Biography
Who is Leo Sayer?
Early life and education
Leo Sayer was born Gerard Hugh Sayer on May 21, 1948, in Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex, England. He was the second of three sons born to Thomas E. G. Sayer and Theresa Nolan. During his youth, he frequently spent holidays at his grandfather's farm near the hamlet of Killesher in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.
Finding success in music
While working as a hotel porter in 1967, he assisted in rescuing elderly guests during a fire at the King's Hotel in Hove. His professional music career began when he was discovered by musician David Courtney. They began co-writing songs together, including the track Giving It All Away, which became a solo hit for Roger Daltrey in 1973.
Chart-topping hits and career milestones
The late 1970s marked a major peak in his career. In 1977, he achieved two consecutive number-one hits in the United States: the disco-influenced You Make Me Feel Like Dancing and the ballad When I Need You. The former earned him a Grammy Award for the best rhythm and blues song of the year. When I Need You also reached the number one spot in the United Kingdom.
Legal battles and later career
During the 1980s and 1990s, he faced significant financial and legal challenges. Following his 1985 divorce from his first wife, Janice, it was discovered that his former manager, Adam Faith, had mishandled his business affairs. He eventually sued Faith, resulting in an out-of-court settlement in 1992. He also fought a legal battle against his former record label, Chrysalis, to reclaim the publishing rights to his catalog.
Birthday and age
Leo Sayer was born on May 21, 1948, which makes Leo 78 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Leo shares the date with 27 other famous people.
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