David Lasley

David Eldon Lasley (born August 20, 1947) is an American recording artist, singer and songwriter best known for his contributions as a background singer for such artists as Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield and Boz Scaggs.[1][2][3]

Singing career

Lasley started his music career in his teens, forming a singing group with his sister and achieving some success in the Detroit area. In 1970 he joined the cast of Hair, performing first in Detroit and then on tour. This led to a move to New York City, and performances on and off-Broadway.[4] Lasley started his career as a back-up singer at this time.[5] Along with Vandross, he performed on many of Chic's and Sister Sledge's recordings.

In 1977 he began touring with James Taylor as a background vocalist. Lasley also performed as background vocalist in recording sessions with him.[6][7][8][9][10] Other performers that he has worked with include Todd Rundgren, Melissa Manchester and Bonnie Raitt, who has recorded a number of Lasley's compositions.[11]

As the band Rosie, with Lynn Pitney and Lana Marrano also on vocals, Lasley released the album Better Late Than Never (RCA, 1976), which featured "Roll Me Through the Rushes", and then Last Dance (RCA, 1977).[12]

Lasley's only hit song as a recording artist, "If I Had My Wish Tonight" spent 10 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 36 in May 1982.[13][14][15]

Discography

Solo discography
  • Demos – (1981)
  • Missin' Twenty Grand – (1982)
  • Raindance – (1984)
  • Soldiers on the Moon – (1990)
  • Back to Blue-Eyed Soul – (2000)
  • Expectations of Love – (2001)
  • Demos Volume 2 – Take a Look – (2005)

[1][16][17][18]

Selected songwriting credits

Selected credits

[21]

Filmography
YearFilmRole
1993SquibnocketHimself
201320 Feet from StardomHimself

References
  1. Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1982-05-01). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
  2. Inc, Nielsen Business Media (2001-02-17). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
  3. "Iconic Singer/Songwriter James Taylor Announces First Album in 13 Years". Concord. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  4. Dietz, Dan (2015-09-03). The Complete Book of 1970s Broadway Musicals. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-1-4422-5166-3.
  5. Block, Adam (1985-05-14). David Lasley: White Hot Soul.
  6. Holden, Stephen (1991-10-28). "Review/Pop; James Taylor Sings the Old And the New". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  7. Herbst, Peter (1979-09-06). "James Taylor: the Rolling Stone Interview". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  8. Dean, Maury (2003). Rock N Roll Gold Rush: A Singles Un-Cyclopedia. Algora Publishing. ISBN 978-0-87586-227-9.
  9. "No Backup Is Plan: Voice Behind Stars Goes Solo". The Vineyard Gazette - Martha's Vineyard News. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  10. "James Taylor Online feature David Lasley".
  11. Myers, Paul (2010-10-15). A Wizard, a True Star: Todd Rundgren in the Studio. Jawbone Press. ISBN 978-1-906002-33-6.
  12. "Better Late Than Never - Rosie | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  13. "The Hot 100: Week of May 8, 1982". Billboard.com. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  14. Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1982-04-03). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
  15. "US Top 40 Singles For The Week Ending March 13, 1982". Top40Weekly.com. 1982-03-13. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
  16. Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1982-03-27). Billboard (PDF).
  17. Holden, Stephen (1982-07-11). "Two Debut Albums in Search of an Audience". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  18. Holden, Stephen (1991-04-05). "Sounds Around Town". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  19. "Baltimore Outloud" (PDF). 2014-10-17. p. 17.
  20. Shewey, Don (1984-02-16). "Busy Body". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  21. "David Lasley | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
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