March 9 …

Jeffrey Osborne is an American singer, songwriter, drummer, and bandleader whose smooth, soulful voice and enduring catalog have made him a prominent figure in R&B and adult contemporary music from the 1970s to the present.

Born on March 9, 1948 in Providence, RI, Osborne was the youngest of 12 siblings in a profoundly musical family. His father, Clarence “Legs” Osborne, was a jazz trumpeter who played alongside legends such as Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington.

Osborne honed his skills in drums and vocals at a young age, performing with touring acts as a teenager. By 1970, he joined Love Men Ltd. — later known as L.T.D. — first as a drummer and then transitioned to lead vocalist, a role that highlighted his rhythmic foundation and charismatic presence.

After departing from L.T.D. in 1980, Osborne launched a successful solo career, delivering timeless hits like “On the Wings of Love,” “I Really Don’t Need No Light,” “Stay With Me Tonight,” and “You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song).”

Osborne garnered four Grammy nominations throughout the 1980s and 2000s, achieved multiple gold and platinum albums, and collaborated with artists such as Dionne Warwick and James Ingram. He continued to record well into the 2010s and 2020s, showcasing a blend of classic R&B, jazz-infused ballads, and contemporary soul.

Musically, Osborne drew inspiration from his father’s jazz and big-band heritage, as well as from his soul and R&B peers. His early mentors included family members, particularly his brother Billy Osborne, who was the keyboardist and musical partner in L.T.D., along with fellow musicians he met on tour.

Over the years, he has mingled with other R&B stars from the 1970s and 80s, including James Ingram and Dionne Warwick, a frequent collaborator. Though he may not have a formal list of protégés, his vocal style and recordings have undeniably influenced later generations of R&B and adult-contemporary artists who reference his era as a key influence.

In addition to his music career, Osborne has dedicated himself to community service and philanthropy through the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation and the Jeffrey Osborne Celebrity Classic, which support music education, arts programs, and various charities across Rhode Island and beyond.

The achievements of Jeffrey Osborne have been recognized with multiple Grammy nominations, accolades such as the New England Pell Award for Artistic Excellence, induction into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, and civic awards acknowledging both his artistic contributions and philanthropic efforts.