Michael Henderson

Michael Earl Henderson was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi on July 7th 1951. In the early 1960s he moved to Detroit, playing as a session musician. He was known for his work with Miles Davis in the early 1970s and on early fusion albums such as Jack Johnson, Live-Evil, and Agharta.

Henderson 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 played and recorded with Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, the Dramatics, among many others.

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 taking your fucking bassist.” After almost seven years with Davis, Henderson focused on songwriting and becoming a solo artist. He produced many hit songs and albums for Buddah Records. He released 7 albums. His hit songs include, “Take Me I’m Yours” and “Wide Receiver”. He released one more album before his retirement in 1986.

Although known primarily for ballads, he was an influential funk player whose riffs and songs have been widely covered. He is also known for his ballad vocalizing on several Norman Connors hit recordings, including “You Are My Starship”, “Valentine Love” with Jean Carn and “We Both Need Each Other with Phyllis Hyman. Michael and Phyllis also had a big hit with “Can’t We Fall In Love Again” in 1981.

Continue To Rest In Peace Michael Henderson