The Illest Bass Break EVER

[@BBoldGaming]

This is very heartbreaking but I want you all to know that my father loved all of his fans as if they were friends. He has just passed a couple of hours ago I want to thank you deeply for making this video we talked about it all the time. I can’t write anything else more right now. Thank you all. I will be sending the celebration of life info soon #MichaelHendersonforever

[@BBoldGaming]

As an added bonus your the only guy that played it correctly that my father has heard.

[@SKILLSPORTSPREP]

Condolences

[@rodericksharp6121]

Much love and support to you and yours. Your father shared his talents with us. Much appreciated. Stay Gold

[@TommiBMedia]

🙏🌷Rest Peacefully Michael. Thank you for your talent and making great music 🎶 🌺 I'm sorry for your loss. Condolences and prayers to all family, friends and fans. May Michael's music bring comfort, peace and lasting memories

[@earnestdelainejr.6443]

So sorry for your loss. We all as a collective family in music lost greatness. May he rest in peace knowing that he left an incredible legacy that will be cherish for generations to come.

[@hdigitalmedia]

My condolences to Michael's family and friends. I was Michael's personal valet/ roadie, bass player, and road manager in the early 80's. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Michael was a big kid at heart, and had a great sense of humor. He also possessed a wealth of knowledge. He loved to play basketball with the band members, eat Wendy's burgers, and Haagen Das ice cream. In my view, he was one of the most versatile R&B artists of that time. From the funk genre we toured with everyone from Kool and the Gang (Celebration tour), The Gap Band, Cameo, Slave, Roger and Zapp, to name a few. And from the "singer's" genre Ashford and Simpson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Bobby Womack, Luther Vandross, Frankie Beverly and Maze, and Teddy Pendergrass, again to name a few. Michael always did more than hold his own, he got down! Aside from his virtuoso bass playing , producing, and songwriting skills, he had a powerful voice with incredible vocal range as well. Being from the "Old School", when he was feeling it, he'd put the microphone down, bring the band waaay down and fill whatever sized venue we were playing with just pure his vocals (taking his time!). It was not only amazing to see and hear, but also required a ton of talent and confidence. Over the years he shared numerous stories with me about his career, but never boasted. In fact, I didn't learn that he was the bass player on Marvin Gaye's hit You're the Man until long after I was no longer in his band. I could go on....I miss my friend!! (btw there's a post in this thread that mentions the very talented drummer/songwriter, Jerome Jones. Jerry and I were roommates in his 2nd stint with Michael.) Peace

[@TracyAllenVideos]

🙏🏾💝

[@adeliahenderson4064]

THANK YOU ALL... HE IS GREAT HE IS MY HUSBAND. I WILL LOVE YOU AND THE KIDS REALLY MISS THEIR DAD SO MUCH...BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL

[@mwash52]

Thank you

[@letsgetitthen4507]

The road manager?? Man you’re 🧢 that’s my unc

[@Dashslapp]

Have you written a book? I think you should you got a great life story. Have a blessed day from UK

[@wornelljones7207]

Met him while touring with Eddie Kendricks in the 70’s. He invited me to his house to eat. We never talked about music, but he was the nicest guys you ever want to meet. He’s a bad man on bass. Everyone should go back a listen to his work. Check out Miles Davis’s A Tribute to Jack Johnson

[@edwhite7475]

That Jack Johnson album is phenomenal..this video did not impress me, but i found the 'double stops' technique interesting...and if i remember correctly, he plays them quite a bit on there.

[@jacobdavis5518]

👍

[@tanyacowell4172]

😜

[@heavyweight867]

Funny you mentioned Eddie Kendricks... I visited Eddie's brother yesterday.✊🏾

[@lalaniathielen8917]

@@heavyweight867 that's impressive... Text me about your visit please.. I'm very interested

[@brianharder7714]

Perhaps I'm biased having been born in '61 but the 70's produced the best music of my lifetime, hands down. From this kind of funk, R and B and jazz to even some of the disco that ended the decade. All of it will live on forever.

