Leonard Lothlen
Oakland, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2018 | MAJOR
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Dave Newhouse: Gospel fills the brothers' hearts
By Dave Newhouse
Oakland Tribune columnist
Posted: 05/22/2011 12:00:00 AM PDT
Updated: 05/22/2011 02:31:30 PM PDT
Leonard Lothlen, right, and Charles D. Lothlen III sing an old song together at their home in...
Leonard Lothlen, right, and Charles D. Lothlen III sing an old song together at their home in...
LEONARD AND Charles Lothlen haven't forgotten the day when as young gospel musicians, Fantasy Records came to their door in Oakland ready to rock 'n' roll.
"We had a group, a really good quartet known as Gospel Clouds," Leonard said. "We did a lot of choreography like The Temptations that the church frowned on.
"We wrote a song called 'Let Us Pray' in 1967. This record guy came to check us out. He was going to offer us a contract of $15,000 each if we would change the word 'Jesus' (in the song) to 'baby.' My father kicked the man out of the house."
Charles D. Lothlen II, a preacher, wasn't having his sons, Charles III and Leonard, sing anything but gospel, which they learned as children attending the Mingleton Temple of God and Christ in Oakland, where their father was assistant pastor. And gospel hasn't let go of them since.
The Lothlens had church singers and professional musicians, it seems, on every branch of the family tree. But that hasn't stopped Charles III and Leonard from stepping outside the church occasionally to keep their music contemporary.
Thus listening to the Leonard Lothlen Band's latest CD, "Incredible Journey," you'll hear it preaching "Stop the Killing" among its spiritual numbers.
Fourteen of those 15 songs, by the way, were written by the talented, prolific Leonard. That CD earned his group Gospel Band of the Year honors from the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame at
________________________________________
Advertisement
________________________________________
its March awards ceremony.
Between the Gospel Clouds and the Leonard Lothlen Band, there was Infinity. But the Lord's name was kept with each name change.
"It's been a good life," said Leonard, 57, "but not so much financially. You sign a deal, you get 5 percent. Then they take everything out of your 5 percent, and they make all the money."
Because of the loss of gospel music radio stations, he added, it isn't as prosperous locally as it is in the Deep South, where there is no shortage of gospel music.
"And gospel outsells jazz," Charles said.
So the Lothlens focused their music on the prison system -- San Quentin, Soledad, Folsom -- where the snakes of the music world couldn't bite them.
Charles III, 62, also is a local playwright, but the two brothers will remain a music team as long as Charles' health is stable.
That's chancy at the moment because of prostate cancer. His prostate was removed six years ago, but the cancer returned last year, mestasticizing with a tumor on his spine. He's using a walker now, and relying on the Lord.
"I'm a man of faith," he said. "The word in the Bible is all that's kept me going through this whole thing. So I'm back. I'm back. It's under control as far as I'm concerned. We're going to do some more music. We have music ready to go."
Charles and Leonard sing, while Leonard adds his guitar to the band. But it's not the Leonard Lothlen Band without them both, the way it's been since 2002.
"He's stronger than I am," Leonard said. "He's endured pain I've never seen. Doctors said he wouldn't live through Christmas, then he wouldn't live through his birthday."
That was in April, when Charles received proclamations from Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, and Oakland Mayor Jean Quan. And he's still here.
"Leonard told me not to give up, that we have too much to do," Charles said.
A teary eyed Leonard then said "Don't make me cry" to a teary eyed Charles.
Observing her two sons in her Oakland hills home, Aline Lothlen, 87, said of Charles, "We've been praying for a miracle, and that's what it takes, a miracle. I want him to tell others about Jesus being a miracle worker, and he'll be the example."
Charles' inspiration could be Leonard's next composition.
Dave Newhouse's columns appear Monday, Thursday and Sunday, usually on the Local page. Know any Good Neighbors? Phone 510-208-6466 or e-mail dnewhouse@bayareanewsgroup.com
- Mercury News Group
Dave Newhouse: Gospel fills the brothers' hearts
By Dave Newhouse
Oakland Tribune columnist
Posted: 05/22/2011 12:00:00 AM PDT
Updated: 05/22/2011 02:31:30 PM PDT
Leonard Lothlen, right, and Charles D. Lothlen III sing an old song together at their home in...
Leonard Lothlen, right, and Charles D. Lothlen III sing an old song together at their home in...
LEONARD AND Charles Lothlen haven't forgotten the day when as young gospel musicians, Fantasy Records came to their door in Oakland ready to rock 'n' roll.
"We had a group, a really good quartet known as Gospel Clouds," Leonard said. "We did a lot of choreography like The Temptations that the church frowned on.
"We wrote a song called 'Let Us Pray' in 1967. This record guy came to check us out. He was going to offer us a contract of $15,000 each if we would change the word 'Jesus' (in the song) to 'baby.' My father kicked the man out of the house."
Charles D. Lothlen II, a preacher, wasn't having his sons, Charles III and Leonard, sing anything but gospel, which they learned as children attending the Mingleton Temple of God and Christ in Oakland, where their father was assistant pastor. And gospel hasn't let go of them since.
The Lothlens had church singers and professional musicians, it seems, on every branch of the family tree. But that hasn't stopped Charles III and Leonard from stepping outside the church occasionally to keep their music contemporary.
Thus listening to the Leonard Lothlen Band's latest CD, "Incredible Journey," you'll hear it preaching "Stop the Killing" among its spiritual numbers.
Fourteen of those 15 songs, by the way, were written by the talented, prolific Leonard. That CD earned his group Gospel Band of the Year honors from the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame at
________________________________________
Advertisement
________________________________________
its March awards ceremony.
Between the Gospel Clouds and the Leonard Lothlen Band, there was Infinity. But the Lord's name was kept with each name change.
"It's been a good life," said Leonard, 57, "but not so much financially. You sign a deal, you get 5 percent. Then they take everything out of your 5 percent, and they make all the money."
Because of the loss of gospel music radio stations, he added, it isn't as prosperous locally as it is in the Deep South, where there is no shortage of gospel music.
"And gospel outsells jazz," Charles said.
So the Lothlens focused their music on the prison system -- San Quentin, Soledad, Folsom -- where the snakes of the music world couldn't bite them.
Charles III, 62, also is a local playwright, but the two brothers will remain a music team as long as Charles' health is stable.
That's chancy at the moment because of prostate cancer. His prostate was removed six years ago, but the cancer returned last year, mestasticizing with a tumor on his spine. He's using a walker now, and relying on the Lord.
"I'm a man of faith," he said. "The word in the Bible is all that's kept me going through this whole thing. So I'm back. I'm back. It's under control as far as I'm concerned. We're going to do some more music. We have music ready to go."
Charles and Leonard sing, while Leonard adds his guitar to the band. But it's not the Leonard Lothlen Band without them both, the way it's been since 2002.
"He's stronger than I am," Leonard said. "He's endured pain I've never seen. Doctors said he wouldn't live through Christmas, then he wouldn't live through his birthday."
That was in April, when Charles received proclamations from Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, and Oakland Mayor Jean Quan. And he's still here.
"Leonard told me not to give up, that we have too much to do," Charles said.
A teary eyed Leonard then said "Don't make me cry" to a teary eyed Charles.
Observing her two sons in her Oakland hills home, Aline Lothlen, 87, said of Charles, "We've been praying for a miracle, and that's what it takes, a miracle. I want him to tell others about Jesus being a miracle worker, and he'll be the example."
Charles' inspiration could be Leonard's next composition.
Dave Newhouse's columns appear Monday, Thursday and Sunday, usually on the Local page. Know any Good Neighbors? Phone 510-208-6466 or e-mail dnewhouse@bayareanewsgroup.com
- Mercury News Group
Leonard Lothlen has compiled an impressive resume of musical credits in the musical genre of Gospel over the past 33 years. Now, with the release of his solo project, "Rhythm & Praise" (by The Leonard Lothlen Band), the phenomenal guitarist/songwriter is taking a bold step forward.
Tell us about your musical background and early influences.
I was inspired by my Father who played the guitar and preached on the streets of Oakland CA. I began playing the guitar during church services at the age of 13 and started playing professionally at age 15. In my early days I was introduced to Gospel music by my oldest sister Carolyn who took me to my first Gospel concert. She also bought me my first album by the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Violinaires. This is where my love for Gospel music began.
My love for music expanded beyond the walls of the church and I began to fall in love with groups like the Temptations, Delphonics, Earth, Wind and Fire, Lenny Williams & Tower of Power and Chicago. Being brought up in a Christian home I had to sneak this music into the house and listen when my parents went away to Sunday night church services. Those were the days!
Tell us about your latest effort? What's the overall theme of that album?
My latest CD project is entitled 'Rhythm and Praise!'. I am excited about this CD project because it has taken me over 5 years to complete. This CD demonstrates a genre of explosive, high-energy, contemporary styles including Traditional Gospel, Adult Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B, Rap, Blues and Urban. This cutting edge CD has major crossover appeal and transcends the various musical styles to a new level that rises above the norm. I believe this CD has the potential to be played in every major Radio/Television market throughout America. It will definitely catch the ear of music listeners throughout the world.
What were your inspirations during the songwriting process for this effort?
My wife, mother and my brother Charles inspired me during the writing process. Also, my late father who passed away in 1985 was my inspiration for this project. 'Back in the day' he would always encourage me and critic my songs. We had great times together and I will always cherish those moments. Its as if he was with me the whole time while I was working on this project. My other inspiration was my youngest brother Darryl, who passed away last November. I wrote a song in his memory entitled, 'When loved ones Die.'
What do you hope to accomplish through your musical catalog?
My goal is to reach as many people as possible for the kingdom of God. My experience through my travels is that many countries do not allow ministries to come in and preach the Gospel, however they will allow the music into their countries because music is a universal language. Music is the tool I believe God is using in this hour to spread Gospel Music in places that has never experienced the joy of the Lord.
How can readers find out about upcoming performances and check out your music?
My readers can log onto my website at www.llothlenband.com or visit my myspace page at www.myspace.com/theleonardlothlenband for more info. - V1 GOSPEL PROMO
Discography
2009 - The Leonard Lothlen Band - 'Incredible Journey' (Album)
2007 - Leonard Lothlen Band - 'Rhythm and Praise' (Singles)
2006 - Leonard Lothlen Band 'America Loves Baseball' (EP)
1996 - Infinity - 'New Direction' (Album)
1989 - Infinity - 'Show me the Way' (Album)
1983 - Infinity - 'Spread the Word' (Album)
1981 - Infinity - 'Infinity' (Album)
1978 - Gospel Clouds - 'Steamin' (Album)
1974 - Gospel Clouds - 'Keep on Praying' (Album)
1968 - Gospel Clouds - Let Us Pray (Single)
1968 - Gospel Clouds - Cold Dark Thursday Evening (Single)
1967 - Gospel Clouds - Thank You Jesus (Single)
1967 - Gospel Clouds - Never Grow Old (Single)
Photos
Bio
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Leonard B. Lothlen was first inspired by his father, who played the guitar and preached on the streets of the city. Leonard began playing the guitar during church services at the age of 13. At age 15, he wrote his very first song entitled, “I’ll Be So Satisfied,” and formed his first quartet group at age 15. At age 16, he began playing and singing professionally. To date, he has published and written over 200 songs, recorded over 10 albums, played for various recording artists, and was even nominated for a Grammy Award.
At an early age, Leonard was heavily influenced by early Motown and Philadelphia sounds, with groups such as the Temptations and the Delphonics, evident in the rich harmony in the vocal arrangements. His sound can also be compared to that of groups like Earth, Wind and Fire, Lenny Williams & Tower of Power, and Chicago. In the early days of Gospel, Leonard was influenced by the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Violinaires. He loved going to the Gospel Quartet concerts whenever they visited the west coast. It’s this rich mixture of influences that creates his unique, powerful, and energetic sound, spanning many genres, including hard-hitting Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Contemporary Christian, Hip-Hop, Rock, R&B, and Urban Contemporary. Leonard firmly believes that music is universal and will speak to the hearts of people all over the world, giving people hope during these troubled times, and motivating people to enter into a new dimension of Rhythm and Praise. One of the things that also sets Leonard Lothlen’s music apart is the message in his songwriting. Performing mostly songs that he has written himself, Leonard has also written songs for various recording artists. The music he has written throughout the years has always been unique and up-lifting.
Leonard has traveled throughout the United States and Canada performing Blues, Jazz, Folk, and Gospel at concerts, festivals, various venues, and even prisons. His early album releases include two albums with The Gospel Clouds – “Keep On Prayin’” in 1974 and “Steamin’” in 1977. He then released four albums with Infinity – beginning with a self-titled release in 1981, followed by “Spread The Word” in 1984, “Show Me The Way” in 1989, and “New Direction” in 1994.
Leonard composed a score for the musical drama written and directed by his brother, Charles D. Lothlen, entitled “The Accused.” Performed by the Kaleo Christian Fellowship Choir of Oakland, California, it is a powerful, energetic, and colorful portrayal of the life, times, and ministry of Jesus Christ from birth to crucifixion to resurrection. The 14 original songs contrast various styles including Gospel, Classical, Folk, Contemporary, R&B, and Hip-Hop, to draw its listeners into the drama and take them on an amazing musical journey. The songs were released locally as an album in 2002, but have not yet been distributed nationally.
In 2006, Leonard released an EP for Major League Baseball entitled “America Loves Baseball,” which included “The National Anthem,” the music track to the theme song, “I Love Baseball,” and two bonus songs entitled “Streets of the City” and “Another Day.”
The Leonard Lothlen Band released the singles “Back In The Day” and “Praise The Lord With Me,” in 2006. They were later included on the full album, “Incredible Journey” that was released in 2009. The album garnered major crossover appeal with a collection of 15 explosive, high-energy songs, marrying Traditional Gospel, Adult Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B, Rap, and Urban styles.
After the death of his brother, Charles, in 2012, Leonard found it impossible to continue writing. Since they had been making music together since they were teenagers, this was a devastating loss for the family and the band. The band eventually continued to rehearse, and even prepared to go out on the road again. Then, in 2016, Leonard’s sister, Donna, who also sang with the band, passed away suddenly. That tragedy was compounded when his older sister, Carolyn, passed away in early 2017. Carolyn was the one who introduced Leonard to Gospel music by taking him to his first concert at age 10. During this very difficult time, he wasn’t sure that he could continue on making music without his family, but he soon felt a strong urge to start writing again. While working through his grief, Leonard began to hear the music and lyrics, the orchestration and arrangements. This catharsis has given birth to an entirely new inspiration… a new beginning.
Leonard Lothlen will continue on as a solo artist, a songwriter, and a composer for stage and screen. He looks forward to the future with a fresh new start in his new home of Atlanta, where he will complete work on his latest recording project.
Visit LeonardLothlen.com for more info.
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