Leonard A. "Lenny" McDaniel

Leonard (Lenny) A. McDaniel, a native of New Orleans and rhythm and blues singer-song writer, passed away on July 3, 2015 at the age of 65. He is the beloved son of Wallace A. McDaniel and Rosalie Navarro McDaniel. He is survived by his brother Wallace J. McDaniel, and many relatives. Lenny enjoyed a successful music career that spanned nearly six decades. As a teenager, he played backup for New Orleans legends including Ernie K-Doe, Aaron Neville, Benny Spellman, Snooks Eaglin and Earl King. He led several bands in the 1970s but found true success as a solo artist. He toured with Stephen Stills and worked for years during the 1980s as a session musician in Los Angeles with music icons including Jackson Brown, Dwight Yoakam, Dr. John and John Mayall. His music was also featured in advertisements and on movie soundtracks. He started releasing his own albums in the 1990s and achieved commercial success in France with the single "Rosa." He played four sold out-shows at the famed music hall L'Olympia in Paris and appeared on French television. On his next album, "Tired Angels," the title track was voted song of the year by Offbeat magazine. Lenny was a repeat performer at Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest and venues throughout New Orleans, including Snug Harbor, Le Bon Temps Roulé and The Bombay Club, where he played a regular gig in the early 2000s. Lenny lives on through his music, which continues to draw listeners online and on streaming apps. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation and mass at Greenwood Funeral Home on Thursday, July 9, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. and mass at 1:00 pm. Internment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to New Orleans Musician's Clinic, 3700 St. Charles Ave., NOLA 70115. Express condolences at www.greenwoodfh.com.