Born and raised in Oakland, California, Leonard B. Lothlen Sr. was profoundly influenced by his father, who played the guitar and preached on the city’s streets. At 13, Leonard began playing guitar during church services. By 15, he had written his first song, “I’ll Be So Satisfied,” and formed his inaugural quartet group. At 16, he embarked on a professional music career. To date, Leonard has written and published over 200 songs, recorded more than 10 albums, collaborated with various recording artists, and received a Grammy Award nomination.

Leonard’s musical style is a rich tapestry woven from early Motown and Philadelphia influences, with groups like The Temptations and The Delfonics shaping his harmonic sensibilities. His sound also resonates with the vibes of Earth, Wind & Fire, Lenny Williams & Tower of Power, and Chicago. In the realm of Gospel, he drew inspiration from the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Violinaires, frequently attending Gospel Quartet concerts on the West Coast. This eclectic mix of influences culminates in a unique, powerful, and energetic sound that spans genres such as Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Contemporary Christian, Hip-Hop, Rock, R&B, and Urban Contemporary. Leonard believes in music’s universal language, aiming to inspire hope and usher listeners into a new dimension of Rhythm and Praise.

Throughout his career, Leonard has toured extensively across the United States and Canada, performing Blues, Jazz, Folk, and Gospel at concerts, festivals, and various venues. Notably, he led a prison ministry with his band, Infinity, for 30 years. His early discography includes two albums with The Gospel Clouds—“Keep On Prayin’” (1974) and “Steamin’” (1977). With Infinity, he released four albums: a self-titled debut in 1981, “Spread The Word” (1984), “Show Me The Way” (1989), and “New Direction” (1994).

In collaboration with his brother, Charles D. Lothlen, Leonard composed the score for the musical drama “The Accused,” performed by the Kaleo Christian Fellowship Choir of Oakland. This production, depicting the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, features 14 original songs blending Gospel, Classical, Folk, Contemporary, R&B, and Hip-Hop styles. The album was released locally in 2002. Excitingly, The Accused album is scheduled for national release in September 2025, bringing this powerful musical journey to a broader audience.

Leonard’s versatility is evident in his 2006 EP for Major League Baseball, “America Loves Baseball,” which includes “The National Anthem,” the theme song “I Love Baseball,” and two bonus tracks: “Streets of the City” and “Another Day.” The Leonard Lothlen Band’s 2006 singles, “Back In The Day” and “Praise The Lord With Me,” were later featured on the 2009 album “Incredible Journey,” a 15-track collection blending Traditional Gospel, Adult Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B, Rap, and Urban styles.

The passing of his brother Charles in 2012, followed by the deaths of his sisters Donna in 2016 and Carolyn in 2017, deeply affected Leonard. Despite these losses, he found renewed inspiration and began composing again, leading to a creative resurgence.

Continuing as a solo artist, songwriter, and composer for stage and screen, Leonard’s forthcoming album, The Journey Continues, showcases some of Oakland’s finest hidden talents. The first single, “God is My Strength” featuring James Mitchell, was released in October 2020, with the full 21-track album being released in the fall of 2021.

Leonard’s music, including works with The Gospel Clouds, Infinity, and The Leonard Lothlen Band, Leonard Lothlen Project, is distributed by Orchard / Sony Music Group and is available on major platforms like iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube.

Currently, Leonard B. Lothlen Sr. serves in ministry at Glad Tidings International Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop J.W. Macklin in Hayward, California. In addition to his ministry work, Leonard is actively in the studio working on new music, with upcoming releases planned for the near future.