Questions
What is Lenny Kravitz’s real full name and when was he born?
He was born Leonard Albert Kravitz on May 26, 1964, in New York City.
Who were Lenny Kravitz’s parents?
His father was NBC television news producer Sy Kravitz, and his mother was actress Roxie Roker. His mother was African American and Bahamian, and his father’s family were Russian-Jewish immigrants from Kyiv.
How early did he get into music?
He reportedly began making music at age three by banging on kitchen pots and pans, and decided to become a musician at age five.
Is it true he went to high school with other famous musicians?
Yes. He attended Beverly Hills High School, where his classmates reportedly included actor Nicolas Cage and Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.
Did Lenny Kravitz ever perform under a different name?
Yes. Before reclaiming his birth name, he initially recorded under the stage name Romeo Blue.
What was his debut album?
His debut, Let Love Rule, came out in 1989 and blended rock, funk, reggae, hard rock, soul, and R&B. He played essentially all of the instruments on it himself.
What instruments does Lenny Kravitz play?
He is a true multi-instrumentalist, handling vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards.
What are his biggest hit songs?
Some of his best-known tracks are "It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over," "Are You Gonna Go My Way," "Fly Away," his cover of "American Woman," and "Again."
Which of his songs charted highest?
"It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over" (1991) peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
How many Grammys has he won, and did he set any records?
He won four consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance from 1999 to 2002, setting the record for most consecutive wins by a male performer in a single category.
Did Lenny Kravitz write songs for other artists?
Yes. He produced and co-wrote Madonna’s 1990 hit "Justify My Love," and he produced Vanessa Paradis’s self-titled album in 1991.
What movies has Lenny Kravitz acted in?
He played the stylist Cinna in The Hunger Games (2012) and its sequel Catching Fire (2013). He also appeared in Precious (2009) and The Butler (2013).
Was he married to Zoë Kravitz’s mother?
Yes. He married actress Lisa Bonet, eloping in Las Vegas on November 16, 1987. Their daughter, actress Zoë Isabella Kravitz, was born on December 1, 1988. The couple divorced amicably in 1993.
How many records has he sold?
He has sold over 40 million albums worldwide across his career.
Did he really rip his pants on stage?
Reportedly yes. During a 2015 performance in Stockholm, his leather pants split open on stage, resulting in a widely reported wardrobe malfunction.
