Claudia Lennear facts for kids

Claudia Lennear (born Claudia Joy Offley; 1946) is an American soul singer and teacher. She started her music journey singing with a group called The Superbs. Later, she became one of The Ikettes, who sang backup for Ike & Tina Turner.

Claudia also sang backup for many other famous artists. These included Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, and Freddie King. In 1973, she released her only solo album. She was also featured in the 2013 documentary 20 Feet from Stardom, which won an Oscar. In 2019, she was honored by being inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Dreams

Claudia Joy Offley was born in Providence, Rhode Island. Her last name changed to Lennear when her mother married Leo V. Lennear. He was a Navy man stationed in Newport. Claudia grew up in different parts of Providence. Her grandmother taught her to sing gospel songs when she was a child.

In elementary school, Claudia studied music theory. She also took French classes. Her dream was to become a translator at the United Nations. She also took private piano lessons. In high school, she was part of the choir program. As a teenager, she loved listening to artists like Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles and Ike & Tina Turner. In 1964, her family moved to Pomona, California.

Music Career

After high school, Claudia went to college. She also started singing with a soul group in Los Angeles called The Superbs. They performed at local places around the city. Claudia first recorded with The Superbs on their song "One Bad Habit" in 1968.

Becoming an Ikette

In 1968, Claudia's friend, singer Sherlie Matthews, helped her get an audition. This audition was with bandleader Ike Turner. Claudia passed the audition and left The Superbs. She then became an Ikette. She said that Ike Turner was a very good businessman. She also said he was disciplined and had great ideas. Claudia sang with Ike & Tina Turner for a few years.

Singing with Superstars

After leaving the Ikettes in 1970, Claudia worked with many famous bands. These included Humble Pie and Joe Cocker. She was one of three backup singers for Delaney and Bonnie. Another singer in that group was Rita Coolidge.

Claudia was also part of Leon Russell's "Shelter People" group. She sang backup on Joe Cocker's 1970 Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. She also sang on the live album from that tour. She contributed to Leon Russell's album Leon Russell and the Shelter People (1971). She also sang on George Harrison's The Concert for Bangla Desh (1971). Her lead singing on "Let It Be" from the film Joe Cocker: Mad Dogs & Englishmen (1971) was released as a single.

In 1973, Claudia released her first and only solo album. It was called Phew! and was released by Warner Bros. Records. She also had a small role in the 1974 movie Thunderbolt and Lightfoot.

Claudia appeared in the documentary 20 Feet from Stardom (2013). This film won an Academy Award. After the movie became popular, David Bowie contacted Claudia. He offered to write songs for her next music project.

Since 2014, Claudia has performed and recorded in Los Angeles. She sings with The New Ash Grove Players. They have played at places like McCabe's Guitar Shop. In 2015, Claudia performed at the Lockn' Festival. She sang with the Tedeschi Trucks Band and other musicians. This was a special concert to remember Joe Cocker.

Academic Career

In 2006, Claudia Lennear earned degrees from Pitzer College. She studied French literature and art history.

Claudia then started teaching. She taught in high school first. Later, she taught at Mt. San Antonio College. There, she teaches French, Spanish, English, and math.

Awards and Honors

In 2019, Claudia Lennear was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame. This honor recognized her contributions to music.

Discography

Singles

Albums

As a solo artist

As an Ikette

With other artists

Filmography and TV Appearances