March 15, 2024 • 7 mins
Leonard Albert Kravitz, known professionally as Lenny Kravitz, was born on May 26, 1964, in New York City. The only child of actress Roxie Roker, famous for her role in the sitcom "The Jeffersons," and television news producer Sy Kravitz, Lenny grew up in a world surrounded by creativity and the entertainment industry. His upbringing would lay the foundation for his future as a multi-talented musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor.
From an early age, Kravitz showed a keen interest in music. He began playing the drums and guitar at the age of three, and by the time he was five, he had already decided that he wanted to pursue a career in music. As a child, Kravitz was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, from jazz and soul to rock and roll, which would later influence his own unique style.
Kravitz's parents encouraged his musical talents, and he began performing in the California Boys Choir and the Metropolitan Opera. However, his childhood was not without its challenges. His parents divorced when he was young, and he spent time living with both his mother in Los Angeles and his father in New York City. Despite the difficulties, Kravitz remained focused on his passion for music.
In 1974, Kravitz's mother remarried, and the family moved to Los Angeles. It was there that Kravitz began to explore his musical interests further. He attended Beverly Hills High School, where he was a member of the school's music program and formed his first band, which performed at local clubs and events.
After graduating from high school in 1982, Kravitz decided to pursue music full-time. He moved back to New York City and began working on his songwriting and performing skills. He adopted the stage name "Romeo Blue" and began collaborating with other musicians in the city's vibrant music scene.
In 1985, Kravitz signed his first record deal with I.R.S. Records. However, the label wanted him to record songs that were more in line with the popular music of the time, which didn't align with Kravitz's artistic vision. Frustrated with the lack of creative control, Kravitz left the label and returned to performing in clubs and working odd jobs to make ends meet.
Kravitz's big break came in 1988 when he met recording engineer Henry Hirsch. Hirsch was impressed with Kravitz's unique sound and offered to help him record his first album. The two began working together in Hirsch's studio, with Kravitz playing all the instruments himself and Hirsch engineering and producing the record.
The resulting album, "Let Love Rule," was released in 1989 and was a critical and commercial success. The title track became a hit single, and the album showcased Kravitz's eclectic mix of rock, soul, and funk influences. Kravitz's retro style and his ability to blend different genres set him apart from other artists of the time and earned him a dedicated fan base.
Following the success of "Let Love Rule," Kravitz embarked on a world tour and began work on his second album, "Mama Said." Released in 1991, the album featured the hit singles "It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" and "Always on the Run," a collaboration with Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash. "Mama Said" further established Kravitz as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry and earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
Throughout the 1990s, Kravitz continued to release successful albums, including "Are You Gonna Go My Way" (1993), "Circus" (1995), and "5" (1998). Each album showcased Kravitz's growth as an artist and his willingness to experiment with different styles and sounds. He collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Madonna and Mick Jagger to Jay-Z and P. Diddy, and his music was featured in numerous films and television shows.
In addition to his music career, Kravitz also began to explore acting. He made his film debut in 1998 with a small role in the movie "The Hunger," and went on to appear in films such as "Precious" (2009), "The Butler" (2013), and the "Hunger Games" franchise (2012-2015). Kravitz's acting career showcased his versatility as an artist and helped to introduce him to a new audience.
In the 2000s, Kravitz continued to release music and tour extensively. Albums like "Lenny" (2001), "Baptism" (2004), and "It's Time for a Love Revolution" (2008) showcased his evolving sound and his commitment to social and political activism. Kravitz used his platform to raise awareness about issues such as environmentalism, human rights, and AIDS research, and he performed at numerous benefit concerts and events.
Despite his success, Kravitz has also faced his share of personal struggles. In 1993, he married actress Lisa Bonet, with whom he had a daughter, Zoë. However, the couple divorced in 1993, and Kravitz has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing his career and personal life. He has also been open about his struggles with depression and addiction, a
From an early age, Kravitz showed a keen interest in music. He began playing the drums and guitar at the age of three, and by the time he was five, he had already decided that he wanted to pursue a career in music. As a child, Kravitz was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, from jazz and soul to rock and roll, which would later influence his own unique style.
Kravitz's parents encouraged his musical talents, and he began performing in the California Boys Choir and the Metropolitan Opera. However, his childhood was not without its challenges. His parents divorced when he was young, and he spent time living with both his mother in Los Angeles and his father in New York City. Despite the difficulties, Kravitz remained focused on his passion for music.
