Lenny McDaniel

Biography

Lenny McDaniel was a New Orleans-born singer-songwriter and guitarist whose work bridged the soulful traditions of his hometown with a distinctive blend of rock, blues, and R&B. Born in 1949, McDaniel began his musical journey in his youth, developing his skills as both a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. His early exposure to the vibrant New Orleans music scene deeply influenced his songwriting and performance style, which often featured piano and organ textures alongside his guitar work.

McDaniel's career spanned several decades, during which he released multiple albums, including 'Bad For Me,' 'Worth the Price,' and 'Tired Angels.' His music was marked by memorable hooks, soulful vocals, and a balance between lighthearted rock and more introspective, brooding themes. McDaniel was celebrated for his ability to infuse his songs with the spirit of New Orleans, as heard in tracks like 'Lord Knows I Try' and the gospel-tinged title track 'Tired Angels.' Despite his talent and critical acclaim, McDaniel remained a cult favorite, with his songs covered by artists such as Marva Wright and Debbie Davies. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy as a respected figure in the New Orleans music community.

Fun Facts

• Lenny McDaniel was not only a guitarist and singer but also contributed piano and organ to his recordings.
• His song 'Tired Angels' was covered by two prominent blues artists, Marva Wright and Debbie Davies.
• Despite critical acclaim, many of McDaniel's songs remained cult favorites and did not achieve mainstream chart success.
• He was known for balancing upbeat, radio-friendly tunes with darker, introspective themes in his albums.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• New Orleans music tradition - McDaniel was heavily influenced by the broader New Orleans R&B, soul, and blues scene, which shaped his songwriting and performance style. (General influence across his discography) [1960s–2015]

Key Collaborators

• Doug Therrien - Bassist who supported McDaniel on his album 'Tired Angels' and was known for work with Tab Benoit. (Tired Angels) [1990s]
• Allyn Robinson - Drummer who played on 'Tired Angels' and was also part of Tab Benoit's rhythm section. (Tired Angels) [1990s]

Artists Influenced

• Marva Wright - Covered McDaniel's song 'Tired Angels,' bringing his songwriting to a broader blues audience. (Tired Angels (cover)) [late 1990s]
• Debbie Davies - Blues-rocker who also covered 'Tired Angels,' highlighting McDaniel's impact on contemporary blues artists. (Tired Angels (cover)) [late 1990s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Tired Angels (Tired Angels)
2. The Blues Side (The Blues Side)
3. Permanently Halloween (The Blues Side)
4. Brand New Mambo (The Blues Side)
5. It's Just Not Right (The Blues Side)
6. The Slow Nights (that kill you) (The Blues Side)
7. Southern Rain (The Blues Side)
8. Good People (The Blues Side)
9. Better Late Than Never (The Blues Side)
10. Let's Get Down To Business (The Blues Side)

External Links

• Spotify