Lenny Price -- The Jazz Man

By Shirley Maria Williams

Michigan Sentinel. All rights reserved.

Lenny Price promoter and renowned musician

The Metropolitan Detroit area has given many great talents to the world.  From the days of Motown, with acts such as:  Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin; to the present with Anita Baker and Earl Klugh, just to name a few.  Soon there is to be another name to add to this distinctive list;  that name is Lenny F. Price.

Lenny Price is a very productive local entrepreneur / musician / composer.  He is a positive role model with an inspiring attitude and a professional disposition.

Lenny Price was born on November 30, 1961 to George and Thelma Price.  He began his musical training in the Inkster school system.  He then went on to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.  He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science Degree.

In 1983, Lenny started his recording career doing session work in Maryland.  He returned to Michigan in 1987 and created Midshipman Records.  His first album debuted in 1990, entitled

"From My Heart," which to date has sold 12,000 copies.  The hit single Double Take has received frequent airplay on WJZZ and has been subject to rave reviews.  Currently, Price is working on his second album which is tentatively scheduled for release in October.  This album, called "When Tomorrow Comes" has ten singles, two live performances, and two cover songs, which are remakes of previous songs.

Price plays a total of seven instruments, they are:  trumpet, bass, guitar, drums, keyboard, electronic computer, and the instrument for which he is best known, the saxophone.

Lenny performed in the Marvin Gaye Tribute held in Clubland this past April.  He has been featured on the Dayna Eubanks show and plays a variety of local clubs around the Detroit area.   Recently, he performed on David Peaston's upcoming album.

Price is a member of Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI), a major performing rights group.  He is also eligible to become a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), which will enable him to vote on the Grammys.  A person has to have at least six commercially released products to be offered a membership in NARAS.

Besides his notable recording career, Price also helps to expose and promote local talent in the Michigan area.  Price is looking for all forms of entertainers, from singers to comedians.  All artists interested should send a demo package which includes a tape, biography, picture and a self-addressed stamped envelope to Lenny at Midshipman Records [address changed].