Biography
Arnold McCuller, born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, is a renowned American vocalist, songwriter, and record producer whose career spans over five decades. His passion for music was ignited early, influenced by the vibrant R&B scene in Cleveland and formative experiences singing in church choirs. After a pivotal stint with the national touring company of 'Hair,' McCuller joined the vocal quartet Revelation in the mid-1970s, recording an album and several singles before launching his solo career in 1979 with a standout cover of 'Nowhere to Run' featured in the film 'The Warriors.'
McCuller became widely recognized as a featured vocalist for James Taylor, with whom he toured and recorded from 1977 until his retirement from touring in 2022. His soulful performances, especially his solo sections in 'Shower the People,' became concert highlights and led to appearances at significant events, including President Obama's inauguration. Beyond Taylor, McCuller was a key touring and recording collaborator with Phil Collins, taking lead vocals on songs such as 'Separate Lives' and 'Easy Lover.' His solo discography, which includes seven studio and two live albums, showcases his versatility across genres like smooth jazz, blues, and Latin pop. McCuller's legacy is defined by his rich, adaptable voice and his influence as both a solo artist and a sought-after session and touring musician.
Fun Facts
- McCuller's rendition of 'Nowhere to Run' for the film 'The Warriors' continues to be streamed thousands of times monthly, decades after its release.
- He has performed at the White House for President Obama, including at the National Mall for the inauguration with James Taylor.
- Arnold is multilingual in performance, having sung in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German for various projects.
- After retiring from touring, McCuller became a certified recovery specialist, helping individuals struggling with addiction.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Gladys Davenport - Church mentor who influenced his early vocal development (Church performances in Cleveland) [Childhood/teen years]
- Barbara Collier - Church mentor and vocal inspiration (Church performances in Cleveland) [Childhood/teen years]
- Eileen Fogarty - High school teacher who encouraged his musical growth (High school music education) [High school years]
Key Collaborators
- James Taylor - Longtime featured vocalist and touring band member (Tours, 'Shower the People,' National Mall performance, multiple albums) [1977–2022]
- Phil Collins - Touring and recording vocalist, lead on select songs (Tours, 'Separate Lives,' 'Easy Lover,' live albums) [1990–2022]
- Bonnie Raitt - Recording and live performance collaborator (Studio recordings, select live shows) [Various years]
- Lyle Lovett - Touring and recording collaborator (Tours, White House performances) [Various years]
- David Lasley - Lifelong friend, songwriter, and collaborator ('Ode to David (Old Eight Mile)', various songwriting credits) [1970s–2020s]
- Matt Cusson - Producer, instrumentalist, and co-writer (Album 'Witness') [2020s]
- Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler, Lionel Richie, Dave Koz, Billy Idol, Beck, Melissa Manchester, Brenda Russell - Session and recording collaborations (Studio recordings, backing vocals) [1970s–2020s]
Artists Influenced
- No widely documented direct proteges - While McCuller has inspired many through his session and touring work, there are no specific, widely recognized artists publicly cited as his students or proteges.
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Latin Crossroads 2 | 2025-08-08 | Album |
| Back @ the Baked Potato Live 2015 | 2016-03-15 | Album |
| Sabor | 2008-01-01 | Album |
| You Can't Go Back, Vol. 1 | 2011-12-06 | Album |
| Back to Front | 2011-12-06 | Album |
| Soon As I Get Paid | 2011-04-19 | Album |
| Latin Crossroads 2 | 2025-09-30 | Album |
| Release Me | 2012-01-01 | Album |
| Exception to the Rule | 2011-12-06 | Album |
| Circa 1990 | 2011-12-06 | Album |
| Soon as I Get Paid | 2011-04-19 | Album |
| Soon As I Get Paid | 2011-04-19 | Album |
| Step Right, Shake Left | 2010-03-31 | Album |
| Circa 1990 | 2003-01-01 | Album |
| A Part Of Me That's You | 1999-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Nowhere To Run - From "The Warriors" Soundtrack
- Separate Lives (feat. Amy Keys & Arnold McCuller) - Live
- White Boy Lost In The Blues (Release Me)
- We Were Family
- When Love Comes to Town / Love Wins (Live) (Back @ the Baked Potato Live 2015)
- The Star Spangled Banner
- Chance (Sabor)
- Separate Lives (feat. Amy Keys & Arnold McCuller) - Live
- You Can't Go Back (You Can't Go Back, Vol. 1)
- Let's Go Back (Sabor)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Arnold McCuller has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 27, 2025 | 00:18 | The Whale Have Swallowed Mefrom Soon As I Get Paid | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis |