December 7, 2025
He additionally labored with artists like Quincy Jones, Etta James, Ramsey Lewis, Luther Vandross, and plenty of others
Session musician and guitarist Phil Upchurch, who has labored with a number of in style recording artists like George Benson, Michael Jackson, and Donny Hathaway, has died on the age of 84.
Billboard reported that Upchurch died in Los Angeles on Nov. 23, in line with his spouse, Sonya Maddox-Upchurch. No particulars have been launched about what prompted his demise.
“Phil Upchurch was my private present from God, he was my greatest good friend, my music accomplice, my life, and my hero,” she mentioned in a written assertion. “Our love was supernatural, infinite, timeless and as true as his favourite coloration blue. He was a grasp of chords and feelings. Something that he positioned his thoughts to finish — he did it. Effectively executed my love. I really like you greater than phrases can say and the center can maintain.”
Benson, who recorded songs with Upchurch, acknowledged him on his social media account.
“We misplaced a pricey Broadway Excursions member of the family. The good Phil Upchurch. Phil was an integral a part of the Breezin’ report having wrote the good tune “Six to 4” in addition to a key musician on the report Weekend In LA. 🤍🎶🕊️”
The Chicago-born musician, born on July 19, 1941, began enjoying music at a younger age. He performed the ukulele at age 13 earlier than turning to the guitar, bass, and drums. After graduating from highschool in 1958, he went on tour with The Spaniels, three years earlier than scoring a success in 1961 with “You Can’t Sit Down.”
Throughout his profession as a studio musician, he has shared the room with artists similar to Ramsey Lewis, the Dells, Etta James, Chaka Khan, Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, Curtis Mayfield, and Stan Getz, to call a couple of.
Upchurch has authored two tutorial music books and has written an autobiography, which can be launched posthumously.
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