In 1974, Kravitz's mother remarried, and the family moved to Los Angeles. It was there that Kravitz began to explore his musical interests further. He attended Beverly Hills High School, where he was a member of the school's music program and formed his first band, which performed at local clubs and events.
After graduating from high school in 1982, Kravitz decided to pursue music full-time. He moved back to New York City and began working on his songwriting and performing skills. He adopted the stage name "Romeo Blue" and began collaborating with other musicians in the city's vibrant music scene.
In 1985, Kravitz signed his first record deal with I.R.S. Records. However, the label wanted him to record songs that were more in line with the popular music of the time, which didn't align with Kravitz's artistic vision. Frustrated with the lack of creative control, Kravitz left the label and returned to performing in clubs and working odd jobs to make ends meet.
Kravitz's big break came in 1988 when he met recording engineer Henry Hirsch. Hirsch was impressed with Kravitz's unique sound and offered to help him record his first album. The two began working together in Hirsch's studio, with Kravitz playing all the instruments himself and Hirsch engineering and producing the record.
The resulting album, "Let Love Rule," was released in 1989 and was a critical and commercial success. The title track became a hit single, and the album showcased Kravitz's eclectic mix of rock, soul, and funk influences. Kravitz's retro style and his ability to blend different genres set him apart from other artists of the time and earned him a dedicated fan base.
Following the success of "Let Love Rule," Kravitz embarked on a world tour and began work on his second album, "Mama Said." Released in 1991, the album featured the hit singles "It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" and "Always on the Run," a collaboration with Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash. "Mama Said" further established Kravitz as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry and earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
Throughout the 1990s, Kravitz continued to release successful albums, including "Are You Gonna Go My Way" (1993), "Circus" (1995), and "5" (1998). Each album showcased Kravitz's growth as an artist and his willingness to experiment with different styles and sounds. He collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Madonna and Mick Jagger to Jay-Z and P. Diddy, and his music was featured in numerous films and television shows.
In addition to his music career, Kravitz also began to explore acting. He made his film debut in 1998 with a small role in the movie "The Hunger," and went on to appear in films such as "Precious" (2009), "The Butler" (2013), and the "Hunger Games" franchise (2012-2015). Kravitz's acting career showcased his versatility as an artist and helped to introduce him to a new audience.
In the 2000s, Kravitz continued to release music and tour extensively. Albums like "Lenny" (2001), "Baptism" (2004), and "It's Time for a Love Revolution" (2008) showcased his evolving sound and his commitment to social and political activism. Kravitz used his platform to raise awareness about issues such as environmentalism, human rights, and AIDS research, and he performed at numerous benefit concerts and events.
Despite his success, Kravitz has also faced his share of personal struggles. In 1993, he married actress Lisa Bonet, with whom he had a daughter, Zoë. However, the couple divorced in 1993, and Kravitz has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing his career and personal life. He has also been open about his struggles with depression and addiction, a
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Leonard Albert Kravitz, known professionally asLenny Kravitz, was born on May twenty
sixth, nineteen sixty four, inNew York City, the only child of
actress Roxy Roker, famous for herrole in the sitcom The Jeffersons, and
television news producer Cy Kravitz. Lennygrew up in a world surrounded by creativity
in the entertainment industry. His upbringingwould lay the foundation for his future as
(00:24):
a multi talented musician, singer,songwriter, record producer, and actor.
