R.I.P. Michael Henderson

Bass player and R&B singer Michael Henderson has died at age 71. Henderson started his career as a session player in Detroit during the 1960s. He worked with Aretha Franklin, The Dramatics, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye before joining Miles Davis’ band. Davis was going through his fusion period and Henderson recorded with him on 13 albums including Live-Evil, On The Corner, Jack Johnson and Agartha. Henderson’s voice became known to R&B fans in 1976 because of his featured vocals on Norman Connors’ “You Are My Starship.” His “Valentine Love” duet with Jean Carne was another Quiet Storm radio classic and he would record a solo version of the song for his first album Solid. He also recorded another much-revered duet for Connors as the other voice with Phyllis Hyman on “We Both Need Each Other.” Henderson was heard a lot on the radio during the ’80s thanks to his biggest hit “Wide Receiver” and “(We Are Here) To Geek You Up.” He was rare because few bass players can be influential as instrumentalists and then transition into a successful career as a singer in a different genre.  Henderson never stopped touring and was active on social media. His family reported his passing on his Facebook page.