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Lee Evans (producer)
Encyclopedia
Lee Evans, also known as LeRoi Evans and LeRoy Evans, is an award winning music producer, recording engineer, songwriter, musician, entrepreneur, businessman and the CEO and co-owner of JAMBOX Entertainment
. He currently resides in midtown Manhattan
, New York
.
Lee Evans was born in the Sound View part of Bronx New York on July 18, 1956. Starting as a child, Lee Evans wrote, arranged, played piano and sang for young harmony group “The Fourth Edition” a group that went on to win amateur night at the legendary Apollo Theater
six times, sharing the stage with artists that shaped pop music as we know it today such as, Stephanie Mills
, The Jackson 5
, The Dells
, The Delfonics
and James Brown
.
After graduating from The High School of Music & Art
on Convent Avenue in Harlem New York City and attending various music colleges, he started performing as a band member and/or musical director for acts such as The Jimmy Castor Bunch, Brass Construction
, Kleer, New Edition
, Johnny Gill
, salsa artist Willie Colón
and as a musical director for The Force M.D.s
, Afrika Bambaataa
, and a host of others. On the recording side, he worked with such notable producers as Dan Hartman
(70's disco hit instant replay), songwriter Paul Vance
(Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini), DJ Freddy Bastone
, JOSE "DJ ANIMAL" Diaz, Music Producer Randy Muller Skyy
, Brass Construction
, Full Circle ) and music manager Donny Linton.
As a songwriter/producer and recording engineer , Lee Evans many accomplishments include his work with singer Marc Anthony
in the early stages if his career, Cyndi Lauper
, Harry Belafonte
, The Force M.D.s
, Brass Construction
, Rainy Davis
, Afrikaa Bambaataa and a long list of dance Hip Hop and latin freestyle favorites from the ‘80’s and early 90’s including artists Cyre, [Amoretto], and The Cover Girls
. During this time, Mr. Evans became a familiar face in the most prominent NYC studios and musician circles and earned recognition as a top NYC multi-keyboardist/ producer/songwriter/engineer.
After over a decade on the road playing in the major arenas and clubs of virtually every major city nationwide, Lee embarked on several world tours, earning international recognition for his musical abilities. Sadly, the road was really starting to take its toll on his family life. Lee Evans then decided against going on any more lengthy tours. He stood by his word turning down an opportunity to tour internationally as the opening act for Madonna
’s "La Isla Bonita" World tour.
On the local scene he did a stint as the house band keyboard player at a popular night club in Manhattan called 'The Cellar'. Here he backed up such notable artists as Johnny Kemp
, Me'lissa Morgan, and Keith Sweat
.
In 1980 Evans founded JAMBOX Recording Studios in his basement apartment
in The Bronx
, which by 1992 he had expanded (along with co-owner Cathy Palmisano) into JAMBOX Entertainment
, a full service recording facility in Manhattan
.
In 2006, Lee Evans (CEO) along with Cathy Palmisano (CFO) and Producer/Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist/Composer/Engineer (President) "[Gaetano Lattanzi]" formed 4Sight Music Productions, a company that went on to produce the Naked Cowboy
's debut album "The Year of the Cowboy".
In 1999, Lee Evans started the AET Audio Engineering Course, with the intentions of teaching his audio engineering techniques to new and upcoming music artists and producers.
In 2004, Mr Evans introduced his latest brainchild "The Gift Of Song". A service that reached out to non professionals and gave them a shot in the 'studio'
Lee Evans is also a co-founder and the music director of Reach Out Inc. a non-profit organization that educates and promotes awareness about the perils of illegal drugs, alcohol abuse, tobacco, crime, violence, prejudice, and life threatening diseases such as AIDS. Reach Out Inc.'s presentations are characterized by the use of interactive, high-energy presentations that intertwine music, dance, and motivational speaking. In January 2009, Reach Out's president Lori Michaels and Music Director Lee Evans received notability as "Person Of The Week" on NY1 News
JAMBOX Entertainment
JAMBOX Entertainment is a music company located in midtown Manhattan, New York City that functions primarily as a recording studio and music production company. Located in a three room recording facility on 352 Seventh Avenue, JAMBOX is co-owned by Lee Evans and Cathy Palmisano...
. He currently resides in midtown Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
.
Biography
Apollo Theater
The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous, and older, music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with Black performers...
six times, sharing the stage with artists that shaped pop music as we know it today such as, Stephanie Mills
Stephanie Mills
Stephanie Dorthea Mills is an American R&B and soul singer, and a former Broadway star.-Career:Mills began her career appearing in her first play at the age of nine. Two years later, Mills won Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater a record six times...
, The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5 , later known as The Jacksons, were an American popular music family group from Gary, Indiana...
