Protect your Spark featuring Leroy Burgess

There are moments in a creative life when everything changes—quiet, powerful moments that may not come with fireworks, but set a new course in motion. For Leroy Burgess, one such moment came in the form of a groove, a rhythm, and a melody that would become the iconic anthem “Weekend.” But the story behind that song goes far deeper than a chart hit. It is the story of a man protecting his creative spark through shifting tides, personal reinvention, and artistic resilience.

Leroy Burgess didn’t set out to become a music legend—he was simply driven by an internal rhythm that never stopped. As a member of the group Black Ivory in the 1970s, his voice helped shape the sound of a generation. But even then, something inside him yearned for more than just singing others' words. He wanted to create. To shape. To innovate. "Weekend" wasn’t just a song—it was a turning point. The track, which would go on to become a dancefloor staple and a cultural touchstone, began in Leroy’s mind during a time of uncertainty. He was transitioning—creatively, professionally, and personally. The industry had changed, the spotlight had shifted, and like many artists who’d tasted early success, he was faced with a decision: fade away or forge a new path. What emerged from that decision was the beginning of a second act—not just as a vocalist, but as a songwriter, arranger, and producer. The process wasn’t easy. It took humility to step away from the mic and patience to build a new foundation behind the scenes. But Leroy leaned into the discomfort. He trusted his instincts, nurtured his ideas, and refused to let the commercial machinery of the industry extinguish his artistic flame.

“Weekend” was the fruit of that resolve. Its infectious groove belied the deep artistic risk it took to make it. And when the song began to resonate with audiences across the globe, it didn’t just affirm his talent—it validated the idea that your creativity must be protected, even when the world doesn’t immediately understand it.

Leroy, he shares the emotional and spiritual depths of that moment. He discusses the silence that often surrounds breakthroughs, the importance of listening to your internal compass, and the sacred nature of the creative process. More than just a story about a song, this is a meditation on what it means to evolve without losing yourself.

Today, Leroy Burgess stands as a living testament to the power of protecting one’s spark. His legacy stretches far beyond the dance floors of the 80s. It lives in the DNA of modern soul, house, and R&B music. It lives in every artist who dares to take a left turn when the world demands a straight line. This episode isn’t just about a hit record—it’s about the courage to begin again, to find new purpose in the familiar, and to never stop creating. Because sometimes, protecting your spark means stepping out of the light to find your own.

SONG OF THE DAY | WEEKEND - Patrick Adams presents PHREEK

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