Softer Layer of a ROCKSTAR

Daddy Kravitz 

The multitalented winning singer-songwriter meshes rock with soul and funk into a retro style of his own. The global superstar musician in dreadlocks not only supplies his own background vocals, but often his own guitar and keyboards in recording sessions. 

Lenny Kravitz took home the Grammy for the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance every year from 1999 to 2002, setting the record for consecutive wins. Twenty years ago, the man in dark sunglasses was one of the hottest acts on MTV. His videos are eccentric.  Better yet, Lenny Kravitz’s live performances are spectacular.

Being the son of music lovers, young Lenny Kravitz grew up listening to the best jazz, blues and Motown ever made.  As a toddler, Lenny was already learning to play drums, even if it was on the pots and pans in the kitchen.  Mommy encouraged his dream of being a rock star, and a guitar was soon added to the mix.  Lenny’s mother often took him to the New York Theater, where she was often the star on the stage.

At the age of 10, the family moved out to sunny California.  Lenny graduated from Beverly Hills High School, not unlike Golden Girl Betty White, Angelina Jolie, Nicolas Cage, Rob Reiner and classmate Slash of Guns N’ Roses.

From the 1989 release of and Mama Said to eleven years later, Lenny Kravitz rules the Billboard charts, award ceremonies and land of music videos. After moving back to Brooklyn, Lenny was introduced to The Cosby Show’s Lisa Bonet. The two quickly fell in love and tied the knot. The rock star and Denise Huxtable had a baby girl, Zoe. Zoe’s Godmother is none other than family friend and multi-Oscar Award winner Marisa Tomei.

Lenny has also worked with superstars, ranging from Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson to Grandpa Steven Tyler and Madonna. The superstar was even romantically involved Madonna, as well as Nicole Kidman and Halle Berry.

Lenny’s Mother passed away in 1995. In June of this year, Lenny opened up about his relationship with his father on Oprah’s Master Class.It was revealed that Sy Kravitz implemented tough love. In fact, Lenny was scared of his dad growing up. Spending multiple years as a Green Beret, Dad felt extremely threatening to his son. Apparently, all of Sy Kravitz’s sensitive qualities died in combat.

Watch for Lenny’s memorable role as Cinna in The Hunger Games film series.  The soulful actor also has a supporting role in 2009’s Precious, as well as Lee Daniels’ The Butler which gain Oscar Buzz.

To my surprise, having work with the young legend before on previous projects it was a great eye-opener to see first hand what type of Dad he is. 

 

Just 4 minutes after an epic performance for one of my billionaire clients birthday party he jumped right on his iPhone to call his daughter (International Model Zoe Kravitz) to finish a conversation that was being had prior to sound check. As I sipped my glass of ace of spade I couldn't help but notice that this Rockstar is a real DAD, a father! Also a pretty good one from what I gathered. 

As he sat cropped on the side of a band stool wearing Christian Dior boots, fitted Tom Ford Tuxedo pant and a Sean John knit tank, the tattooed rockstar asked Zoe what did you eat today? I smirked as I heard her turn the question around on him as he began to explain what he ate earlier in the day. It was interesting to visually see his concern, needless to say she ate a hot dog, chips and her favorite ice cream French vanilla. Daddy Kravitz asked swiftly and softly where are the veggies and fruit Zo? I was shocked and amazed, not only did I see this Legend hit the stage and give a stellar performance. I also had the opportunity to see Lenny Kravitz in a rare light that even the brightest can't match.

Author Waffie Nakkuory