Guitarist Phil Upchurch, who played with Donny Hathaway and Michael Jackson, dies at 84

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Phil Upchurch, a highly sought-after guitarist who played on recordings for music legends like Michael Jackson, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway, and George Benson, passed away on November 23rd in Los Angeles at the age of 84.

His wife, Sonya Maddox-Upchurch, confirmed his passing, but did not share the cause or location of his death in Los Angeles.

Renowned studio musician Raymond Upchurch contributed to several iconic songs. He played on Chaka Khan’s chart-topping 1978 hit, “I’m Every Woman,” and on Michael Jackson’s breakthrough solo album, “Off the Wall,” specifically the song “Workin’ Day and Night.” Upchurch also lent his talents to Donny Hathaway’s beloved Christmas song, “This Christmas,” and to Hathaway’s live album recorded at the Troubadour in 1972. He played on two different versions of the instrumental track “Breezin’”: the original 1971 recording by guitarist Gábor Szabó, which first introduced the song written by Bobby Womack, and George Benson’s popular 1976 rendition, which helped propel Benson’s album of the same name to the top of the Billboard 200 chart.

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Born in Chicago on July 19, 1941, Johnny Upchurch began performing music professionally at just 16 years old. He credited jazz organist Jimmy Smith as a major influence, once saying Smith’s records were like his “bibles.” In 1961, Upchurch had his own hit song, “You Can’t Sit Down,” a lively organ piece that later reached No. 3 on the Hot 100 when covered by the Dovells. He also played on an early spoken-word album by Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) called “I Am the Greatest!” in 1963.

Music

As a tribute concert at the Hollywood Bowl approaches, friends and family are reflecting on the life and impact of the late R&B singer.

In the mid-1960s, Upchurch spent two years serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. After his service, he became a key part of the legendary Chess Records in Chicago. There, he contributed to recording sessions with artists like Ramsey Lewis, Howlin’ Wolf, and Muddy Waters, and also recorded his own music, often with Hathaway playing in his studio band.

During the 1970s, he contributed to the soundtracks of the films “Superfly” and “Sparkle,” the latter of which also included a performance by Aretha Franklin. Throughout his career, he also played or recorded with a diverse range of artists, including the Staple Singers, Natalie Cole, Minnie Riperton, Bob Dylan, Anita Baker, and Dr. John.

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2025-12-04 03:31