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Lee Dorsey

Lee Dorsey is highly regarded in the annals of soul singers which have come out of New Orleans. Bursting upon the national charts in 1961 with his #1 hit “Ya Ya,” and subsequent songs, he was able to achieve success and recognition throughout the ‘60’s which has sustained his reputation. An ex-boxer nicknamed "Kid Chocolate" turned singer, Dorsey first recorded for the Instant label. One song, "Lottie Mo" became a regional hit and led to a contract with the Fury label.. The infectious "Ya Ya" (1961) was a number 1 US R&B and pop Top 10 single. Dorsey's next release "Do-Re-Mi" was also a hit, although this time reaching no higher than 27 in the Billboard pop chart, and subsequent releases on Fury Records were less successful. His career stalled temporarily when Fury collapsed, but Dorsey re-emerged in 1965 with the classic "Ride Your Pony" on the Amy label. Written by Allen Toussaint and produced by Marshall Sehorn, this combination created a series of impeccable singles that blended crisp arrangements with the singer's easy delivery. In 1966 he reached the peak of his success by gaining more hits including two Top 10 singles with "Working In The Coalmine", featuring a wonderful bass riff, and "Holy Cow", with a mix that enhances Dorsey's melancholic vocals. Both songs reached the US R&B and pop charts. The Toussaint penned "Get Out Of My Life, Woman" (covered by Butterfield Blues Band) was another excellent song that deserved a better commercial fate. "Everything I Do Goin’ Be Funky (From Now On)" became Dorsey's last substantial hit in 1969, although the title track to his "concept" album, "Yes We Can", did reach the US R&B Top 50. Dorsey continued to record for Polydor Records and ABC Records and remained a popular figure, so much so that he appeared on the 1976 debut album by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Dukes and supported the Clash on their 1980 tour of North America. Sadly, Lee Dorsey died of emphysema in December 1986 but is remembered for the outstanding examples of melodic soul he recorded.


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Pianist Michael Wolff Guests with Bassist Leon Lee Dorsey and Drummer Mike Clark on Evocative Tribute Album, 'Letter to Bill Evans'

Pianist Michael Wolff Guests with Bassist Leon Lee Dorsey and Drummer Mike Clark on Evocative Tribute Album, 'Letter to Bill Evans'

Source: Lydia Liebman Promotions

For their seventh outing together as a close-knit, collaborative rhythm tandem, bassist Leon Lee Dorsey and drummer Mike Clark tapped pianist Michael Wolff as third man in their ongoing trio adventures. Wolff, who had previously appeared with Dorsey and Clark on 2020’s Play Sgt. Pepper, was indeed the perfect choice to complete the triumvirate on this heartfelt tribute to the late, great pianist-composer known for his contributions to Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue as well as his hugely influential trio ...

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Bassist Leon Lee Dorsey and drummer Mike Clark return on seasoned new outing 'Cantaloupe Island' beside guitar great Russell Malone, out now via Jazz Avenue 1

Bassist Leon Lee Dorsey and drummer Mike Clark return on seasoned new outing 'Cantaloupe Island' beside guitar great Russell Malone, out now via Jazz  Avenue 1

Source: Lydia Liebman Promotions

Renowned bassist Leon Lee Dorsey continues his prolific streak with the issue of Cantaloupe Island, the latest album to be released on his Jazz Avenue 1 label and a continuation of his bountiful partnership with revered drummer Mike Clark. On their sixth collaboration since 2019, the stalwart rhythm section brings in virtuosic guitarist Russell Malone for an invigorating nine-track program of compositions by Horace Silver, Wes Montgomery, Prince and more. Cantaloupe Island was released on February 17, 2023. Since joining ...

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Leon Lee Dorsey's 'Freedom Jazz Dance' with Mike Clark and Manuel Valera is out August 20, 2021 via Jazz Avenue 1

Leon Lee Dorsey's 'Freedom Jazz Dance' with Mike Clark and Manuel Valera is out August 20, 2021 via Jazz Avenue 1

Source: Lydia Liebman Promotions

Jazz Avenue 1 is proud to announce the August 20, 2021 release of Freedom Jazz Dance by veteran bassist Leon Lee Dorsey, drummer extraordinaire Mike Clark and brilliant Cuban-born pianist Manuel Valera. Dedicated to the late Puerto Rican-born piano master Hilton Ruiz, whom Dorsey regularly played with in his last years (appearing on 2004’s A New York Story and 2005’s Steppin’ with T.P., the pianist’s dedication to his own mentor, Tito Puente), this collection of eight tunes highlights that same ...

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Celebrated Bassist and Producer Leon Lee Dorsey Announces the Release of 'Thank You, Mr. Mabern!,' A Trio Recording Featuring The Late Jazz Luminary Harold Mabern

Celebrated Bassist and Producer Leon Lee Dorsey Announces the Release of 'Thank You, Mr. Mabern!,' A Trio Recording Featuring The Late Jazz Luminary Harold Mabern

Source: Lydia Liebman Promotions

Leon Lee Dorsey is pleased to announce the release of Thank You, Mr. Mabern! Recorded in July 2019, two months prior to the passing of jazz luminary Harold Mabern, the album is the swan song for the great pianist and composer, his final recording. This posthumous release is not only Dorsey’s personal farewell to Mabern, it also echoes the sentiments of jazz fans everywhere in appreciation for Mabern’s prolific 60 years. Mabern appears here in top-form and is joined by ...

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Pianist Michael Wolff, Drummer Mike Clark and Bassist Leon Lee Dorsey take on the iconic Beatles’ classic, 'Sgt. Pepper'

Pianist Michael Wolff, Drummer Mike Clark and Bassist Leon Lee Dorsey take on the iconic Beatles’ classic, 'Sgt. Pepper'

Source: Lisa Reedy Promotions

It was 53 years ago today, May 26, 1967, when the Beatles released the seminal Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. It has been hailed a milestone ("a joyful revelation," “the definitive Beatles album"), considered one of their best at the time of its release, and ranked “the greatest album of all time by Rolling Stone's list of the top 500 rock and roll recordings." So, when bassist extraordinaire Leon Dorsey and drum legend Mike Clark were tossing it back ...

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Leon Lee Dorsey Explores The Music Of Thelonious Monk On "MonkTime," Bassist's First Album In 20 Years, Available Now!

Leon Lee Dorsey Explores The Music Of Thelonious Monk On "MonkTime," Bassist's First Album In 20 Years, Available Now!

Source: Terri Hinte Publicity

Twenty years after the release of his last album, bassist Leon Lee Dorsey reassumes the mantle of a recording artist in his own right with the September 13 release of MonkTime (Jazz Avenue 1 Records). The debut of Dorsey’s DSC Band, which also includes guitarist Greg Skaff and celebrated drummer Mike Clark, features the trio applying their potent chemistry to eight compositions by jazz titan Thelonious Monk. While Dorsey is himself a talented, accomplished composer and arranger, he brings a ...

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