Michael Henderson, a well-known jazz bassist and R&B vocalist, died on July 19, at the age of 71, at his home in Atlanta, Georgia. The announcement was made on his official Facebook page. “Michael Henderson, a singer, songwriter, bass innovator, music producer, father, and son, died peacefully today at his home in Atlanta, Georgia, surrounded by family and loved ones… Bless his spirit and heart…”
The author continued,
“He touched many people’s lives and returned that love via his numerous live performances, music records, social media, interviews, and never-ending tours… Please check back for updates on The Michael Henderson “Celebration of Life.””
Henderson was admitted to Georgia’s Emory University Hospital for observation last month. Henderson’s cause of death has not been disclosed, and no more information about his funeral has been released.
All About Michael Henderson
Michael Henderson, born on July 7, 1951, rose to prominence in the early 1970s for his work with Miles Davis. His contributions to fusion albums including Jack Johnson, Live-Evil, and Agharta were well received. He was also featured on other big musicians’ successful tracks. In the early 1960s, the Yazoo City, Mississippi native relocated to Detroit and began working as a session musician. He was a fusion bass guitarist and one of the most important jazz and soul performers of the past four decades.
He collaborated with performers such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and the Dramatics, among others. Henderson previously toured with Stevie Wonder after meeting him at the Regal Theater in Chicago while preparing for a show. In 1970, Davis saw Henderson perform at the Copacabana in New York City. After seven years with Davis, he concentrated on his solo career, producing numerous successful songs and albums for Buddah Records until his retirement in 1986.
Take Me, I’m Yours was his first Top Ten R&B single for Buddah Records. In 1980, he had another success with Wide Number. In 1986, he signed with EMI and recorded Can’t We Fall in Love Again with Phyllis Hyman for her EP, as well as singing with Bobby Womack and Johnnie Taylor.
He was most known for his ballads, but he was also a funk guitarist whose riffs and melodies were extensively replicated. He was well-known for his ballad vocalizing on numerous Norman Connors records, including You Are My Starship and Valentine Love.
Twitter users pay tribute
Henderson’s successful songs and albums made him a household figure in the music business. When word of his death spread, Twitter was inundated with tributes:
Rip Michael Henderson … make me feel better . Those vocals I sang with my sisters…with such joy pic.twitter.com/IRzXbU48hK
— susannahmelvointwin (@susannahtwin) July 20, 2022
If you didn’t know Michael Henderson, I assure you that you missed a giant walking this earth. He passed away a few hours ago. #RIP https://t.co/X2koMZ4DFz
— Daryle Lamont Jenkins (@DLamontJenkins) July 20, 2022
Detailed information on his childhood, schooling, and personal life has yet to be published.
