Lowrell Simon was not a household name, but within the realms of R&B, soul, and the emerging hip-hop and rare groove movements, his voice, songwriting, and productions have echoed far and wide. A figure deeply rooted in Chicago’s rich musical culture, Simon’s career spanned decades—from 1960s group soul to late 1970s solo glory and influence on 1990s and 2000s sampling culture. His story is a testament to soulful innovation, quiet resilience, and enduring musical relevance.
Born on March 18, 1943, Lowrell Simon grew up in Chicago, Illinois, during a period when the city was a powerhouse of blues, jazz, and a burgeoning soul scene. He attended Phillips High School, where he joined a group of classmates in forming a vocal group initially named The LaVondells.
The group—soon renamed The Vondells—began performing in the mid-1960s and achieved regional success with the single “Lenore.” Released in 1964, the song gained substantial local airplay and sold approximately 25,000 copies, establishing Simon and his bandmates as up-and-coming figures in Chicago’s soul underground. However, like many groups of the era, The Vondells disbanded soon after when members, including Simon, were drafted into military service.
Simon’s return to music in the late 1960s marked the beginning of his major career phase. In 1969, he formed The Lost Generation with his brother Fred Simon, Jesse Dean, Larry Brownlee, and Leslie Dean. The group caught the attention of producer Carl Davis and was signed to Brunswick Records, a key label in the Chicago soul movement.
Their debut single, “The Sly, Slick and the Wicked,” was an instant success, reaching #14 on Billboard’s R&B chart and #30 on the pop chart in 1970. The song’s lush orchestration, silky harmonies, and streetwise lyrics captured the transitional spirit of soul music at the dawn of the 1970s. It remains an enduring classic, often cited for its cinematic quality and rich production.
Over the next several years, The Lost Generation released multiple singles and two full albums. Songs like “Wait a Minute” and “Someday” showcased Simon’s smooth lead vocals and songwriting versatility. However, by 1974, the group had dissolved, and Simon was ready for a new chapter.
After The Lost Generation’s breakup, Simon shifted his focus to songwriting and producing. His talents were soon in demand across Chicago’s soul and funk scenes. He contributed to the soundtrack of the 1974 blaxploitation film Three the Hard Way, worked with Willie Henderson, and helped develop material for Mystique, a group formed by former Lost Generation members.
One of Simon’s most enduring contributions from this period was the song “All About the Paper,” which became a disco-era staple when performed by Loleatta Holloway in 1979. This track demonstrated his ability to adapt to changing musical trends while retaining lyrical depth and melodic sophistication.
Simon also collaborated with Curtom Records, the label founded by Curtis Mayfield, working behind the scenes as a writer and producer. Though his name was rarely in lights during this time, his fingerprints were all over Chicago soul’s evolution.
In 1979, Lowrell Simon stepped out as a solo artist using his first name, Lowrell. Signing with AVI Records, he released his self-titled debut album, Lowrell, which was a culmination of years of musical growth. The album’s lead single, “Mellow Mellow Right On,” became his signature song.
Built around a hypnotic groove, slick bassline, and Simon’s effortlessly smooth vocals, the track reached #32 on the US R&B chart and #37 in the UK Singles Chart. More importantly, it struck a lasting chord with fans of soul, funk, and later, hip-hop and rare groove. The song became a cult classic in London’s underground club scene and was sampled extensively in the 1990s and 2000s.
Artists who sampled or were inspired by “Mellow Mellow Right On” include Massive Attack, Imagination, Common, and L.A. Mix. The track’s dreamy arrangement and mellow vibe made it a go-to reference point for producers seeking authenticity and soul.
After his brief time in the solo spotlight, Lowrell Simon returned to a quieter life, continuing to write, produce, and mentor younger artists. He remained respected among peers and collectors, and his contributions were regularly rediscovered by DJs and producers digging through soul crates for authentic, emotive sounds.
Simon passed away on June 19, 2018, in Newton, Mississippi, at the age of 75. Though his name might not headline retrospectives on American soul music, his work stands as a bridge between the golden age of group soul and the genre-blurring experiments that came after.
Lowrell Simon’s story is not one of superstardom but of substance, craftsmanship, and legacy. He was a connector of eras—1960s harmony groups, 1970s orchestral soul, disco-funk transitions, and 1990s sample culture. From “Lenore” to “Mellow Mellow Right On,” he consistently delivered emotionally resonant music that felt both grounded and ethereal.
His career highlights include his early success with The Vondells, national recognition with The Lost Generation, his prolific behind-the-scenes work, and his unforgettable solo moment with “Mellow Mellow Right On.” Even in later decades, his influence lived on through the artists who sampled him and the fans who rediscovered his sound.
Lowrell Simon may have walked softly through the music world, but the sound he made still echoes — rich, warm, and unmistakably soulful.
Rest in peace, Lowrell Simon — the sly, the slick, and the timelessly wicked.