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kenny stover

Kenny StoverKenny Stover

b. Kenneth C. Stover Jnr., b 21st August 1948, Athens, Georgia, U.S.A.

d. December 2010, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

Kenny Stover is, probably, best remembered by Soul Music followers, as being part of the group Leo's Sunshipp.

Leo's Sunshipp consisted of Kenny, along with Johnny Simone (ex. Wallace Brothers) and Alvin Few, and released one album entitled 'We Need Each Other' for the Lyons Record Company imprint in 1978.

Leos SunshippLeos Sunshipp

we both need each other - 1978

The album became highly sought after, during the rare groove period during the late Eighties, for the songs 'Give Me The Sunshine', along with the original version of the song 'I'm Back For More' (later covered by Al Johnson and Marlena Shaw).

Kenny was born in Georgia and relocated, with his family to Cleveland Ohio during his childhood.

He then moved to Detroit later, along with his brother Elgie, where they began writing for Harvey Fuqua's Tri-Phi imprint.

Harvey was the brothers cousin, who, in turn, introduced the two to several Motown artists, including Marvin Gaye.

In 1969, he co-wrote 'When You Are Available' for Shorty Long, (co-written with Anna Gordy Gaye and Marvin Gaye).

Kenny was recruited to perform background vocals during the recording of Marvin's evergreen album 'What's Going On' (he can be heard on 'Inner City Blues').

Shorty LongMarvin GayeJeff PerryFinished Touch

when you are available - shorty long 1969 / you're the man - marvin gaye 1972 / love don't come no stronger - jeff perry 1975 / need to know you better - finished touch 1978

He went on to co-write several songs with Marvin, including 'You're The Man' (in 1972), and 'I Love You Secretly' (which was recorded by the Billy Griffin fronted version of the Miracles).

Kenny also co-penned 'Look Out, I'm Gonna Get You' for the Artistics in 1973, and 'Love Don't Come No Stronger (Than Yours And Mine)' in 1975 for Jeff Perry (a.k.a. Jeffree).

He also co-penned the Diana Ross song, 'Lovin', Livin' and Givin', G.C. Cameron's 'Share Your Life (Let Me In)', (with his brother), in 1976, and Bobby Nunn's song 'Sexy Sassy' and 'Got to Get Up on It'.

In the late Seventies, by the time Kenny had formed the soul group, Leo's Sunshipp, the album was due for a release, when, Johnny Simone became seriously ill with cancer and died in his early thirties.

The album was later given a release on the Lyons Record Company label.

He then was recruited to the ranks of the group Finished Touch during 1978, whom he wrote the songs 'Need To Know You Better' and 'Sunshine Love', for.

Kenny finally departed Motown in 1981, relocating to Atlanta for a while.

He relocated back his hometown in East Cleveland since 1985, looking after his sister, who was unwell.

Kenny co-penned the song 'Good Combination' for Peabo Bryson, which was taken from his album 'Quiet Storm' in 1986.

In 1997, he co wrote (along with Nasir Jones and Will Smith), the song 'Just Cruisin'', for Will Smith, which featured on the Will Smith movie vehicle 'Men In Black'.

More recently he was running the Kenrou Music & Publishing Company in East Cleveland.

Kenny passed away in December 2010 at the age of 62.

He is survived by his companion, Ms. Farah Barner, and sons, Kenneth Stover Jr., Derrick Stover, Robert Hill and Jeremy Stover.

Kenny was the brother of Alma Stover, Elgie Stover, Clementine Agee, Willie Doug Stover and Marie Williams (deceased).

Real Player

Albums:

as Leo's Sunshipp:

We Both Need Each Other (Lyons Record Company Records 1978)

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