Leon Haywood brought a slick, soulful style to the funk and R&B scene in the 1970s and early 1980s. With hits like “I Want’a Do Something Freaky to You” and “Don’t Push It, Don’t Force It,” he blended smooth keyboard-driven grooves with sultry lyrics. Beyond his own recordings, he shaped the careers of other artists as a songwriter and producer. His music, often sampled in hip-hop, still echoes through today’s soundscapes.
| Real Name | Otha Leon Haywood |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Leon Haywood |
| Birthdate | February 11, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Genres | Funk, Soul, R&B |
| Main Instruments | Keyboards, Vocals |
| Biggest Hits | “I Want’a Do Something Freaky to You”, “Don’t Push It, Don’t Force It”, “She’s a Bad Mama Jama” (as songwriter) |
| Active Years | 1960s–1990s |
| Associated Acts | Big Jay McNeely, Sam Cooke, Carl Carlton |
| Labels | Imperial, Decca, 20th Century, Casablanca, Modern, Evejim (his own label) |
Early Years and Musical Roots
Leon Haywood was born Otha Leon Haywood on February 11, 1942, in Houston, Texas. He grew up listening to blues legends and developed a love for piano early in life. During his teens, he played with blues guitarist Guitar Slim, sharpening his musical chops on the Southern club circuit.
In the early 1960s, Haywood moved to Los Angeles, where his career began to take shape. He teamed up with Big Jay McNeely, a saxophonist and bandleader. With McNeely’s help, Haywood recorded his first single, “Without a Love,” released on the Swingin’ label.
Soon after, he joined Sam Cooke’s band as a keyboardist. The experience of touring and performing with Cooke helped him refine his stage presence and studio skills.
First Chart Success
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By 1965, Haywood signed with Fantasy Records, though his early singles didn’t generate much attention. He then switched to Imperial Records, where things started to improve.
His 1967 single, “She’s With Her Other Love,” climbed to No. 13 on the Billboard R&B chart and briefly appeared on the pop chart. That same year, he released “It’s Got to Be Mellow,” which hit No. 21 R&B.
Later, with Decca Records, Haywood tried different styles but didn’t make a big commercial splash. Still, he remained a promising talent. Around this time, he also founded his own production company called Evejim Records, named after his parents.
Despite the momentum, Haywood took a break from recording toward the end of the 1960s.
Breakthrough: “Freaky” Funk and Chart Hits
Haywood returned strong in 1974, signing with 20th Century Records. In 1975, he released his biggest solo hit:
“I Want’a Do Something Freaky to You.”
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Reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100
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Peaked at No. 7 on the R&B chart
The song was a slow, seductive groove driven by synths and a sensual vocal style. It later became a favorite among hip-hop producers. Notably, Dr. Dre sampled it for his 1993 hit “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang.”
Though he released several other singles during the late 1970s—such as “Come and Get Yourself Some,” “Keep It in the Family,” and “Streets Will Love You to Death”—none matched the success of “Freaky.”
Another Big Hit: “Don’t Push It, Don’t Force It”
In 1980, Haywood struck again with another major hit:
“Don’t Push It, Don’t Force It.”
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No. 2 R&B (U.S.)
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No. 49 Pop (U.S.)
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No. 12 UK Singles Chart
This song became a dance floor favorite, blending disco-funk energy with soulful vocals. It helped revive Haywood’s career and brought his sound to international audiences.
From Performer to Producer
After his 1980 comeback, Haywood shifted focus from performing to producing and songwriting.
In 1981, he co-wrote and produced “She’s a Bad Mama Jama” for Carl Carlton. The song became a massive hit:
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No. 2 R&B
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No. 22 Pop
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Grammy-nominated
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A staple of dance compilations and commercials
Haywood’s signature groove was all over the track. It confirmed his status as a behind-the-scenes hitmaker.
Throughout the early 1980s, he continued producing tracks for artists like:
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Saint Tropez
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Jerry Knight
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Jimmy Lewis
He also ran his Evejim label, releasing music by himself and others.
Final Albums and Later Work
In 1983, Haywood released the LP It’s Me Again. While it received modest airplay, it didn’t chart significantly. In 1984, he recorded an album called Now and Then, but it was never officially released.
He also released a few singles on Casablanca and Modern Records, including “Tenderoni” and “I’m Out to Catch.” These songs reflected his evolving sound but didn’t make the charts.
By the late 1980s, Haywood stopped recording regularly. However, he stayed active as a producer with Edge Records and Evejim. He helped revive careers of older R&B acts and supported new talent, keeping classic soul alive.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Leon Haywood’s influence stretches beyond his own recordings. His songs have been heavily sampled in hip-hop and R&B. In addition to Dr. Dre, other artists who have sampled his work include:
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50 Cent
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Redman
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Aaliyah
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Rick Ross
His 1970s hits remain DJ staples and can still be heard in soundtracks, commercials, and clubs.
Beyond music, Haywood’s efforts to promote artists through his labels helped preserve and celebrate traditional R&B and funk styles well into the 1990s.
Notable Singles and Albums
Here’s a list of some of Leon Haywood’s most notable works:
Hit Singles:
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“She’s With Her Other Love” (1967)
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“It’s Got to Be Mellow” (1967)
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“I Want’a Do Something Freaky to You” (1975)
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“Don’t Push It, Don’t Force It” (1980)
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“Come and Get Yourself Some” (1976)
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“Keep It in the Family” (1979)
As a Songwriter/Producer:
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“She’s a Bad Mama Jama” – Carl Carlton
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“Zoom” – Fat Larry’s Band (as co-producer)
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“I Just Want to Be with You” – Jimmy Lewis
Albums:
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Come and Get Yourself Some (1975)
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Intimate (1976)
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Naturally (1977)
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It’s Me Again (1983)
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Now and Then (unreleased, 1984)
Final Years and Death
Leon Haywood remained active in the music business well into his later years. He passed away on April 5, 2016, at the age of 74. His legacy lives on through the countless artists influenced by his music and the fans who still groove to his signature sound.
In Summary
Leon Haywood never became a household name like some of his peers. But his smooth, funky, and soulful contributions left a lasting mark. Whether through chart-topping hits or timeless samples, his work continues to shape music across generations.