*Lenny Mayes, who in 1973 joined The Dramatics replacing the group’s founder, died Monday at Southfield’s Providence Hospital after a long battle with lung cancer. He was 53.


Born Leonard Cornell Mayes in Detroit on April 5, 1951, the singer took the place of Elbert "Al" Wilkins in the legendary R&B group, singing second tenor, baritone and alternate lead. He joined members L.J. Reynolds, Ron Banks, Willie Ford and later, Winzell Kelly.


Lenny’s first album as a Dramatic was “A Dramatic Experience.” Other classic albums would soon follow, featuring his distinctive vocals on such songs as “The Very Heart of Me,” “Me and Mrs. Jones,” “You’re Fooling You,” “I’m Going by the Stars in Your Eyes,” and “I Cried All The Way Home.”


Funeral services were held yesterday in Southfield, MI.

For more on Lenny Mayes, read Steven Ivory's column from earlier this week.

Harlepolis said:

My mom heard this on the radio and caught the tail end and wanted details. I could'nt find anything online other than him having a heart attack in October and an address given to send him well wishes. I assumed it was heart failure because the heart attack happened weeks ago. Thanks for the info. This is crazy because my mom has been playing their cds like crazy for months. God rest his soul.

My prayers and condolescences go out to Mr. Lenny Mays' family. I loved the Dramatics ever since I heard "Whatcha See is Whatcha Get", and I immediately fell in love with their harmonious voices, sound, and stage presence. He was a great performer. God Bless Him.