AES New York 2009
Special Event

Friday, October 9, 9:00 am — 10:30 am

Motown at 50: Leon Ware, The Songwriter and Producer behind Marvin Gaye's Classic I Want You

Co-moderators:
Jason King
Harry Weinger

Abstract:
Released in 1976, Marvin Gaye's I Want You is perhaps the most sensual concept album in the entire Motown catalog. Romantic singles like the title track and "After the Dance" were massively influential, as they laid the framework for the Quiet Storm into the 1980s and beyond and provided inspiration for artists ranging from Todd Rundgren to Madonna. I Want You was crafted by visionary singer-songwriter-producer Leon Ware, who also worked in the 1970s with artists like Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, and Minnie Riperton and later in the 1990s helped neo-soul star Maxwell rise to fame. In this rare conversation in conjunction with Motown's 50th Anniversary year, Leon Ware (currently signed to the Concord/Stax label) deconstructs the complex, groundbreaking production and engineering behind I Want You, and he touches on other musical highlights in his impressive multi-decade artistic legacy. Moderated by The Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music Artistic Director Jason King.

Read Article About This Session at Pitchfork.com