b. Larry James Reynolds, 27th January 1952, Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.A.
L.J. Reynolds is probably best known for his evergreen rare groove classic 'Key To The World'.
His other main aspect within Soul circles, is his participation as a member of the Soul Super Group, the Dramatics.
A former member of the group L.J. Reynolds and Chocolate Syrup, L.J. recorded several sides in the early Sixties, for the Tri-Spin imprint under the name of Larry 'Chubby' Reynolds, including 'Please Don't Leave Me' b/w 'Searchin & Looking', 'Sweet Tooth' and 'The Bells of My Heart' b/w 'Please Don't Leave Me'.
He also recorded two sides for the label under the name of Larry Reynolds, including 'Please Pretty Please' b/w 'Take Away The Big Hurt', under the production wings of Horace Ott, Richard Tee and Otis Brown.
we're in the middle - 1969 / the penguin breakdown - 1972
He relocated to the Monique label in 1969, and became the lead vocalist for L.J. Reynolds and the Relations in 1970, where he recorded 'We're In The Middle' for the group.
In the early Seventies he recorded for the Law-Ton and Avco imprints, including 'Let One Hurt Do' b/w 'Stay With Me' in 1971 (R&B Top 30), and 'The Penguin Break Down' in 1972.
In 1973, L.J. had joined the ranks of the Dramatics, replacing William Howard, with whom he remained up until 1980.
l.j.reynolds - 1981 / travelin' - 1982 / lovin' man - 1984 / tell me you will - 1987
L.J. then signed a solo deal with Capitol (including 'L.J. Reynolds' in 1981, (which featured 'Key To The World'), and recorded several successful albums for that imprint, along with the Mercury and Fantasy imprints.
L.J. Reynolds rejoined the Dramatics in 1986, and recorded solo material, as well as touring with the group, well into the new millennium.
In 2001, he released the solo album 'Get To This' for the Motor City Hits imprint.
Albums:
as L.J. Reynolds
L.J. Reynolds (Capitol Records 1981)
Travelin' (Capitol Records 1982)
Lovin' Man (Mercury Records 1984)
Tell Me You Will (Fantasy Records 1987)
L.J. Reynolds (Gospel album) (Capitol Records 1991)
with Ron Banks:
2 Of A Kind (Lifesong Records 1994)
as L.J. Reynolds
Love Is About To Start (Volt Records 2000)
Through The Storm (Da Pit Bull Kat Records 2007)
The Message (Crystal Rose Records 2007)
Get To This (Motor City Hits / TMG Records 2011)
