nONCONFORMIST of THE month — May 2024

I am resurrecting the nonconformist of the month to celebrate the 60th birthday of this month’s nonconformist – Lenny Kravitz. 

I will start by giving his parents their own nonconformist status.  Lenny’s father Sy Kravitz was Jewish and married African American actress Roxie Roker in 1962 when interracial marriage was still highly much frowned on.  You may know Roxie Roker from her role as Hellen Willis on The Jeffersons.  Her character ironically was also married to a white man, a role that was created in order to bring social awareness and acceptance.  For Lenny’s parents simply being married at that time was an act of nonconformity and his mother’s role of television was as well.  How could Lenny not grow up as a nonconformist?

Lenny was born in New York City on May 26, 1964 and was raised in a melting pot of culture, art, and music.  He learned to embrace others as human and to not define anyone based on how they looked.  He participated in choir and orchestra during school and became influenced by rock music of the 60s and 70s in addition to classical, soul, and reggae.  Although later moving to Los Angeles was a culture shock for him, he integrated and attended school with other celebrity kids, one of whom was Slash who later joined Guns-n-Roses. 

He learned to play multiple instruments, although primarily plays guitar.  He started writing songs and performing under the name Romeo Blue, but later reclaimed his own name as a performer.  When he hit the charts with Let Love Rule in 1989, he was criticized for not being black enough and not being white enough.  His musical sound is a blend of many styles including rock, funk, soul, reggae, and his own unique sound.  His upbringing surrounded by different cultures is obvious in his music.  He was again criticized when he wrote the song Justify My Love by Madonna, whose video was banned due to controversial subject matter.

Lenny didn’t stop with music.  He is also an actor and appeared in The Hunger Games and many other roles.  He also has a knack for interior design and runs his own design company called Kravitz Design.  In addition, he has had his photography displayed at a German gallery.  His creativity seems to have no limits and I believe this is due to his upbringing in the midst of so many cultures.

Lenny Kravitz was married to Lisa Bonet from 1987 to 1993 and they have a daughter named Zoe.  He and Lisa have remained friends to this day and he is quite close to his daughter.  Lenny is a strict vegetarian and fitness enthusiast who remains incredibly fit as he celebrates his 60th birthday.