Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz was born to TV News producer Sy Kravitz and the late actress Roxie Roker in New York on May 26, 1964. as a little boy, Lenny showed a strong interest in music. As a toddler, he would surround himself with pots and pans, and use them as a makeshift drum set. His parents encouraged his interest, and by the time he was 10 he had seen several performances including: Duke Ellington, James Brown, and the Jackson 5.

In 1964, the Kravitz family relocated to Los Angeles. The move was initiated by Lenny's mother because of her work as Hellen Willis on The Jefferson's. It was there that he auditioned for and won a place in the prestigious California Boy's Choir. He also began to teach himself to play several instruments including the guitar, and by 1978, his parents used their connections to get him into Beverly Hills HighSchool. (which boasted a superior music program)

Kravitz seemed to have found his calling, but lost interest in his studies. He named himself Romeo Blue, and started to spend more and more time away from home. He eventually started to live out of his Ford Pinto. He managed to graduate from high school in 1982.

Much to his father's disappointment, Kravitz decided not to attend college. His father agreed to finance his attempts to gain a record deal. It seemed, though that his sound wasn't "black enough" to get him a deal. For three years he struggled, and his difficulties were compounded by his parents divorce in 1985, which had a major effect on him. However, by the end of the year, his prospects were looking up. He was introduced to actress Lisa Bonet during a backstage gathering after a performance by New Edition. The two became fast friends, and by early 1986 the two were living together. In the same year, the couple moved back to New York where Kravitz met his mentor and kindred spirit, recording engineer, Henry Hirsch. The two started work on his first album, Let Love Rule.

In November 1987, Lisa and Lenny got married in Las Vegas, and 12 months later, his daughter Zoë was born. Shortly after Zoë's birth, Kravitz released his first album Let Love Rule, with the title song becoming a smash hit. Kravitz started living the rock and roll lifestyle, and rumors soon started circulating about his indiscretions after he produced the hit for Madonna titled Justify My Love. This proved to be more than Bonet could bear, and in 1991 the couple separated.

Kravitz's next album Mama Said seemed to be more introspective. It was released April 1991. It sold to platinum status, and featured guest appearances by Slash and Sean Lennon.

In the spring of 1993, he released Are You Gonna Go My Way? Soon after he began to work on this album, he found out that his mother had terminal cancer. Kravitz's personal life spilled into his music. The title track earned him an MTV Video Award for Best Male Video, as well as a Grammy Nomination for Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Vocal Performance.

In 1995, Kravitz released another album entitled Circus. It was clear that there would be no themes of peace and love on this album. The lead track bore the name Rock and Roll is Dead.

On December 2, 1995, 1 day after his daughter's birthday, his Mother, Roxie Roker succumbed to her illness. With the events of his life being more than he could bear, Kravitz retreated to the Bahamas in the summer of 1996. With his Grandmother and Daughter by his side, he spent much time relaxing and reflecting on his musical direction. Bonet visited often, and the two were able to re-establish a healthy friendship.

In 1998, after Kravitz felt he could begin working again, he began to play with different sounds and samples. He started to record using digital technology. As a result his latest album 5, is his most eclectic work to date. The album includes a tribute to his Mother, Thinking of You, and a gift to his Daughter, Little Girl's Eyes. The single Fly Away won him a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

In April and May of 1999, Kravitz teamed up with the Black Crowes and Everlast for a North American tour. On the last day of the tour, after playing for 40 minutes, Kravitz collapsed reportedly of heat exhaustion. He took a brief break and then began a tour of Europe that summer.

Kravitz also did a remake of The Guess Who's American Woman which appeared on the Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me sound track.

Kravitz, despite his personal adversity, has always maintained his own musical style. He writes songs that cross all boundaries with abandon, but at the same time uses a rock and roll virtue. He is a talented guitarist, and is an avowed Les Paul player. There is certainly more success in his future.