R.I.P. Soul Icon Leon Ware

R.I.P. Soul Icon Leon Ware
By Calum Slingerland
Published Feb 24, 2017
Songwriter, producer and soul music icon Leon Ware has passed away. As of press time, Ware's cause of death remains unknown as of press time, but his passing was confirmed by his manager. Ware was 77.

Born in Detroit in 1940, Ware began his career working as a songwriter alongside Motown Records figures Ivy Hunter and Steve Bowden, co-penning the Isley Brothers' "Got to Have Your Back" in 1967. Ware's writing credits can also be found on work by Michael Jackson, Donny Hathaway, Bobby Womack and more.

Ware is also recognized for bringing demos for Marvin Gaye's 1976 LP I Want You to Motown founder Berry Gordy's attention. Ware then served as executive producer on the record, with critics lauding the effort's production and persuasive themes.

Ware also recorded 11 solo albums from 1972 to 2008, the most recent of which was the Stax Records release Moon Ride.

Ware was recovering from a bout of prostate cancer treatment in 2009.

A number of musicians have paid their respects to Ware on social media, which you can find below.