, The Dells
The Dells
The Dells are an R&B and crossover musical group. Their successful recordings spanned more than four decades. Formed in 1952 after attending high school together, the Dells' repertoire has included doo-wop, jazz, soul, disco and contemporary rhythm and blues...
, The Delfonics
The Delfonics
The Delfonics are a pioneering Philadelphia soul singing group, most popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their most notable hits include "La-La ", "Didn't I ", "Break Your Promise," "I'm Sorry," and "Ready or Not Here I Come "...
and James Brown
James Brown
James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr...
.
After graduating from The High School of Music & Art
The High School of Music & Art
The High School of Music & Art, informally known as "Music & Art", was a public alternative high school at 443-465 West 135th Street, New York, New York, USA that existed from 1936 through 1984, and then merged into the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing...
on Convent Avenue in Harlem New York City and attending various music colleges, he started performing as a band member and/or musical director for acts such as The Jimmy Castor Bunch, Brass Construction
Brass Construction
Brass Construction was an American funk group formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1968. They were originally known as Dynamic Soul, and went on to record a string of hit singles and albums through to 1985.-Career:...
, Kleer, New Edition
New Edition
New Edition is an R&B group formed in Boston in 1978. The group reached its height of popularity during the 1980s. They were the progenitors of the boy band movement of the 1980s and 1990s and led the way for groups like New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync...
, Johnny Gill
Johnny Gill
Johnny Gill is an American R&B singer-songwriter. He is the sixth and final member of the R&B supergroup New Edition, and was also a member of another supergroup called LSG; with Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat. His signature song "My, My, My" has been included on numerous romantic...
, salsa artist Willie Colón
Willie Colón
William Anthony Colón is a Nuyorican salsa musician. Primarily a trombonist, Colón also sings, writes, produces and acts. He is also involved in municipal politics in New York City.-Early years:...
and as a musical director for The Force M.D.s
The Force M.D.s
The Force MDs is an American R&B vocal group, that was formed in 1981 in Staten Island, New York.- Biography :The Force M.D.'s originally called themselves the L.D.s, then the Force MCs, but ultimately preferred MD, which is short for Musical Diversity...
, Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa is an American DJ from the South Bronx, New York who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1980s. Afrika Bambaataa is one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and the Amen Ra of Universal...
, and a host of others. On the recording side, he worked with such notable producers as Dan Hartman
Dan Hartman
Daniel Earl "Dan" Hartman was an American singer, songwriter and record producer, best known for such songs as: "Free Ride", "I Can Dream About You", "Instant Replay", "Love Sensation", and "Relight My Fire", all of which had world-wide success.-Career:Born in Pennsylvania's capital, Harrisburg,...
(70's disco hit instant replay), songwriter Paul Vance
Paul Vance
Paul Vance is an American songwriter and record producer.With over 300 recorded songs, Vance co-wrote such hits as "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini," recorded in 1960 by Brian Hyland, which rose to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and "Catch a Falling Star," recorded in 1957 by...
(Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini), DJ Freddy Bastone
Freddy Bastone
Freddy Bastone is a DJ and producer from The Bronx, New YorkMost known for performing at Danceteria in Britland, alongside his partner Mark Kamins. He was known for his mix of Dance, Electronica, Punk, and other genres in his set. He quickly became a famed DJ and began mixing and producing for...
, JOSE "DJ ANIMAL" Diaz, Music Producer Randy Muller Skyy
Skyy
SKYY can refer to:*SKYY vodka*Skyy , American R&B/funk band...
, Brass Construction
Brass Construction
Brass Construction was an American funk group formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1968. They were originally known as Dynamic Soul, and went on to record a string of hit singles and albums through to 1985.-Career:...
, Full Circle ) and music manager Donny Linton.
As a songwriter/producer and recording engineer , Lee Evans many accomplishments include his work with singer Marc Anthony
Marc Anthony
Marc Anthony is an American singer-songwriter, actor and producer. Anthony is the top selling tropical salsa artist of all time. The two-time Grammy and three-time Latin Grammy–winner has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. He is best known for his Latin salsa numbers and ballads...
in the early stages if his career, Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper
Cynthia Ann Stephanie "Cyndi" Lauper is an American singer, songwriter, actress and LGBT rights activist. She achieved success in the mid-1980s with the release of the album She's So Unusual and became the first female singer to have four top-five singles released from one album...
, Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte
Harold George "Harry" Belafonte, Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, actor and social activist. He was dubbed the "King of Calypso" for popularizing the Caribbean musical style with an international audience in the 1950s...
