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Revision as of 18:09, 7 July 2014
For other people named Michael Henderson, see Michael Henderson (disambiguation).
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help improve this article by introducing citations to additional sources. Find sources: "Michael Henderson" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (January 2010) |
| Michael Henderson | |
|---|---|
 Henderson singing at Sunset Junction Festival | |
| Background information | |
| Born | United States |
| Genres | R&B, jazz, funk, soul, pop |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, record producer, arranger |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, bass, guitar, saxophone |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Labels | Buddah Records, Arista, EMI-Capitol |
| Website | www.michaelhenderson.com |
Michael Henderson (born in Mississippi, 7 July ] is an American bass guitarist and vocalist best known for his bass playing with Miles Davis in the early 1970s, on early fusion albums such as A Tribute to Jack Johnson, Pangaea, and Live-Evil.
Biography
 | This section needs expansion with: early life. You can help by adding to it. (January 2011) |
He was one of the first notable bass guitarists of the fusion era as well as being one of the most influential jazz and soul musicians of the past 40 years. In addition to Davis, he has played and recorded with Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, the Dramatics, Doctor John and many other famous artists. He is considered to be one of the three greatest Motown bass guitarists, along with Bob Babbitt and his primary influence, James Jamerson.
Before working with Davis, Henderson had been touring with Stevie Wonder, whom he met at the Regal Theater in Chicago while warming up for a gig. Davis saw the young Henderson performing at the Copacabana in New York City in early 1970 and reportedly said to Wonder simply "I'm takin' your bass player." After almost seven years with Davis, Henderson focused on songwriting and singing in a solo career that produced many hit songs and albums for Arista Records until his retirement in 1986. Although known primarily for ballads, he was an influential funk player whose riffs and songs have been widely covered. His solo recordings have sold well over one million albums. A track titled "Wide Receiver" on an album of the same name is highly favored by breakdancers. The album was reissued by Superbird (UK) in November 2010 and a compilation titled The Best of Michael Henderson features the "Wide Receiver" song. He is also known for his ballad vocalizing on Norman Connors hit recordings of "You Are My Starship" performed solo and "Valentine Love" performed with Jean Carn.
Influence
Many of his bass riffs have been imitated by players seeking the fat, deep grooves of the Motown sound. His bass riffs, from such hits as "Valentine Love" and "You Are My Starship", have been sampled by the likes of Snoop Dogg and L.L. Cool J, and his songs have been sampled and/or covered by Jay-Z (American Gangster (album)), Eminem (for 8 Mile), and projects by Notorious BIG, Rick James, Wayman Tisdale and Sugar Ray, among others.
He currently lives in the US and plays shows intermittently, performing his solo material as well as that of other Motown and soul musicians. He has also played reunion concerts with other former members of the Davis electric bands.
Discography
As leader
- 1976: Solid (Buddah)
- 1977: Goin' Places (Buddah)
- 1978: In The Night Time (Buddah)
- 1979: Do It All (Buddah)
- 1980: Wide Receiver (Buddah)
- 1981: Slingshot (Buddah)
- 1983: Fickle (Buddah)
- 1986: Bedtime Stores (EMI Records)
With Miles Davis
- The Cellar Door Sessions (1970)
- A Tribute to Jack Johnson (1971)
- Miles Davis in Sweden (1971)
- Hooray for Miles Davis, vo. 3 (1971)
- Live-Evil (1971)
- On the Corner (1972)
- In Concert: Live at Philharmonic Hall (1973)
- Big Fun (1974)
- Get Up with It (1974)
- Agharta (1976)
- Pangaea (1975)
- Dark Magus (1977)
References
- McCall, Michael (1997). Erlewine, Michael; Bogdanov, Vladimir; Woodstra, Chris; Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (eds.). "Michael Henderson". All Music Guide to Country: The Experts' Guide to the Best Recordings in Country Music. AMG All Music Guides. Hal Leonard Corporation: 88, 208. 0879304758. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- Jung, Fred. "A Fireside Chat With Michael Henderson." www.allthatjazz.com, December 51, 2003. Retrieved April 28, 2014.