From an early age, Kravitz showeda keen interest in music. He began
playing the drums and guitar at theage of three, and by the time
he was five, he had alreadydecided that he wanted to pursue a career
in music. As a child,Kravitz was exposed to a wide range of
(00:46):
musical genres, from jazz and soulto rock and roll, which would later
influence his own unique style. Kravitz'sparents encouraged his musical talents, and he
began performing in the California Boys Choirand the Metropolitan Opera. However, his
childhood was not without its challenges.His parents divorced when he was young,
(01:06):
and he spent time living with bothhis mother in Los Angeles and his father
in New York City. Despite thedifficulties, Kravitz remained focused on his passion
for music. In nineteen seventy four, Kravitz's mother remarried and the family moved
to Los Angeles. It was therethat Kravitz began to explore his musical interests
further. He attended Beverly Hills HighSchool, where he was a member of
(01:29):
the school's music program and formed hisfirst band, which performed at local clubs
and events. After graduating from highschool in nineteen eighty two, Kravitz decided
to pursue music full time. Hemoved back to New York City and began
working on his songwriting and performing skills. He adopted the stage name Romeo Blue
and began collaborating with other musicians inthe city's vibrant music scene. In nineteen
(01:53):
eighty five, Kravitz signed his firstrecord deal with IRS Records. However,
the label wanted him to record songsthat were more or in line with the
popular music of the time, whichdidn't align with Kravitz's artistic vision. Frustrated
with the lack of creative control,Kravitz left the label and returned to performing
in clubs and working odd jobs tomake ends meet. Kravitz's big break came
(02:16):
in nineteen eighty eight when he metrecording engineer Henry Hirsch. Hirsch was impressed
with Kravitz's unique sound and offered tohelp him record his first album. The
two began working together in Hirsch's studio, with Kravitz playing all the instruments himself
and Hirsh engineering and producing the record. The resulting album, Let Love Rule,
(02:36):
was released in nineteen eighty nine andwas a critical and commercial success.
The title track became a hit single, and the album showcased Kravitz's eclectic mix
of rock, soul, and funkinfluences. Kravitz's retro style and his ability
to blend different genres set him apartfrom other artists of the time and earned
him a dedicated fan base. Followingthe success of Letlove Rule, Kravitz embarked
(03:00):
on a world tour and began workon his second album, Mama Said,
released in nineteen ninety one. Thealbum featured the hit singles it Ain't Over
Till It's Over and Always on theRun, a collaboration with Guns N' Roses
guitarist Slash Mama Said, further establishedKravitz as a force to be reckoned with
in the music industry and earned himhis first Grammy Award for Best Male Rock
(03:22):
Vocal Performance. Throughout the nineteen nineties, Kravitz continued to release successful albums,
including Are You Gonna Go My Way? Nineteen ninety three, Circus nineteen ninety
five, and Five Inches nineteen ninetyeight. Each album showcased Kravitz's growth as
an artist and his willingness to experimentwith different styles and sounds. He collaborated
(03:43):
with a wide range of artists fromMadonna and Mick Jagger to Jay Z and
p Ditty, and his music wasfeatured in numerous films and television shows.
In addition to his music career,Kravitz also began to explore acting. He
made his film debut in nineteen ninetyeight with a small role in the movie
The Hunger and went on to appearin films such as Precious two thousand and
nine, The Butler twenty thirteen,and The Hunger Games franchise twenty twelve to
(04:09):
twenty fifteen. Kravitz's acting career showcasedhis versatility as an artist and helped to
introduce him to a new audience.In the two thousands, Kravitz continued to
release music and tour extensively. Albumslike Lenny two thousand and one, Baptism
two thousand and four, and ItsTime for a Love Revolution two thousand and
(04:29):
eight showcased his evolving sound and hiscommitment to social and political activism. Kravitz
used his platform to raise awareness aboutissues such as environmentalism, human rights,
and AIDS research, and he performedat numerous benefit concerts and events. Despite
his success, Kravitz has also facedhis share of personal struggles. In nineteen
ninety three, he married actress LisaBaunet, with whom he had a daughter,
(04:53):
Zoe. However, the couple divorcedin nineteen ninety three, and Kravitz
has spoken openly about the challenges ofbalancing his career in personal life. He
has also been open about his struggleswith depression and addiction, and has credited
music with helping him to overcome thesechallenges. Throughout his career, Kravitz has
been recognized for his contributions to musicand popular culture. He has won four
(05:17):
consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Male RockVocal Performance and has sold over forty million
albums worldwide. In twenty eleven,he was inducted into the Long Island Music
Hall of Fame, and in twentyfourteen, he received a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame. In recentyears, Kravitz has continued to tour and
release new music. His eleventh studioalbum, Rays Vibration, was released in
(05:40):
twenty eighteen and featured the single Low, which became a viral hit on social
media. Kravitz has also continued tocollaborate with other artists, including Janelle mo
Ni and Michael Jackson, and hasbeen involved in various philanthropic efforts. And
looking back on his career, it'sclear that Lenny Kravitz has had a profound
impact act on popular music and culture. His unique blend of rock, soul,
(06:03):
and funk has inspired countless artists,and his commitment to social and political
activism has helped to raise awareness aboutimportant issues. Despite the challenges he has
faced, Kravitz has remained a vitaland relevant artist for over three decades and
shows no signs of slowing down.In a twenty eighteen interview with Rolling Stone,
Kravitz reflected on his legacy and hisapproach to music. I've always been
(06:26):
about the music, he said.I've never been about trying to fit in
or be a part of any scene. I've always just done my own thing
and followed my own path. Ithink that's why I've been able to have
such a long career. I'm nottrying to chase trends or be something I'm
not. I'm just being myself andmaking the music that I love. As
he looks to the future, Kravitzremains committed to his art and his activism.
