When you hear the name Kravitz, most likely, the first person who comes to mind is Lenny Kravitz, the Grammy-winning rock star known for hits like “Fly Away” and “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” But behind Lenny’s fame is a man whose influence on his life was immeasurable: Sy Kravitz, his father.
Sy’s life was one of complexity and depth, full of untold stories that reveal not only his personal struggles but also his impact on the entertainment world and his son’s career. This article dives into the life of Sy Kravitz, shedding light on his military service, his work in television, his family life, and his lasting legacy.
Early Life and Military Service
Sy Kravitz was born Seymour Kravitz on December 10, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a middle-class Jewish family, the son of Jean Kaufman and Joseph Kravitz, with one younger brother, Leonard. Sy’s early life was largely shaped by his Brooklyn upbringing, but it was the devastation of World War II that truly altered the course of his life.
Like many young men of his generation, Sy enlisted in the U.S. military, serving as a Green Beret during both World War II and the Korean War. His time in the military deeply impacted him, as it did so many soldiers of the era. Tragically, his younger brother Leonard died during the Korean War, which left Sy carrying a burden of guilt for many years, feeling responsible for influencing his brother to join the military.
This sense of loss stayed with Sy, and according to his son, Lenny Kravitz, it weighed heavily on him. Sy reportedly blamed himself for Leonard’s death, a wound that never fully healed. Despite this emotional toll, Sy’s time in the military shaped his character, giving him a sense of discipline and duty that he carried into his later life. His military service wasn’t just a footnote in his story—it was a pivotal chapter that would inform his decisions, his career, and his relationships.
Transition to Television Production
After serving in the military, Sy Kravitz found a new calling in the entertainment world. He joined the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), where he worked as a television producer. This career choice might seem surprising given his military background, but Sy’s discipline and attention to detail made him well-suited for the demands of television production.
He was known for overseeing video production and development, contributing to the rise of NBC during a crucial time in television history. His work earned him recognition, and he gained enough prominence to appear in the 2010 documentary Sid Bernstein Presents, which honoured the legendary music promoter.
Sy’s transition from military life to television wasn’t just a career change—it was a way of staying engaged with the world and finding new challenges after years of intense military service. Television production allowed him to be creative while maintaining the structure and precision that he had learned in the army.
Although he was behind the scenes, his work helped shape the landscape of American television during a time when the medium was evolving rapidly. His contribution to the entertainment industry, while often overlooked, was significant in its own right.
Family Life and Marriage to Roxie Roker
In 1962, Sy Kravitz married actress Roxie Roker, an Afro-Bahamian-American best known for her role as Helen Willis on The Jeffersons. The marriage was notable not only because of their careers but also because they were one of the first high-profile interracial couples in Hollywood. This was at a time when such unions were still considered controversial in many parts of America. Together, they had one child, Leonard Albert Kravitz—better known as Lenny Kravitz—born on May 26, 1964.
While Roxie Roker’s career was flourishing on television, Sy was establishing his own behind-the-scenes legacy. However, their marriage was far from perfect. As Lenny Kravitz later revealed in his memoir Let Love Rule, Sy was unfaithful throughout much of his marriage to Roxie. Lenny recalled overhearing his father speaking to a mistress on the phone when he was just a teenager, a discovery that devastated his mother. Eventually, the marriage fell apart, and Sy and Roxie divorced in 1985 after over two decades together.
Despite the personal turmoil, Sy and Roxie’s relationship had a lasting impact on their son. Lenny Kravitz has spoken openly about the challenges he faced growing up in a household marked by both love and conflict. He has described his father as a strict disciplinarian who could be difficult to please, yet he also acknowledged the ways in which Sy’s influence shaped his own work ethic and drive. The complicated relationship between father and son would later serve as inspiration for many of Lenny’s songs, making Sy a key figure in his musical journey.
Sy Kravitz’s Influence on Lenny Kravitz
Although their relationship was strained, Sy Kravitz played a crucial role in shaping Lenny Kravitz’s career. As a producer with a deep understanding of the entertainment industry, Sy had a keen eye for talent and potential. He recognized Lenny’s musical abilities early on and encouraged him to pursue his passion for music, even though their relationship was often fraught with tension. Lenny has said that his father’s tough love pushed him to work harder and strive for success, even as he struggled to live up to Sy’s high expectations.
One of the defining moments in their relationship came when Sy was on his deathbed. In 2005, Sy Kravitz was diagnosed with leukaemia, and as his health deteriorated, he and Lenny began to reconcile. In interviews, Lenny has spoken about how the final month of his father’s life was the best month they ever had together.
It was during this time that they were able to put aside their differences and reconnect on a deeper level. Lenny later honoured his father by dedicating a performance of “Let Love Rule” to him just days after Sy’s death, a poignant tribute to the complicated man who had shaped so much of his life.
The Legacy of Sy Kravitz
Sy Kravitz passed away on October 29, 2005, at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond his famous son. His life was a testament to resilience, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence in both his military and entertainment careers. While he may not have been a household name, his influence on American television and, more personally, on Lenny Kravitz’s rise to stardom is undeniable.
Sy’s story is one of contrasts: a man who was both a strict disciplinarian and a loving father, a military veteran and a creative producer, a public figure and a deeply private individual. His journey from the battlefields of Korea to the studios of NBC is a reminder that even those who work behind the scenes can leave an indelible mark on history. Sy Kravitz’s life was far from perfect, but it was full of lessons about perseverance, redemption, and the complexity of human relationships.
In the end, Sy Kravitz’s greatest legacy may not be his work in television or even his influence on Lenny’s career, but rather the way he embodied the complicated, multifaceted nature of fatherhood. He was a man who, despite his flaws, left an indelible mark on the people who knew him and the son who would go on to change the world with his music. His story, much like his life, is one that deserves to be remembered in all its complexity.
Conclusion
Sy Kravitz was more than just the father of a rock star—he was a man whose life spanned war, entertainment, family struggles, and personal redemption. From his early days in Brooklyn to his time in the military and his work in television, Sy lived a life full of challenges and triumphs. His influence on his son, Lenny Kravitz, is profound, shaping the music and career of one of the most successful artists of our time.
While their relationship was far from perfect, it was ultimately one of love and respect. Sy Kravitz’s untold story is a reminder that behind every famous name is a complex, multifaceted human being whose life is worth exploring and understanding.
