Leslie Wilson, New Birth & LTD Vocalist, Dies in His Sleep
Table of Contents
A celebrated voice in soul and funk music, Leslie wilson, best known as the lead singer of New Birth and later L.T.D., has died, according to reports from Soul Tracks.wilson passed away peacefully at his home in his sleep.
A Founding Voice of New Birth
New birth emerged from the musical landscape of the late 1960s and early 1970s, conceived by R&B legend Harvey Fuqua through the merging of two groups, The Nite-Liters and Love, Peace & Happiness. The arrival of Leslie Wilson and his brother Melvin proved pivotal, injecting a vital energy into the ensemble. As one source noted, Leslie’s voice quickly became “the signature element of their sound.”
With his distinctive raspy tenor voice, New Birth achieved their initial success with a cover of Bobby Womack’s “I Can Understand It.” the group continued to build momentum, delivering hits like “Dream Merchant” and a memorable rendition of Skylark’s “Wild Flower.” Wilson’s vocal dexterity allowed him to seamlessly navigate the genres of funk, soul, and even pop-psychedelia, setting New Birth apart. His delivery was described as “soulful without excess,polished without losing edge,” qualities that transformed the group from a promising ensemble into a beloved musical institution.
From New Birth to LTD and Beyond
Internal changes within New Birth eventually led to new opportunities for Wilson. In 1981, he stepped into the role of lead vocalist for another iconic group, L.T.D. (Love, Togetherness & Devotion), succeeding Jeffrey Osborne. His tenure with L.T.D. culminated in the album Love Magic, which featured the enduring hit “April Love.”
The Wilson brothers later revisited their roots, reuniting in the 1990s with a reimagined version of New Birth, incorporating additional vocalists. This iteration of the group continued to tour sporadically for several years.
Without question, Leslie Wilson’s contributions to music will be remembered.His signature performances have resonated across generations, even finding new life through sampling in contemporary rap music. The legacy of leslie Wilson will always remain in Black music.
Why did Leslie Wilson die? Leslie Wilson died peacefully in his sleep at his home, according to reports. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Who was Leslie Wilson? Leslie Wilson was a celebrated vocalist best known as the lead singer of the soul and funk groups New Birth and L.T.D. He was recognized for his distinctive raspy tenor voice and ability to blend genres.
What were Leslie Wilson’s major accomplishments? Wilson’s major accomplishments include achieving initial success with New birth through covers like Bobby Womack’s “I can Understand It,” and later contributing to L.T.D.’s hit album Love Magic featuring “April Love.” His vocal style influenced generations of artists.
How did his career end? While wilson continued to perform with a reunited version of New Birth in the 1990s, his career gradually slowed with sporadic touring. He passed away peacefully at home, marking the end of a significant career in soul and funk music.