(06:46):
He continues to tour and release newmusic, and is involved in various
charitable efforts, including his own foundation, Let Love Rule, which supports education
and arts programs for underprivileged year Healso remains a role model for aspiring musicians
and artists, showing that it's possibleto achieve success on one's own terms and
(07:10):
to use one's platform for good.In conclusion, Lenny Kravitz is a true
icon of popular music and culture.His unique blend of rock, soul,
and funk has inspired countless artists,and his commitment to social and political activism
has helped to raise awareness about importantissues. Despite the challenges he has faced,
Kravitz has remained a vital and relevantartist for over three decades and shows
(07:32):
no signs of slowing down. Ashe continues to create and inspire, His
legacy as one of the most importantmusicians of his generation only grows stronger.
Thanks for listening to Quiet. Pleaseremember to like and share wherever you get
your podcasts.
Leonard Albert Kravitz, known professionally asLenny Kravitz, was born on May twenty
sixth, nineteen sixty four, inNew York City, the only child of
actress Roxy Roker, famous for herrole in the sitcom The Jeffersons, and
television news producer Cy Kravitz. Lennygrew up in a world surrounded by creativity
in the entertainment industry. His upbringingwould lay the foundation for his future as
(00:24):
a multi talented musician, singer,songwriter, record producer, and actor.
From an early age, Kravitz showeda keen interest in music. He began
playing the drums and guitar at theage of three, and by the time
he was five, he had alreadydecided that he wanted to pursue a career
in music. As a child,Kravitz was exposed to a wide range of
(00:46):
musical genres, from jazz and soulto rock and roll, which would later
influence his own unique style. Kravitz'sparents encouraged his musical talents, and he
began performing in the California Boys Choirand the Metropolitan Opera. However, his
childhood was not without its challenges.His parents divorced when he was young,
(01:06):
and he spent time living with bothhis mother in Los Angeles and his father
in New York City. Despite thedifficulties, Kravitz remained focused on his passion
for music. In nineteen seventy four, Kravitz's mother remarried and the family moved
to Los Angeles. It was therethat Kravitz began to explore his musical interests
further. He attended Beverly Hills HighSchool, where he was a member of
(01:29):
the school's music program and formed hisfirst band, which performed at local clubs
and events. After graduating from highschool in nineteen eighty two, Kravitz decided
to pursue music full time. Hemoved back to New York City and began
working on his songwriting and performing skills. He adopted the stage name Romeo Blue
and began collaborating with other musicians inthe city's vibrant music scene. In nineteen
(01:53):
eighty five, Kravitz signed his firstrecord deal with IRS Records. However,
the label wanted him to record songsthat were more or in line with the
popular music of the time, whichdidn't align with Kravitz's artistic vision. Frustrated
with the lack of creative control,Kravitz left the label and returned to performing
in clubs and working odd jobs tomake ends meet. Kravitz's big break came
(02:16):
in nineteen eighty eight when he metrecording engineer Henry Hirsch. Hirsch was impressed
with Kravitz's unique sound and offered tohelp him record his first album. The
two began working together in Hirsch's studio, with Kravitz playing all the instruments himself
and Hirsh engineering and producing the record. The resulting album, Let Love Rule,
(02:36):
was released in nineteen eighty nine andwas a critical and commercial success.
