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Who was Leon Haywood?
Leon Haywood was an American R&B singer, songwriter, and producer who rose to fame in the 1970s with his smooth and funky hits. He was born in Houston, Texas, on February 11, 1942, and started playing piano at the age of three. He moved to Los Angeles in the early 1960s and worked with various artists, including Sam Cooke, Big Jay McNeely, and the Packers. He also formed his own production company, Evejim, named after his parents.
Haywood had a string of successful singles, such as “It’s Got to Be Mellow”, “Keep It in the Family”, and “I Want’a Do Something Freaky to You”. The latter song was sampled by many hip-hop artists, such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and Aaliyah. Haywood was also known for his 1980 disco hit “Don’t Push It Don’t Force It”, which reached No. 2 on the R&B chart and No. 49 on the pop chart.
Leon Haywood Cause of Death: How Did He Die?
According to his godson Darnell Price, who is also a rapper known as OG Cuicide, Haywood died in his sleep on April 5, 2016, in Los Angeles. He was 74 years old. The cause of death was not disclosed to the public, but Price said that Haywood had been suffering from some health issues for a while. He also said that Haywood was a humble and generous man who loved his family and music.
Haywood’s death was mourned by many fans and fellow musicians, who paid tribute to his legacy and influence on social media. Some of the celebrities who expressed their condolences included Ice Cube, DJ Quik, MC Hammer, and Questlove. Haywood was survived by his son, Leon Haywood Jr., and his daughter, Candace Haywood.
Leon Haywood Cause of Death: What Is His Legacy?
Leon Haywood was one of the pioneers of the soul, funk, and disco genres, who blended his smooth vocals with groovy beats and catchy hooks. He was also a prolific songwriter and producer, who worked with artists like Carl Carlton, The Whispers, The Dazz Band, and La Toya Jackson. He was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2014.
Haywood’s music has been widely sampled and covered by many artists across different genres, especially in hip-hop and R&B. His song “I Want’a Do Something Freaky to You” is considered one of the most sampled songs of all time, appearing on tracks like “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, “The Next Episode” by Dr. Dre and Nate Dogg, “Corner Bodega” by 50 Cent, and “I Gotcha Back” by Aaliyah. His song “Don’t Push It Don’t Force It” was also sampled by artists like Eric B. & Rakim, LL Cool J, and Salt-N-Pepa.
Haywood’s music has also been featured in movies, TV shows, and video games, such as Boogie Nights, The Wash, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and Everybody Hates Chris. His music has also been praised by critics and fans alike, who recognized his talent and contribution to the music industry.
Leon Haywood cause of death may have been a mystery, but his legacy lives on through his music and his fans. He will always be remembered as one of the legends of R&B and funk, who made people dance and feel good with his songs.
