He is a singer-songwriter and producer born in Stuttgart, Arkansas who was based in Chicago and studied at Crane Junior College with arranger James Mack.
He joined up with Willie Henderson, who had been a fellow student, at the branch of Brunswick Records based in Chicago where the producer was Carl Davis.
Here he co-wrote several hits for the singer Tyrone Davis which included “Could I Forget You”, “There It Is”, “”What Goes Up (Must Come Down)”, “This I Swear” and “Turning Point”, which was recorded with an all-star line-up and became his biggest hit.
David moved from the Brunswick label in 1975 and took Leo Graham and other members of the team with him when he signed up with Columbia Records. Leo co-wrote further hits for Tyrone Davis between 1976 and 1979 including “Give It Up (Turn It Loose)” and “In the Mood”.
Another act that recorded at Columbia Records at that time were the group The Manhattans. They needed to find a new producer so Leo Graham took on the role and produced and co-wrote their hit song “Shining Star” which reach gold record status in 1980 and was nominated for a Grammy Award. The accompanying album After Midnight also achieved gold status.
Tyrone Davis left Columbia Records in the mid-1980s but recorded further hit songs on various labels.
As a songwriter and/or producer his work has been heard on many albums with a select few being Gentlemen by the Afghan Whigs, Love by Boyz II Men, Finders Keepers by Leon Bryant, Classics by Buckwheat Zydeco, Houston (I’m Comin’ To See You) by Glen Campbell, How ‘Bout Us by Champaign, At His Best by Willie Clayton, Jazz Encounters by Nat King Cole, Turn Back the Hands of Time, Love & Touch, Turning Point and Can’t You Tell It’s Me by Tyrone Davis, In the House by The 5th Dimension, Mimosa by Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Shining Star by Jerry Garcia, There It Is by Lionel Hampton, After Midnight, Black Tie and Sweet Talk by The Manhattans, Bette by Bette Midler, This Love Is Real and You Got Me Walking by Jackie Wilson, Mighty Man by Mighty Joe Young and numerous others along with countless compilations and collections.
Glen Campbell recordings
Honestly Loved (Leo Graham/Glen Castleberry)
Capitol Records 3808 (US 45)
Sources:
- https://www.allmusic.com/artist/leo-graham-mn0000202812/biography
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_Graham_(songwriter)
- https://www.allmusic.com/artist/leo-graham-mn0000202812/credits
- https://www.discogs.com/artist/107524-Leo-Graham