Michael Henderson

Biography

Michael Earl Henderson (July 7, 1951 – July 19, 2022) was born in Mississippi and raised in Detroit, Michigan, where he began his musical journey as a prodigy. Influenced by Motown bassist James Jamerson, he taught himself electric bass at age 12 after starting on cello. By 13, he was backing local acts like The Fantastic Four and Billy Preston, and at 14, he toured with The Detroit Emeralds. In the late 1960s, he joined Stevie Wonder's band after meeting him at Chicago's Regal Theater, performing at venues like New York's Copacabana.[1][3][5]

Henderson's career skyrocketed in 1970 when Miles Davis recruited him directly from a Wonder gig, launching a pivotal seven-year collaboration on fusion albums including Jack Johnson, Live-Evil, On the Corner, Agharta, and Pangea. This period honed his funky, influential bass style in Davis's electric era bands. Transitioning to solo work, he partnered with drummer Norman Connors, debuting as a vocalist on hits like 'Valentine Love' (with Jean Carn), 'We Both Need Each Other' (with Phyllis Hyman), and 'You Are My Starship,' blending post-disco and quiet storm genres. He released successful R&B/soul albums on Buddah Records, such as Solid (1976) and In the Night Time (1978), featuring chart-toppers like 'Take Me I’m Yours' and 'Wide Receiver,' before retiring in 1986.[1][2][3][5]

Known for soulful ballads and funk riffs widely covered, Henderson's legacy spans jazz fusion, R&B, and soul. In the 2000s, he led Children on the Corner, revisiting Davis-era sounds with sidemen, emphasizing the untouchable uniqueness of that music. He also contributed to projects like Miles From India, cementing his influence as a bassist, singer, songwriter, and arranger until his death from cancer at age 71.[1][2][5]

Fun Facts

• Miles Davis spotted Henderson at New York's Copacabana in 1970 and told Stevie Wonder, 'I'm taking your fucking bassist,' recruiting him on the spot.[1]
• At age 13, Henderson auditioned as a singer for a small Detroit label but was rejected for not 'singing from his stomach,' derailing his initial vocal aspirations until years later.[2][4]
• Henderson reluctantly recorded a demo vocal for 'Valentine Love' intending for someone else to sing it, but producers kept his voice, launching his singing career with a Top 10 R&B hit.[3][5]
• In the 2000s, he formed Children on the Corner to authentically recreate Miles Davis's electric music, stating it was 'untouchable' and unique.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• James Jamerson - Stylistic influence as Motown session bassist (Inspired Henderson's bass technique) [1960s]
• Miles Davis - Band leader and mentor who developed his style like a father (Jack Johnson, Live-Evil, On the Corner, Agharta, Pangea) [1970-1975]

Key Collaborators

• Stevie Wonder - Band member before Davis recruitment (Tours and performances) [Late 1960s-1970]
• Norman Connors - Producer and collaborator on hits; Henderson wrote and sang (Saturday Night Special ('Valentine Love'), 'We Both Need Each Other', 'You Are My Starship') [1975-1976]
• Jean Carn - Vocal duet partner ('Valentine Love') [1975]
• Phyllis Hyman - Vocal duet partner ('We Both Need Each Other') [1976]
• Marvin Gaye - Recording and performance collaborator (Various sessions) [1970s]
• Aretha Franklin - Recording and performance collaborator (Various sessions) [1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Children on the Corner members - Led group of Miles Davis sidemen revisiting electric era sounds (Albums recreating Davis music) [Early 2000s]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia