Jayshawn and Jason wanted to make sure their father’s legacy lives on and decided this would be a great way to honor him through music. This will be a great tribute to one of the greatest singing giants in Cleveland.
By JAMES W. WADE III
Staff Reporter
The 1970’s and 80’s were great times in Cleveland when it came to gospel music. But one man stood out among the giants with his melodic voice that travel throughout any venue he performed.
Elder Leonard F. Champion (Lenny) sung everywhere, for everybody.
Coming from a serious musical family, Lenny was no joke when he got behind the mic. And, his musical ability has been transferred to his children, who too have made their mark in the music business.
Both Jayshawn and Jason Champion are Grammy nominated artist and are powerhouses with their voice and writing abilities. Jason, an original member of the R & B group Men at Large, also sung with Kirk Franklin for awhile.
Jayshawn, who use to keep a mean beat on the drums at Bethesda Church on Union Ave., has written songs for various singers and sings lead whenever he can. But, despite what they are doing, these two wanted to remember their father with a musical.
Jason has been utilizing his natural gift of song. Champ, as he is ironically called, prepares for a glorious victory with his inspirational debut on Brooks Entertainment Group/ EMI Gospel entitled, “Reflections.”
With “Reflections,” Champion’s desire is to touch souls the way God has touched his life. “I hope that this message and music will affect someone, someway, somehow.”
The title track, co-written and produced by Gerald Haddon, Champion’s former roommate and brother to gospel great Deitrick Haddon, is a personal testimony for Jason.
The musical entitled “Remembering a Champion” will take place Sunday, Oct. 21, at 5:30 p.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church, 10250 Shaker Blvd.
Growing up around Lenny, you knew his family, the Sims family, could sing. They will be performing that night in honor of their family member along with Bishop Stephen Gulley who was a very close friend to Lenny.
For many years, Lenny spent time with the Hubbard family and was like a son to the late Bishop Robert Hubbard and his real sons, who are also scheduled to sing.
Rodney, Rev. Ron, and Robert of Hubb’s Groove will remember their good friend.
Now many times you have heard me say, in my lifetime, I think The Evangelistic Team was one the best gospel singing groups in Cleveland in the 70’s and 80’s. Two of the members of that great ensemble Carlton Fellows and Leonard Burks will perform that night as well.
Jayshawn and Jason wanted to make sure their father’s legacy lives on and decided this would be a great way to honor him through music. This will be a great tribute to one of the greatest singing giants in Cleveland.