[@thelawofficeofgarysaustin]

You're not biased it's the truth hands down and particularly so for Black music and musicians.

[@AvalexLLC]

No doubt about it. The soul and creativity have not been matched since. Music was our way of life back then, and we all played something. Live music at parties every weekend! Growing up in Detroit Music scene back then was amazing...and the new dance moves that were emerging from that Music were just as cool. There was never more diversity of really cool new hot sounds and beats and moves from the 60's to mid 80's. Rock, R&B, Funk, motown, fusion jazz.... Today's music is shallow and all sounds the same in comparison.

[@UnwashedPearl]

Yeah, you're biased.

[@jmad627]

I was born in 61 also and I agree with you 100%. You’re not biased, btw.

[@dreadpirate8697]

Definitely not biased! #truth i also was thinking about the influence over rap/hip hop the music you mentioned has had and still has.

[@alphieguess8218]

And my uncle, Jerome Jones, played drums for him for years! I was blessed to meet Phyllis Hyman, before her death, in Columbia, SC. She was the tallest woman ever but could sing her face off. She sang for me in the airport. I was 11 or 12. I am 55 now. I also met, in Detroit, The Doobie Brothers and I spoke to Michael Mcdonald when his hair was black! I miss those days of real music.

[@akeemmuhammed3534]

Salaam long live the spirit of Micheal Henderson, The jam sessions, right across the street from Kettering High school, in Detorit. May the family be Blessed and strong in the time of his passing 🙏. We all need each other.

[@nevariden]

I know the feeling brother. My dad is a drummer also… he played with Grover Washington Jr. I remember comings home as a baby and Flip Wilson bouncing me on his knee after a show. In the early 70’s. I’m 52yrs old. It’s a different life growing up around entertainment

[@jagspinuzza2137]

Phyllis Hyman was great. I especially loved the lyrics line, "Loving you wasn't worth the pain of losing you" She sang it with feeling!

[@sociologynut8033]

I saw her at Masonic. She wasn't just tall, she was thick! And gorgeous!

[@marshascott6107]

She was tall and beautiful

[@kjwilkguitar]

He was also a killer on fretless bass. A lot of his hits were played on a fretless. A true underrated bass monster.

[@Odawg96]

I’m glad someone else noticed that as well. I posted a few days ago about Michael Henderson being the first person I heard using fretless electric in an R&B setting. “I’ll Be Understanding” from GOING PLACES was the first one to leap out at me. The next was a song written by another bassist with Detroit connection who also used fretless bass in R&B around the same time: Lamont Johnson. The song in question would be “Yours Truly, Indiscreetly” from IN THE NIGHTTIME.

[@elove2.038]

What's a fretless bass?

[@Odawg96]

@@elove2.038 Exactly what the name implies: an electric bass guitar with the frets removed giving the instrument a tonality similar (but not the same) as an upright bass. You tend to hear them in jazz or jazz fusion (like Jaco Pastorious’s work with Weather Report). It allows the bass player to glide smoothly from one note to the next. Michael Henderson, again, was one of the first people I can think of to use fretless bass in the context of R&B. Check out his songs “I’ll Be Understanding” and “Yours Truly, Indiscreetly.” We also mentioned Lamont Johnson, who co-wrote “Indiscreetly”…who was a beast on fretless bass as well. His group was called BRAINSTORM (also outta Detroit), and his fretless work features prominently on “This Must Be Heaven.” Still another example is “ Heavy Love Affair” by Marvin Gaye featuring Frank Blair on fretless bass.

[@theyoungupstarts1243]

@@elove2.038 Fretless: no metal frets on the neck of the instrument, like a violin or standup bass. Allows really cool slides and super-semi tones for nuance. Requires skill to know where the notes are,

[@BBoldGaming]

You should see him freestyle the bass my dad is a legend thank you for putting this work together! Thank you. Random fact about my dad .. his biggest hit you are my starship was inspired from an actual ufo situation.

