Growing Up in the Heart of Motown Born in Detroit in 1950, I was immersed in the vibrant music scene that fuelled the city’s automotive industry. At 11, I discovered my passion for music, beginning with the trumpet and later transitioning to the Hammond organ, my first true love. My grandmother’s gift of a bass guitar at 14 ignited a lifelong dedication to the instrument. Despite facing comparisons to the legendary James Jamerson, I persevered through countless hours of practice, […]

From Detroit Clubs to Global Stages My journey with the Detroit Emeralds began in 1968 as their bassist. Cutting my teeth in Detroit clubs like Ben’s High Chaparral, I honed my skills amidst a vibrant music scene. Those early gigs, often attended by legends like Melvin Franklin and Richard Street of the Temptations, shaped me as a live musician. Soon, the Emeralds’ electrifying performances took us across America, culminating in shows at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and the Apollo Theatre. We started as […]

A Detroit Touch in London Soul Arriving in London’s vibrant music scene in the mid-70s, I quickly established myself as a bassist and producer. Drawing on my experience in Detroit studios, I produced The Real Thing’s debut album, contributing bass, keyboards, percussion, and string and horn arrangements. The album’s success was undeniable, spawning hits like “You to Me Are Everything” (UK #1) and “Can’t Get By Without You” (UK #2). These songs also charted in the top 30 in the USA. While I always admired The Real Thing […]

A Lifelong Bond and Musical Partnership My friendship with Phil Lynott began in London, where we spent countless hours together. His influence led me to move to Ireland, and together, we embarked on new musical ventures. Gus Isidore, whom I introduced to Phil, joined us to form the group black-male. We toured Europe, enjoying the camaraderie and the thrill of creating music together. During this time, I also contributed bass to two of Phil’s solo albums: Solo In Soho and […]

A Career-Defining Collaboration My encounter with Van Morrison in 1974 at the Montreux Jazz Festival was a defining moment. As a young bassist, I was fortunate to be chosen to accompany him, despite the presence of more established musicians. That unforgettable performance, featuring a stripped-down four-piece band, showcased Van Morrison’s extraordinary talent. It was a career-defining experience, perfectly captured in the 2008 DVD release. Over the next five decades, I’ve had the privilege of performing with Van Morrison on over […]

A Collaborative Masterpiece In 1976, I joined Stomu Yamashta’s legendary band for a live performance in Paris. Alongside other musical giants like Michael Shrieve, Pat Thrall, Al Di Meola, and Klaus Schulze, I shared the stage with the incredible Steve Winwood. Winwood’s vocal prowess and musical style were a revelation. His talent was undeniable, and it’s no surprise that he’s sold over 50 million records. The performance, captured on the album Go Live From Paris (re-released 39 times!), showcases the […]