Legendary Guitarist Phil Upchurch, Known for Collaborations with Michael Jackson & Donny Hathaway, Passes Away at Age 84

Phil Upchurch, a celebrated guitarist and prolific session musician known for his work with Donny Hathaway, Michael Jackson, and numerous other music icons, has passed away at the age of 84. He died on November 23 in Los Angeles, according to his wife, Sonya Maddox-Upchurch. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

In a heartfelt statement, Maddox-Upchurch said, Phil was my gift from above, my closest friend, musical partner, and inspiration. Our love was timeless and true, as deep as his favorite color blue. He had a mastery over both chords and emotions, accomplishing everything he set his mind to. Well done, my love. I love you beyond words or measure.

Throughout his extensive career, Upchurch recorded nearly 30 albums and contributed to over 1,000 recordings. He played on Chaka Khans 1978 chart-topping hit Im Every Woman and Michael Jacksons Workin Day and Night from the 1979 album Off the Wall. He was also a key figure on all of Hathaways studio and live albums and worked on Curtis Mayfields soundtracks for Superfly, Claudine, Lets Do It Again, and Sparkle, featuring Aretha Franklin.

Upchurch collaborated with a remarkable array of artists, including George Benson, Bob Dylan, Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, John Lee Hooker, and Stan Getz.

Born on July 19, 1941, in Chicago, Upchurch began his musical journey at age 13, starting with the ukulele before mastering guitar, bass, and drums. Influenced by jazz legends Oscar Peterson and Jimmy Smith, he launched his professional career with the Spaniels after graduating from high school in 1958. He achieved a hit with his own single, You Cant Sit Down, in 1961, and later joined a studio band that accompanied Muhammad Ali on the spoken-word album I Am the Greatest!

In the mid-1960s, Upchurch served in the U.S. Army in Germany for two years. After returning, he became a sought-after session musician at Chicagos Chess Records, working with artists such as Ramsey Lewis, John Klemmer, Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, the Dells, and Etta James.

In addition to performing, Upchurch authored two instructional music books and completed an autobiography, which is scheduled for posthumous release.

Author: Riley Thompson