[@chrispipkins5904]

Let Your Dad Know. " I'll Be Understanding" Is My Favorite. Saxophonist CP

[@CRUSHFACTORPC]

Ask your Dad if he knew a Mike Turner!!

[@kmack2891]

Your dad was a major influence on me in the seventies. Sound and total vibe was incredible

[@BBoldGaming]

@@chrispipkins5904 100 percent I will

[@BBoldGaming]

@@CRUSHFACTORPC that sounds very familiar I’ll ask!

[@Wiggy74]

My father played that “Wide Receiver” album HEAVY while we were stationed on Okinawa in the early 80’s…..every song on it is AMAZING!!!! 🙏🏾❤️

[@adamsilva9611]

That must have been dope. My dad was in Nagasaki and the Goto Retto in the 50s. I always thought Okinawa would be cool because of the mix of Japanese islander and American. Peace.

[@carolanestanley4030]

❤🙏

[@Prototheria]

I'm 45 and have been a metal head all my life and thanks to this video being randomly put in my suggestions, I've now discovered Michael Henderson and am LOVING Time. It's transcendent. Thank you.

[@alkh3myst]

His work with Miles and Norman Connors immortalized him with people who understand theory. His production work with The Dramatics alone should have immortalized him with everybody who loves music. He came to my HBCU, Southern University-Baton Rouge in 1977, and electrified the place. Now he, Miles and The Dramatics are all at that Great Session in the Sky. Only Norman Connors is left. RIP, Michael.

[@bassocanario]

As soon as you said, " Michael Henderson", I clicked the "like" icon!😉

[@ZAaron-wq5jd]

So did I...

[@miameramusic]

Same. I clicked “like” while the commercial was playing.

[@anthonylawrence2094]

You ain't kidding

[@mscocopiyal3112]

It really breaks my heart that true talented people like these don't get the recognition they deserve. Especially in our times when we have all these talentless people who can only sing in a studio making millions and not a talent on them. Smh

[@my2cents361]

I so agree! They loop music from popular and even obscure tracks, drop senseless lyrics on top and have a hit record. Now there's a whole generation & a half of youngsters who believe these "artists" are talented. Unbelievable! Radio seldom, if ever, plays the original tracks so these young people can be educated. Just sad👎🏾

[@222taxation8]

It’s cause of the people that run music that know nothing about music sad people should stop giving the big records and credit tbh all they do is hoe out the artist from present past and future let them have the shitty vessels who cares. Plus that’s how you know he did it for the music and not some clout thing whatever that means

[@yadig.]

@@my2cents361 Sheep to slaughter

[@MelodylaneLou]

Or sing on tv for ratings……

[@SuperSupaflytnt]

Music was better when ugly people made it

[@written12]

I’m not even a bassist or a professional musician, but these videos are so enlightening. They really enhance my listening. You are my Starship is such a beautiful song. I believe Jean Carns did a version of it.

[@magnificentmuttley154]

If more people who put half the effort into guitar lessons once a week that they do "Guitar Hero," we'd have 100s of 1,000s of people actually becoming musically fulfilled; enriching the lives of those around them instead of just wishing & pretending to be musicians 🎼🎶💜💜 What so many advanced players like Charles Bertroud, Victor/ Davey123, & PDbass overlook is that to attract beginnings into bass playing, youve got to start with BEGINNING bass playing. Its essential that those taking interest in electric bass (or guitar) for the 1st time are shown that one need not have highly advanced skills & intricate chord knowledge to enjoy & to play well. When we the experienced put too much emphasis on advanced tempos & complexities, it discourages new guitarists/ bassists & drives them off before theyve had just enough time to reach the stage where they realize their hard work is really paying off. Thats critical for any new musician, no matter the instrument, really

[@WandaCrisp]

My condolences to his family. Much love and respect, for one of the greatest to ever play bass!

