February 24, 2017
Rest in peace.
February 24, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Adrian Barnette
February 24, 2017
We'll miss you !
February 24, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 24, 2017
Our family want you to know that you are in our prayers and pray that Leon rest in peace.
Scott Chamberland
February 24, 2017
Rest in Peace
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