Leonard Caston Jr. facts for kids

Leonard Caston Jr. was born on November 13, 1943. He is an American rhythm and blues artist. He writes songs, produces music, and plays piano. He also sings. Leonard Caston Jr. worked with famous music companies like Chess and Motown in the 1960s and 1970s. He helped create many big hit records. These include "I Had A Talk With My Man" by Mitty Collier (1964) and "Nathan Jones" by The Supremes (1971). He also worked on "Keep On Truckin'" (1973) and "Boogie Down" (1974) by Eddie Kendricks.

Early Life and Music Career

Leonard Caston Jr. was born in Chicago. His father, Leonard "Baby Doo" Caston, was a blues musician. After serving in the US Army, Leonard Jr. joined a vocal group called The Radiants in 1964. He met Maurice McAlister in church, and they formed the group.

Working at Chess Records

The Radiants recorded music for the Chess label. Leonard's father also recorded there. While at Chess, Leonard Caston Jr. helped write new words for a gospel song. It was called "I Had A Talk With God Last Night." The song was changed to "I Had A Talk With My Man" for singer Mitty Collier. It became a popular song in 1964.

Leonard left The Radiants in 1965. He then started working as a session musician, songwriter, and producer at Chess. He played piano on Fontella Bass's hit song "Rescue Me." He also worked with other singers like Bobby McClure and Laura Lee. In 1967, he returned to work with The Radiants. He wrote and produced their last hit song, "Hold On."

Motown Records Success

In 1968, Leonard Caston Jr. left Chess Records. He joined Motown Records in Detroit. There, he worked with other talented people like songwriter Kathy Wakefield and producer Frank Wilson.

Hits with The Supremes and Eddie Kendricks

Leonard Caston Jr. and Kathy Wakefield wrote "Nathan Jones" together. The Supremes recorded this song, and it became a top hit in 1971.

Later, Caston worked with Frank Wilson and Anita Poree. They helped bring back the career of Eddie Kendricks, who used to be the lead singer of The Temptations. Caston helped write "Girl You Need a Change of Mind." He also helped write, produce, and play keyboards on "Keep On Truckin'" and "Boogie Down." Both of these songs reached number one on the Billboard Soul chart in 1973 and 1974. He also worked on many of Kendricks' later albums and songs for Motown.

Other Collaborations and Recognition

Many of Leonard Caston Jr.'s songs were recorded by other famous artists. These include the Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5. In 1975, he was nominated for a Grammy award.

While at Motown, Caston met singer Carolyn Majors. They later got married. They signed a contract as a music duo called Caston & Majors. In 1974, they released an album that had a gospel music feel. The album was not a big hit in the United States. However, it included the song "I'll Keep My Light In My Window." Leonard Caston Jr. wrote this song with Terri McFaddin. Many artists later recorded it, including Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. In the UK, their song 'Child of Love' reached number 55 in 1975. Caston & Majors left Motown in 1977.

In 1979, he helped write and produce two songs for Minnie Riperton's last album, Love Lives Forever. This album was released after she passed away.

Later Years and Gospel Music

Leonard Caston Jr. and Carolyn Majors later moved to California. There, they worked as pastors at the Christian Life Assembly church. In 1999, they moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Leonard became the Minister of Music at the Dayspring Ministries church. He also started his own music company called My-Lyn Music. They continued to work with Frank Wilson, who had also become a Christian minister.

In 2002, Leonard Caston Jr. won a Billboard BMI Urban Music Award. In 2004, he helped produce an album for Australian singer Kate Ceberano. He also produced an album for Pennsylvania gospel singer Dana Fields in 2008.