Lani Groves

Vocalist. Best known for her background vocal work with [a=Stevie Wonder] during the 1970s. Stepdaughter of [a=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.