During the 1970s, he was the lead vocalist for Tower of Power. As a soloist, he made several hit recordings, including “Cause I love You” (recorded on his solo album) and “So Very Hard To Go’
Background
Williams moved to Oakland at a very young age. Learning to play the trumpet in elementary school fueled his interest in music; his skills as a vocalist were first nurtured by singing in gospel choirs and groups around the Bay Area. He worked with several notable artists, such as Sly Stone, Andre Crouch, Billy Preston and members of the Hawkins family, Edwin, Walter and Tremaine.
Professional recordings
After winning several local talent contests, Williams signed his first record deal with Fantasy Records. He cut two singles for the label including “Lisa’s Gone” and “Feelin Blue”, written by John Fogerty of Credence Clearwater Revival. In 1972, Williams' stint with Atlantic Records was placed on hold, when he joined the emerging funk band Tower of Power. A string of hits, including “ So Very Hard To Go’,“Don’t Change Horses (In The Middle Of The Stream)” and Eric Jackson's luvin You, written by Williams and Johnny "Guitar" Watson. During his two years with the group, Williams participated in three milestone albums, the gold LP Tower Of Power, Back To Oakland, and Urban Renewal, while touring throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Solo works
At the end of 1975, Williams returned to his solo projects. Initially signing with Motown Records in 1972, he later moved to ABC Records in 1977 (which was then purchased by MCA Records in 1979). Over the next four years. He scored ten charted hits, including “Shoo Doo FuFu Ooh”, ‘Choosing You”, “You Got Me Running”, “Love Hurt Me Love Healed Me”, and “Midnight Girl”. Williams recorded four more albums from 1977 to 1980, Choosing You, his first gold LP, Spark Of Love, Love Current, and Let’s Do It Today.
After leaving MCA, Williams recorded for independent labels, Rockshire and Knobhill. In 1986, he was invited to sing vocals on “Don’t Make Me Wait For Love” a track from Duo Tones, a multi-platinum recording by Kenny G. The song became a top 20 pop and R&B hit the following year.
Shoo Doo Fu Fu Ooh!
Lenny Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I've been looking around,
Tryina get something going.
I licked my finger, Put it up in the wind,
To see which way my faith was blowing.
I'm walking through Hollywood,
Tryina find something go-o-od,
Bombing, down on sunset
Took my number, said he'd - give me a ring
To check up on what I sing, hey
Shoo doo fu fu fu ooh
Shoo doo fu fu fu ooh ooh ooh
Shoo doo fu fu fu ooh
Shoo doo fu fu fu fu fu
I'm feeling good and my hopes up, up high
Woah I'm so happy I - think I could cry
I'm blowing some (?) Practice my favorite skill (?)
When I get to his office I'd be ready to wheel
If everything (?) Here I come
(?) I'll be number one
Radio stations playing my tune
This (?) is singing and (?)
Shoo doo fu fu fu ooh
Shoo doo fu fu fu fu fu
Shoo doo fu fu fu ooh
Shoo doo fu fu fu fu fu
(Take it with yall)
Johnny (?) and Dinah shore
(?) and company and much much much more
Radio stations playing my tune
This (?) is singing and (?)
Shoo doo fu fu fu ooh, Shoo doo fu fu fu fu fu
HEY!
In Lenny Williams's song "Shoo Doo Fu Fu Ooh!" he describes traveling to Hollywood and trying to make it as a musician. The lyrics describe his excitement and hope as he walks through Hollywood, interacting with different people and trying to gain exposure for his music. Despite the challenges he may face, Williams remains optimistic and ready to pursue his dreams of becoming a successful musician. The line "took my number, said he'd give me a ring to check up on what I sing" suggests that he has made some important connections in the industry and is hopeful for what is to come.
The repeated phrase "shoo doo fu fu ooh" serves as a catchy refrain that reinforces William's upbeat, cheerful attitude. The line "I'm feeling good and my hopes up high. Woah, I'm so happy I think I could cry" conveys the joy and elation that comes with pursuing creative ambitions. Overall, the lyrics of "Shoo Doo Fu Fu Ooh" celebrate the thrill and possibility of artistic pursuit, while also acknowledging the challenges and hard work that are required to truly make it.
Line by Line Meaning
I just got in town,
I recently arrived in the town.
And I've been looking around,
I’ve been exploring my surroundings.
Tryina get something going.
I’m trying to make something happen.
I licked my finger, Put it up in the wind,
I tested the direction of fate.
To see which way my faith was blowing.
To see which direction fate was leading me in.
I'm walking through Hollywood,
I'm strolling through Hollywood.
Tryina find something go-o-od,
I’m trying to find something good.
Bombing, down on sunset
I’m traveling down Sunset Boulevard.
Never guess who, I just met
I recently met someone unexpected.
Took my number, said he'd - give me a ring
Someone I met took my number and promised to call me.
To check up on what I sing, hey
To follow up on my musical career.
Shoo doo fu fu fu ooh
A non-specific vocalization of excitement.
Shoo doo fu fu fu ooh ooh ooh
A more intense vocalization of excitement.
I'm feeling good and my hopes up, up high
I’m feeling confident and optimistic.
Woah I'm so happy I - think I could cry
I’m so happy I could cry tears of joy.
I'm blowing some (?) Practice my favorite skill (?)
I’m showcasing my musical abilities.
When I get to his office I'd be ready to wheel
I’ll be prepared to negotiate when I get to their office.
If everything (?) Here I come
If things work out, I’m going to succeed.
(?) I'll be number one
I’ll be recognized as the best in my field.
Radio stations playing my tune
My music is being played on the radio.
This (?) is singing and (?)
People are singing along to my music.
Shoo doo fu fu fu fu fu
A repeated expression of excitement and enthusiasm.
(Take it with yall)
A call to the listeners to join in.
Johnny (?) and Dinah shore
Celebrities are aware of my music.
(?) and company and much much much more
Many people are aware of my music.
HEY!
An abrupt exclamation with no particular meaning.
Contributed by Jordan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.