Phil Upchurch

Biography

Phil Upchurch, born July 19, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, is a prolific American guitarist and bassist renowned for his distinctive blend of jazz, funk, soul, and blues. Self-taught and musically versatile, Upchurch began performing professionally at age 16 and quickly became a fixture in Chicago's vibrant music scene, working with groups such as the Kool Gents, The Dells, and The Spaniels. His early work as a session musician for major Chicago labels like Mercury, Chess, Vee-Jay, and Brunswick established him as a first-call studio player, and his 1961 hit 'You Can't Sit Down' with the Phil Upchurch Combo gained national recognition, later becoming a staple at President Bill Clinton's inaugural jam session.[1][2][4][5][6][7]

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Upchurch's career flourished as he collaborated with legendary artists across genres, including Curtis Mayfield, Muddy Waters, Etta James, B.B. King, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, and George Benson. He was a member of the Rotary Connection and contributed to landmark albums such as Benson's 'Breezin'' and Donny Hathaway's 'Live.' Upchurch's own discography spans 27 albums as a leader, showcasing his ability to effortlessly transition between jazz, soul, blues, and contemporary funk. His innovative approach to composition and performance, marked by a funky, blues-steeped jazz style, has made him a respected figure among musicians and jazz enthusiasts alike.[1][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Upchurch's legacy is defined by his instrumental mastery and his role as a connector within the music industry, bridging genres and generations. His influence extends through his session work, collaborations, and original recordings, making him one of the most recorded guitarists in popular music. He continues to inspire with his singular sound and commitment to musical excellence, earning honors such as a signature guitar edition from D’Angelico Guitars and ongoing recognition for his contributions to jazz, soul, and R&B.[1][3][6]

Fun Facts

• Phil Upchurch's instrumental hit 'You Can't Sit Down' was played by President Bill Clinton during his first inauguration jam session on national television.
• He has appeared on over a thousand recordings, making him one of the most recorded guitarists in popular music history.
• Upchurch is also an accomplished electric bassist, often switching between guitar and bass in studio and live settings.
• D’Angelico Guitars released a signature Phil Upchurch guitar in honor of his instrumental mastery.

Associated Acts

• Rotary Connection - additional (until 1974)
• Phil Upchurch Combo
• The V.I.P. Club
• Jazz Soul Seven - original
• Spirit Traveler
• The Clinton Administration

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Self-taught - Phil Upchurch is primarily self-taught, developing his own style through immersion in Chicago's music scene. (Early session work with Mercury, Chess, Vee-Jay, Brunswick) [1950s-1960s]

Key Collaborators

• George Benson - Played rhythm guitar and bass on Benson's breakthrough album 'Breezin'' and toured together. (Breezin' (1976)) [1970s]
• Donny Hathaway - Played guitar on Hathaway's 'Live' album and classic tracks. (Live (1972), This Christmas, The Ghetto) [1970s]
• Tennyson Stephens - Formed a quartet and recorded collaborative albums. (Upchurch/Tennyson (1975)) [1970s]
• Rotary Connection - Member of the final incarnation of the progressive soul-rock band. (I Am the Black Gold of The Sun) [Late 1960s-early 1970s]
• Ramsey Lewis - Session work and live performances. (Various albums) [1970s]
• Quincy Jones - Session guitarist for multiple projects. (Various albums) [1970s]
• Muddy Waters, Etta James, The Dells - In-house session guitarist at Chess Records. (Various recordings) [1960s]
• Grover Washington Jr., The Crusaders - Session and live collaborations. (Fusion albums) [1970s]
• Michael Jackson - Session work on pop recordings. (Various tracks) [1980s]

Artists Influenced

• George Benson - Upchurch's work and style influenced Benson's approach to jazz guitar and crossover success. (Breezin') [1970s]
• Younger jazz and soul guitarists - Upchurch's session work and genre-blending style inspired subsequent generations of musicians. (Various) [1970s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Cyrenna (Phil Upchurch)
2. You Can't Sit Down, Pt. One (You Can't Sit Down, Pt. 2)
3. Strawberry Letter 23 (Phil Upchurch)
4. Darkness, Darkness (Darkness Darkness)
5. Black Gold (Upchurch)
6. Crosstown Traffic (Upchurch)
7. Superfly (Impressions of Curtis Mayfield)
8. Cosmic Slop (Drum Nation Volume Two)
9. Warm Breeze (Music)
10. Free (Phil Upchurch)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #contemporary-jazz, #jazz