The American MOR/pop singer, Lenny Welch is a talented singer from New Jersey who started singing for other people when he was a youngster. He participated in talent shows and other groups. He made his career debut in the 1950s and since then he had many major hits that topped the billboard in the US and around the world. Throughout his career, he released about five albums and one compilation album.
When his recording career ended, Welch did not hesitate to continue his education even though he continued singing in commercials for brands like Subaru, Coca-Cola, M&M, and Mini-Oreos. He also joined the royal all-stars (Doo-Wop All-Stars), bringing together singers from different groups to perform. The group had the likes of Vito Balsam from Vito and the Salutations, Artie Loria from the Earls, and Randy Silverman among others.
Who is Lenny Welch?
Welch was born Leon Welch in New York on 31 May 1940 but was raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey by his godparents Robert and Eva Richardson. He attended Asbury Park High School and when he decided to continue his studies after his music career, he achieved a high school equivalency degree and later graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the College of New Rochelle.
Growing up, Welch wanted to sing in a group when moved to New York in 1957 and met Coley Wallace, he went for an audition even though he wasn’t interested in it. He was just hoping to find a group at the audition. While he was waiting and watching, a lady asked for his name and mistakenly wrote it as “Lenny” instead of “Leon” which he continued using “Lenny” anyway.
The first time Welch ever sang for another person other than himself was when he participated in the initial rehearsal of the Mar-Keys in Asbury Park when he was 16 years old.
Facts to Know About Lenny
1. The solo that wasn’t good
When Welch was still a teen, he went for an audition with his group for Decca Records in New York. He was loved by the executives and he was given a chance to recorded a solo but unfortunately, the sales were not really good enough.
2. He started at the age of 19
At the age of 19, he released his first single “You Don’t Know Me” with Cadence Records after he was introduced to the owner of the record, Archie Bleyer by a professional fighter and actor, Coley Wallace, who later became his manager. The song had lots of credits but not as much as the song ‘Since I fell for You”. The latter brought massive sales and praises in 1963 and it was even featured in several motion pictures and television shows. He became known throughout the United States, Europe, and South America.
3. His first biggest hit
Welch had his first biggest hit in 1963, it was a cover version of the big band standard “Since I Fell for You”. The song was number 4 on US Billboard Hot 100 that same year, selling almost a million copies.
4. The pause that caused him so much
When Welch took a pause in his career, he tried to practice and research his musical skills and also sell his image but it did not work out well for him. When he came back, he was compared to the likes of other ballad singers like Johnny Mathis. His albums did not really sell well and this looked like his absence from the limelight was a big mistake.
5. Lenny Welch is also an actor
Welch later started acting after training extensively for a couple of years in New York City. He has also appeared on TV shows like the ABC television hit soap “General Hospital”.
6. A great balladeer
He is one of the finest balladeers in the world today, his unique style and sound sets him apart and has geared more fans from all age groups.
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7. Career outside of music
The singer got a job on several cruise ships when he moved to California after his wife retired from her job of over thirty years to travel around with him.` Aside from the cruise ships, Welch also worked in Vegas where he did a show with Mel Carter, the place was sold out and fully packed. He also did some awesome oldies shows.
Because of the love he had for his country, Welch wanted to serve his country when he went into service but he had to defer it in other to earn some money. He went before the draft board and told them he got a hit record so he didn’t want to travel just yet. He was given a deferent of six months. He was later placed in the National Guard.
8. His successful career with many hits
His other hits are; “Ebb Tide” (1964) which was featured in the film “Sweet Bird of Youth”; You Don’t Know Me and Breaking Up is Hard to Do.
In 1962, he recorded his first vocal version of “A Taste of Honey” and also performed the theme to the 1967 CBS TV series “Coronet Blue”.
9. Lenny Welch continued his education
After his career had come to an end, Welch decided to go back and continue with his education by attending night school. He drove cab during the day and attended school at night. He would later obtain a bachelor’s degree from the College of New Rochelle.
10. 2008 Universal fire destroyed his works
He was listed among hundreds of artists whose properties were reportedly destroyed in the 2008 Universal fire on June 25, 2019, by the New York Times Magazine.
