Lani Groves

Vocalist. Best known for her background vocal work with Stevie Wonder during the 1970s. Stepdaughter of Ervin Groves. Lani (sometimes billed as Lennie or Lenni Groves) was among the artists signed to GME. Father and daughter recorded together for the A-side of the 1962 GME single "Teenage Party" b/w "Bucket O' Blood," the latter track one of Groves' partly spoken-word songs that some feel constitute early rap efforts. Lani also recorded under her own name, singing her dad's music and/or backed by the Ervin Groves Trio, including "I Feel Pretty" b/w "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You" (on her dad's GME label). Her single "Sweet Sixteen" b/w "Fool For a Day" (as Lenni Groves) features both songs written by her dad. Groves' wife Lei and another daughter, Kim, sometimes sang on recordings as well.