The title track became a hit single, and the album showcased Kravitz's eclectic mix
of rock, soul, and funkinfluences. Kravitz's retro style and his ability
to blend different genres set him apartfrom other artists of the time and earned
him a dedicated fan base. Followingthe success of Letlove Rule, Kravitz embarked
(03:00):
on a world tour and began workon his second album, Mama Said,
released in nineteen ninety one. Thealbum featured the hit singles it Ain't Over
Till It's Over and Always on theRun, a collaboration with Guns N' Roses
guitarist Slash Mama Said, further establishedKravitz as a force to be reckoned with
in the music industry and earned himhis first Grammy Award for Best Male Rock
(03:22):
Vocal Performance. Throughout the nineteen nineties, Kravitz continued to release successful albums,
including Are You Gonna Go My Way? Nineteen ninety three, Circus nineteen ninety
five, and Five Inches nineteen ninetyeight. Each album showcased Kravitz's growth as
an artist and his willingness to experimentwith different styles and sounds. He collaborated
(03:43):
with a wide range of artists fromMadonna and Mick Jagger to Jay Z and
p Ditty, and his music wasfeatured in numerous films and television shows.
In addition to his music career,Kravitz also began to explore acting. He
made his film debut in nineteen ninetyeight with a small role in the movie
The Hunger and went on to appearin films such as Precious two thousand and
nine, The Butler twenty thirteen,and The Hunger Games franchise twenty twelve to
(04:09):
twenty fifteen. Kravitz's acting career showcasedhis versatility as an artist and helped to
introduce him to a new audience.In the two thousands, Kravitz continued to
release music and tour extensively. Albumslike Lenny two thousand and one, Baptism
two thousand and four, and ItsTime for a Love Revolution two thousand and
(04:29):
eight showcased his evolving sound and hiscommitment to social and political activism. Kravitz
used his platform to raise awareness aboutissues such as environmentalism, human rights,
and AIDS research, and he performedat numerous benefit concerts and events. Despite
his success, Kravitz has also facedhis share of personal struggles. In nineteen
ninety three, he married actress LisaBaunet, with whom he had a daughter,
(04:53):
Zoe. However, the couple divorcedin nineteen ninety three, and Kravitz
has spoken openly about the challenges ofbalancing his career in personal life. He
has also been open about his struggleswith depression and addiction, and has credited
music with helping him to overcome thesechallenges. Throughout his career, Kravitz has
been recognized for his contributions to musicand popular culture. He has won four
(05:17):
consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Male RockVocal Performance and has sold over forty million
albums worldwide. In twenty eleven,he was inducted into the Long Island Music
Hall of Fame, and in twentyfourteen, he received a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame. In recentyears, Kravitz has continued to tour and
release new music. His eleventh studioalbum, Rays Vibration, was released in
(05:40):
twenty eighteen and featured the single Low, which became a viral hit on social
media. Kravitz has also continued tocollaborate with other artists, including Janelle mo
Ni and Michael Jackson, and hasbeen involved in various philanthropic efforts. And
looking back on his career, it'sclear that Lenny Kravitz has had a profound
impact act on popular music and culture. His unique blend of rock, soul,
(06:03):
and funk has inspired countless artists,and his commitment to social and political
activism has helped to raise awareness aboutimportant issues. Despite the challenges he has
faced, Kravitz has remained a vitaland relevant artist for over three decades and
shows no signs of slowing down.In a twenty eighteen interview with Rolling Stone,
Kravitz reflected on his legacy and hisapproach to music. I've always been
(06:26):
about the music, he said.I've never been about trying to fit in
or be a part of any scene. I've always just done my own thing
and followed my own path. Ithink that's why I've been able to have
such a long career. I'm nottrying to chase trends or be something I'm
not. I'm just being myself andmaking the music that I love. As
he looks to the future, Kravitzremains committed to his art and his activism.
(06:46):
He continues to tour and release newmusic, and is involved in various
charitable efforts, including his own foundation, Let Love Rule, which supports education
and arts programs for underprivileged year Healso remains a role model for aspiring musicians
and artists, showing that it's possibleto achieve success on one's own terms and
(07:10):
to use one's platform for good.In conclusion, Lenny Kravitz is a true
icon of popular music and culture.His unique blend of rock, soul,
and funk has inspired countless artists,and his commitment to social and political activism
has helped to raise awareness about importantissues. Despite the challenges he has faced,
Kravitz has remained a vital and relevantartist for over three decades and shows
(07:32):
no signs of slowing down. Ashe continues to create and inspire, His
legacy as one of the most importantmusicians of his generation only grows stronger.
Thanks for listening to Quiet. Pleaseremember to like and share wherever you get
your podcasts.
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