Lenny Zakatek: The Voice of British Funk and Disco

Lenny Zakatek is a British vocalist best known as a lead singer for the influential studio group The Alan Parsons Project. Hailing from London, his powerful and soulful voice became a defining element on several of the project's biggest international hits, contributing to multi-platinum album sales and a lasting legacy on classic rock and pop radio.

Early career

Born in 1945, Lenny Zakatek began his musical journey in the 1960s London scene. His early career was rooted in soul and R&B, performing with bands like The Foundations, known for their hit "Build Me Up Buttercup," which provided him with crucial stage and studio experience before his major breakthrough.

Breakthrough

Zakatek's career pivoted dramatically in 1976 when he was recruited by producer Alan Parsons and songwriter Eric Woolfson to be a principal vocalist for The Alan Parsons Project. His first major feature was on the album "I Robot" (1977), specifically on the track "I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You," which became a staple on US rock radio and helped propel the album to gold status.

Key tracks

I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You — This funk-rock track from "I Robot" was Zakatek's first major lead vocal with the project, establishing his signature gritty style.

Games People Play — As the driving lead single from "The Turn of a Friendly Card" (1980), this song became a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and a platinum-selling album cornerstone.

You Don't Believe — Featured on the 1979 album "Eve," this track showcases Zakatek's soulful delivery on a melodic rock song.

Day After Day (The Show Must Go On) — Another key vocal performance from "The Turn of a Friendly Card," highlighting his versatility within the project's conceptual rock framework.

Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Zakatek remained a go-to vocalist for The Alan Parsons Project, featuring on most of their albums including "Pyramid" (1978), "Eve" (1979), and "Ammonia Avenue" (1984). His voice was instrumental in shaping the band's accessible yet sophisticated sound, bridging rock and progressive pop for a global audience. Beyond the project, he also worked as a session singer and collaborated with artists like Chris Rea.

Parallel artists in the British rock and art-pop sphere include Alan Parsons, the visionary producer and engineer behind the project's intricate sound. 10cc shared a similar studio-centric approach and knack for crafting intelligent pop-rock hits. Gerry Rafferty also excelled in producing meticulously crafted, vocal-driven soft rock during the same era.

Lenny Zakatek's music maintains a strong presence on radio stations featured on this website. His hits with The Alan Parsons Project are fixtures on classic rock FM stations, album-oriented rock channels, and dedicated 70s/80s music streams, ensuring his voice reaches new generations of listeners.

You can hear the essential music of Lenny Zakatek on the radio stations featured on our website. Explore the classic rock and sophisticated pop playlists available on onairium.com to discover his signature vocal performances with The Alan Parsons Project and more.