Some music duos rise fast, shine brightly, and then quietly disappear. LeBlanc and Carr were one such act. Best known for their soft rock hit “Falling,” the duo left a small but memorable mark on the 1970s music scene. Their sound blended smooth vocals with laid-back melodies, fitting perfectly into the pop and adult contemporary formats of the time.
Although their partnership was brief, their impact was lasting. Let’s look at the story behind LeBlanc and Carr—their beginnings, brief success, and what came after.
| Artist Name | LeBlanc and Carr |
|---|---|
| Members | Lenny LeBlanc, Pete Carr |
| Origin | Muscle Shoals, Alabama |
| Genres | Soft Rock, Pop |
| Years Active | 1973–1978 |
| Best Known For | One-album duo with chart success in the 1970s |
| Top Hit | “Falling” (#13 on Billboard Hot 100, 1977) |
| Label | Big Tree (Atlantic) |
Meet LeBlanc and Carr
LeBlanc and Carr were composed of two longtime friends and musicians: Lenny LeBlanc and Pete Carr. They first joined forces in 1973 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a place well known for its legendary recording studios and musicians. Pete Carr was already established in the music industry, having worked as a guitarist with the band Hourglass, which also included future Allman Brothers members Duane and Gregg Allman.
Lenny LeBlanc, born on June 17, 1951, in Leominster, Massachusetts, had moved to Florida and then to Alabama to pursue music. Pete Carr, born on April 22, 1950, in Daytona Beach, Florida, had become one of Muscle Shoals’ top session guitarists by the early 1970s.
Breakthrough with “Falling”
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The duo officially signed with Atlantic Records, which saw potential in pairing LeBlanc’s smooth vocals with Carr’s sharp studio experience. Their only album, Midnight Light, came out in 1977 under the Big Tree Records imprint, a division of Atlantic.
Their debut single, “Something About You,” released in mid-1977, made a modest impact, peaking at #48 on the Billboard Hot 100. But their follow-up single, “Falling,” released in October of the same year, became a breakout hit. It climbed to #13 on the Hot 100 and #11 on the Adult Contemporary chart, becoming their signature song.
“Falling” stood out for its warm production and heartfelt lyrics. It captured the mellow, easy-listening vibe that was popular in the late 1970s. The song remains a soft rock radio staple and is often included in 70s love song playlists.
Touring and Sudden Split
After the success of “Falling,” LeBlanc and Carr toured with big names like Lynyrd Skynyrd, further boosting their exposure. But despite the growing attention, the partnership didn’t last long.
Pete Carr preferred working behind the scenes as a session musician and producer. He wasn’t interested in the spotlight or life on the road. So, after releasing a third single, “Midnight Light” (which only reached #91 on the Billboard chart), the duo quietly parted ways.
Life After the Duo
After their split, both men continued successful individual careers—just in different directions.
Lenny LeBlanc found new purpose in faith-based music. He became a born-again Christian in 1980 and shifted his focus to contemporary Christian music. His worship songs have been widely recorded by churches and Christian artists, and he became a respected figure in the genre.
Pete Carr remained a sought-after studio guitarist and producer. Over the years, he worked with major artists like Paul Simon, Rod Stewart, Barbra Streisand, Bob Seger, and Joan Baez. His guitar work appears on iconic tracks such as Paul Simon’s “Kodachrome” and Bob Seger’s “Mainstreet.”
Carr passed away in June 2020 at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy as one of Muscle Shoals’ most talented and prolific session musicians.
LeBlanc and Carr’s Only Album
Their one and only album, Midnight Light, features 10 tracks with a mix of pop-rock and soft ballads. It is best remembered for “Falling,” but songs like “How Does It Feel (To Be In Love)” and “Stronger Love” also showcase their smooth vocal harmonies and clean instrumentation.
Track listing – Midnight Light (1977, Big Tree Records):
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A1: Something About You
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A2: Falling
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A3: How Does It Feel (To Be In Love)
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A4: Midnight Light
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A5: Stronger Love
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B1: Johnny Too Bad
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B2: Desperado
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B3: Coming and Going
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B4: I Need to Know
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B5: I Believe That We
Conclusion
LeBlanc and Carr had a brief but meaningful moment in the spotlight. Their partnership may have lasted for only a few years, but the impact of “Falling” still lingers. Both artists found success in their own ways—Carr in the studio and LeBlanc in Christian music. Together, they created a small gem in the world of 1970s pop.
Their story reminds us that even short-lived collaborations can leave a lasting impression.