, The Force M.D.s
The Force M.D.s
The Force MDs is an American R&B vocal group, that was formed in 1981 in Staten Island, New York.- Biography :The Force M.D.'s originally called themselves the L.D.s, then the Force MCs, but ultimately preferred MD, which is short for Musical Diversity...
, Brass Construction
Brass Construction
Brass Construction was an American funk group formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1968. They were originally known as Dynamic Soul, and went on to record a string of hit singles and albums through to 1985.-Career:...
, Rainy Davis
Rainy Davis
Denise Lorraine Davis , better known by her stage name Rainy Davis, is an American R&B songwriter, singer, and record producer. Out of four Billboard charted singles, Davis is known best for her song "Sweetheart". A generation of fans adopted the song as their anthem to romantic love, giving it a...
, Afrikaa Bambaataa and a long list of dance Hip Hop and latin freestyle favorites from the ‘80’s and early 90’s including artists Cyre, [Amoretto], and The Cover Girls
The Cover Girls
The Cover Girls is a New York City-based freestyle-urban-dance-pop girl group that achieved the majority of its chart success in the late 1980s and early 1990s...
. During this time, Mr. Evans became a familiar face in the most prominent NYC studios and musician circles and earned recognition as a top NYC multi-keyboardist/ producer/songwriter/engineer.
After over a decade on the road playing in the major arenas and clubs of virtually every major city nationwide, Lee embarked on several world tours, earning international recognition for his musical abilities. Sadly, the road was really starting to take its toll on his family life. Lee Evans then decided against going on any more lengthy tours. He stood by his word turning down an opportunity to tour internationally as the opening act for Madonna
Madonna (entertainer)
Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
’s "La Isla Bonita" World tour.
On the local scene he did a stint as the house band keyboard player at a popular night club in Manhattan called 'The Cellar'. Here he backed up such notable artists as Johnny Kemp
Johnny Kemp
Johnny Kemp is a Bahamian R&B singer and dancer. He began singing in nightclubs in the Bahamas at 13. He moved to New York in 1979 with the band "Kinky Fox." His self-titled debut album came out in 1986 and he scored a minor hit with "Just Another Lover." True success came the following year,...
, Me'lissa Morgan, and Keith Sweat
Keith Sweat
Keith Sweat is an American R&B/soul, singer-songwriter, record producer, radio personality and a major contributor to the new jack swing era.-Music career:...
.
In 1980 Evans founded JAMBOX Recording Studios in his basement apartment
Basement apartment
A basement apartment is an apartment located below street level, underneath another structure—usually an apartment building, but possibly a house or a business. Rent in basement apartments is usually much lower than it is in above-ground units, due to a number of deficiencies common to basement...
in The Bronx
The Bronx
The Bronx is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City. It is also known as Bronx County, the last of the 62 counties of New York State to be incorporated...
, which by 1992 he had expanded (along with co-owner Cathy Palmisano) into JAMBOX Entertainment
JAMBOX Entertainment
JAMBOX Entertainment is a music company located in midtown Manhattan, New York City that functions primarily as a recording studio and music production company. Located in a three room recording facility on 352 Seventh Avenue, JAMBOX is co-owned by Lee Evans and Cathy Palmisano...
, a full service recording facility in Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
.
In 2006, Lee Evans (CEO) along with Cathy Palmisano (CFO) and Producer/Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist/Composer/Engineer (President) "[Gaetano Lattanzi]" formed 4Sight Music Productions, a company that went on to produce the Naked Cowboy
Naked Cowboy
Robert John Burck , better known as the Naked Cowboy, is an American street performer whose pitch is on New York City's Times Square...
's debut album "The Year of the Cowboy".
In 1999, Lee Evans started the AET Audio Engineering Course, with the intentions of teaching his audio engineering techniques to new and upcoming music artists and producers.
In 2004, Mr Evans introduced his latest brainchild "The Gift Of Song". A service that reached out to non professionals and gave them a shot in the 'studio'
Lee Evans is also a co-founder and the music director of Reach Out Inc. a non-profit organization that educates and promotes awareness about the perils of illegal drugs, alcohol abuse, tobacco, crime, violence, prejudice, and life threatening diseases such as AIDS. Reach Out Inc.'s presentations are characterized by the use of interactive, high-energy presentations that intertwine music, dance, and motivational speaking. In January 2009, Reach Out's president Lori Michaels and Music Director Lee Evans received notability as "Person Of The Week" on NY1 News
Discography
- 1982: Planet Rock - The Album (Cass) Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force (Tommy Boy Music)
- 1984: Beat Street Vol.1 -(LP) -Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force (Atlantic Records)
- 1984: Frantic Situation -(12" Sin) -Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force (Atlantic Records)
- 1984: Heartbreakers -(12" Sin) -Cold Crush Brothers (Tuff City Records)
- 1985: Planet Rock - The Album (LP) -Afrika BambaataaAfrika BambaataaAfrika Bambaataa is an American DJ from the South Bronx, New York who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1980s. Afrika Bambaataa is one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and the Amen Ra of Universal...
