Michael Henderson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michael Henderson
Performing in 1971
Background information
Birth name	Michael Earl Henderson
Born	(1951-07-07)July 7, 1951 Yazoo City, Mississippi, U.S.
Died	July 19, 2022(2022-07-19) (aged 71) Dallas, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	R&B, jazz, funk, soul, pop
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Vocals, bass
Years active	1970–2022
Labels	Buddah Records, Arista, EMI-Capitol
Associated acts	Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Ray Parker Jr., Jean Carn, Norman Connors

Michael Earl Henderson (born July 7, 1951 – died July 19, 2022) was an American musician. He was a talented bass guitarist and singer. Michael Henderson became famous for playing with the legendary jazz musician Miles Davis in the early 1970s. He also had many of his own popular R&B and soul songs. One of his most well-known songs was "You Are My Starship" from 1976.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Michael Earl Henderson was born on July 7, 1951, in Yazoo City, Mississippi. In the early 1960s, he moved to Detroit, a city famous for its music. There, he started playing music as a session musician. This means he played for recordings or live shows without being a permanent member of a band.

Michael Henderson's Music Career

Michael Henderson was one of the first important bass guitarists in the fusion music style. Fusion music mixes jazz with other styles like rock and funk. He was also a very important jazz and soul musician for over 40 years.

Before he joined Miles Davis, Michael toured with another famous musician, Stevie Wonder. He met Stevie Wonder at the Regal Theater in Chicago.

Michael Henderson played and recorded with many other famous artists. These included Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and the Dramatics.

After almost seven years with Miles Davis, Michael Henderson decided to focus on his own music. He started writing songs and singing as a solo artist. He released many hit songs and albums with Buddah Records. He retired from music in 1986.

Even though he was known for his slow, emotional songs called ballads, he was also a very important funk musician. His bass lines and songs have been used by many other artists. He also sang on several hit songs for Norman Connors, like "You Are My Starship" and "Valentine Love." He performed "Valentine Love" with Jean Carn.

Personal Life and Passing

Michael Henderson lived in Dallas, Georgia, near Atlanta. He passed away on July 19, 2022, at the age of 71. He died from cancer. He had three children.

Collaborations

Michael Henderson worked with many great musicians throughout his career.

With Miles Davis

• The Cellar Door Sessions (1970)
• A Tribute to Jack Johnson (1971)
• Live-Evil (1971)
• On the Corner (1972)
• In Concert: Live at Philharmonic Hall (1973)
• Big Fun (1974)
• Get Up with It (1974)
• Agharta (1976)
• Pangaea (1975)
• Dark Magus (1977)
• The Complete Jack Johnson Sessions (Columbia Legacy, 2003)
• The Complete On the Corner Sessions (Columbia Legacy, 2007)
• Miles Davis at Newport 1955–1975: The Bootleg Series Vol. 4 (Columbia Legacy, 2015)

With Stevie Wonder

• Live at the Talk of the Town (1970)

With The Dramatics

• Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get (1971)

Images for kids

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  Singing at Sunset Junction Festival in Los Angeles, 2008