LeRoy Bell is getting his second wind. The songwriter has written hundreds of songs, dozens of which have been covered and some of which have become hits.
His concert Thursday in Everett marks the mid-point in the Comcast Waterfront Concert Series.
Bell wrote, or co-wrote, songs for Elton John, The O’Jays, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, Johnny Mathis, The Spinners and The Temptations.
Bell, along with Casey James, wrote John’s top-10 pop hit “Mama Can’t Buy You Love” (1979). John also covered “Are You Ready for Love,” which peaked at No. 9 the same year. That song was re-released in 2003, when it became a top single in the U.K. and United States.
Bell and James had their own top-10 hit singing “Livin’ It Up (Friday Night),” but most of their success was a long time ago.
“I became a little disillusioned at that time and put songwriting on the back burner after having the hits and then not coming up with any other hits. And music styles changed … I didn’t fit in.”
The Tacoma resident kept himself going with odd jobs, jingles, radio and TV voiceovers, residuals and a nine-month stint with the postal service.
Today he’s a more thoughtful songwriter and is performing songs from his CD “Spending Time.” In some ways, he said, writing for a specific singer is easier than writing for himself.
“You have a bulls-eye. This singer does this kind of music, he wants this kind of song, you do your research, hear him sing, and aim for that. It’s still a craft, but you have to stay within the boundary, be creative inside limitations.”
For those who have heard covers of Bell’s works, his current music will be a surprise. The six songs are 21st-century singer/songwriter songs.
The outstanding title track from “Spending Time” is about songcraft and emotion, not strobe lights.
Bell is pleased with writing songs that he feels close to, rather than being pressured into writing for a particular genre. The result?
“I wrote some of my best work,” he said. “If no one likes them, it’s OK. I’ve still done something decent. If they connect, all the better.”
It should be easy to connect with Bell’s current work. Although he has a bass guitarist, he often uses his own guitar to set the pulse.
“It’s something I developed over the last few years. One reason is that the songs are guitar-driven. When I started writing songs I wasn’t thinking drums or bass. I’d set the rhythm of it so it had something to hang on to.”
The combination of bass, cello and guitar has created a signature sound.
“I hadn’t thought much about cello when I started the project, but I kept hearing this cello laying countermelodies.”
No matter how this professional phase turns out, Bell said he’ll be OK.
“If I never had another hit but still get to play and write songs and make enough money to live on, I’m fine. I’ve learned to appreciate the little things as I’ve gotten older.”
LeRoy Bell
LeRoy Bell
6:30 p.m. July 29, Port Gardner Landing, Everett; free; 425-257-8300.
LeRoy Bell
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Port Gardner Landing, Everett; free; 425-257-8300.
Music in the parks
Charles White Band: The king of Seattle blues delivers high-energy Texas R&B. He’ll be backed by a six-piece rhythm, horns and percussion section. 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Family Concert Series at Forest Park, Everett; free; 425-257-8300.
Paul Hann: The children’s-music writer and singer starred in his own national television series for seven years and was twice nominated for Canada’s Juno Award. His concerts are delivered with amusing anecdotes, quick one-liners and chances for participation. Noon Tuesday, Children’s Concert Series, Legion Park, Everett; free; 425-257-8300.
Total Experience Choir: The choir’s stellar reputation has its roots in a gospel music class at Seattle’s Franklin High School in 1973. Now it’s an internationally known singing group. 3 p.m. Sunday, Edmonds City Park; free; 425-771-0228.
Raven Blue: Danceable rhythm and blues, rock and country; 7-9 tonight, Lake Forest Park Town Centre, Bothell Way and Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park; free; 206-417-4645.
Wicked Tinkers: Music from bagpipes, drums, horns and didgeridoos delivered by four men who perform the music of the Scottish Highlands and the Celtic tunes of Ireland, using bagpipes and the Bronze Age Irish horn.6:30 p.m. Wednesday, McCormick Park, Duvall; free; 425-788-2983.
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