(Tommy Boy Music) - 1985: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (LP) -Cindi Lauper (CBS Records)
- 1985: GoGo Pop (Single) -Afrika BambaataaAfrika BambaataaAfrika Bambaataa is an American DJ from the South Bronx, New York who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1980s. Afrika Bambaataa is one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and the Amen Ra of Universal...
(Tommy Boy Music) - 1986: Bambaataa's Theme (Assault On Precinct 13) – Afrikaa Bambaataa (Tommy Boy Music)
- 1986: Beware (The Funk Is Everywhere) – Afrika BambaataaAfrika BambaataaAfrika Bambaataa is an American DJ from the South Bronx, New York who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1980s. Afrika Bambaataa is one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and the Amen Ra of Universal...
(Phonogram (France)) (LP) - 1987: Touch & Go – The Force M.D.sThe Force M.D.sThe Force MDs is an American R&B vocal group, that was formed in 1981 in Staten Island, New York.- Biography :The Force M.D.'s originally called themselves the L.D.s, then the Force MCs, but ultimately preferred MD, which is short for Musical Diversity...
(Tommy Boy Music) - 1988: Ouch – Rainy DavisRainy DavisDenise Lorraine Davis , better known by her stage name Rainy Davis, is an American R&B songwriter, singer, and record producer. Out of four Billboard charted singles, Davis is known best for her song "Sweetheart". A generation of fans adopted the song as their anthem to romantic love, giving it a...
("Danger") (Columbia) - 1986: Rappers' Convention (LP)) – EMI America
- 1986: Curiosity Regina (LP)) – AtlanticAtlantic RecordsAtlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
- 1988: Revelation (12") -LeSunRae (Minimal Records)
- 1993: Planet Rock (The Album) (CD, Album) – Afrika BambaataaAfrika BambaataaAfrika Bambaataa is an American DJ from the South Bronx, New York who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1980s. Afrika Bambaataa is one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and the Amen Ra of Universal...
(Sony Music Entertainment (Japan)) - 1988: Wrap It Up (12" Sin) -MC G.L.O.B.E. of Soul Sonic Force (Revenge Records)
- 1988: Rappin' Teach (12" Sin) -[Daylle Schwartz] (Revenge Records)
- 1988: Broken Dreams (Tears Of Love LP) -TKATKATKA was a Latin Freestyle trio that was prominent in the 1980s and early 1990s, mainly in New York City and Miami, Florida. Its members were Tony Ortiz, Louis "Kayel" Sharpe, and Alejandro "Aby" Escoto later replaced by Angel "Love" Vasquez. The acronym TKA represents their collective initials...
(Tommy Boy Records) - 1989: Never Again (12" Sin) -Lori Michaels (Next Plateau Records)
- 1989: Reach Out - (12" EP) -[Jessie D] (FootPrint Records)
- 1989: Forever In Love (12" EP) -[Jessie D] (FootPrint Records)
- 1989: Let My Love Take You Higher - (12" EP) -Jessie D (FootPrint Records)
- 1989: Tasty Lover - (12" EP) -[Jessie D] (FootPrint Records)
- 1995: Got To Keep On Dancin / Music Luva (12") -Lori Michaels (Palmi Records)
- 1995: Revelation - The Best Of Minimal Records - Rough House Vol. 1 (CD, Comp) (Hot Productions)
- 2006: Naked Cowboy's Anthem - (Triple Play) - Naked Cowboy EP (4Sight Records)
- 2006: Chicks And Beer - (Triple Play) - [Naked Cowboy EP] (4Sight Records)
- 2006: Get Your Ass Kicked - (Triple Play) - Naked Cowboy EP (4Sight Records)
- 2007: The Year Of The Cowboy - [Naked Cowboy CD] (4Sight Records)
- 2007: Naked Christmas - [Holiday Single] Naked CowboyNaked CowboyRobert John Burck , better known as the Naked Cowboy, is an American street performer whose pitch is on New York City's Times Square...
(4Sight Records) - 2007: Extremes - [The Year Of The Cowboy CD] Naked CowboyNaked CowboyRobert John Burck , better known as the Naked Cowboy, is an American street performer whose pitch is on New York City's Times Square...
(4Sight Records) - 2007: Get Naked - [The Year Of The Cowboy CD] Naked CowboyNaked CowboyRobert John Burck , better known as the Naked Cowboy, is an American street performer whose pitch is on New York City's Times Square...
(4Sight Records)