[@ronniemac5081]

R.I.P. To the most Influential Jazz Fusion Bassist And R&B Singer Michael Henderson Dead At 71 2022. Thank you for Highlighting him.I learned a lot.

[@josephzummo9685]

The things he's did with Miles were mind-blowing. Miles liked to get the most of his band and he definitely did!

[@teelurizzo8542]

Saxophonist Dave Liebman has stated that Michael Henderson was the guy responsible for the groove oriented change in Miles Davis's band sound, even though Miles had used other dudes paying electric in his band before (Dave Holland, Harvey Brooks); ...It was really Mike's entrance into the band that put the Funk in there, the bass being the link between the drummer and everyone else in the band, it made the fundamental reorientation in Miles' sound. That reorientation towards the funk and groove is what made 'On The Corner' possible and is what also laid the ground towards Miles' 16th note based, Funk sound of the 1980s and 1990s.

[@stevemack4643]

I saw the On the Corner band in Boston. Henderson on bass, Al Foster on drums. Futuristic funk. Probably the most mind blowing live show I've ever attended.

[@teelurizzo8542]

@@stevemack4643 That must've been a one of a kind experienced. Lucky U.

[@GetUpTheMountains]

@@stevemack4643 Hot damn. What venue?

[@jonathanwobesky9507]

@@GetUpTheMountains for me that was Paul's Mall, in 71 and 73, yellow jumpsuit, red jumpsuit.. But with Pete Cosey & Regie Lucas it was way after On The Corner (which I played all day when I got it from the library...that wah wah bass line...Mtume dripping under lights and Henderson in back, totally still, were the key (Miles organ dissonances at painful volume) my dad got me in underage with permission from Fred Taylor himself (who Miles loved)

[@GetUpTheMountains]

@@jonathanwobesky9507 Thats amazing. What memories! My friends and I discovered these records in one of our dad's collections years after this era was over. I was born the year that venue closed.

[@xeropunt5749]

Didn’t know about the speed/pitch up…thank you for the revelations👍 The bass is so soothing & therapeutic even.

[@Keith-q1v]

Thank you for acknowledging Michael Henderson as it brings back college memories when I listened to him, Stanley Clark and Jaco in my college days with great appreciation for his gift,

[@darlenefarmer5921]

Like some of the folks below, my most impressionable time growing up was in the 60s, 70s and 80s. I am truly blessed to have lived during the time of STRAIGHT UP WONDERFUL and TALENTED music artisans. Most were not only gifted with instrumental talent but also vocal talent...i.e. Motown, the Philly sounds, the Isley Brothers, the Ohio Players, Chicago, The Eagles, Average White Band, Bloodstone, Harold Melvin/Blue Notes, the Dramatics, Enchantment, Curtis Mayfield, etc. Michael Henderson was up there with THE VERY BEST! What a talent! Thank you for posting/sharing this with others! Michael Henderson, THANK YOU for such timeless, classical, soulful R&B music. REST IN MUSIC HEAVEN!

[@samferguson9171]

Absolute monster bass player. I know him mostly from his work with Miles -------- my god. I first heard him on Tribute to Jack Johnson (his hookup with Cobham on "Right Off" is insane; talk about a SHUFFLE) and was most blown away by his playing on Live Evil and The Cellar Door Sessions. Just his line on "What I Say" alone certifies his bass-immortality. Also "Maiysha" from Agharta. Words fail before the funk.

[@jmsbres]

WORDS FAIL BEFORE THE FUNK

[@GetUpTheMountains]

What I Say made me go out and find out who that cat was back when I first heard it.

[@darrylperry706]

Wow, you are right on the money with this one. Recently, me and my Bass playing buddies here in Detroit, have been analyzing and really breaking down Mikes otherworldly Bass lines! Michael Henderson is definitely one of The Greatest to ever play the Bass! Thanks for presenting this👍🏾

[@bustabass9025]

...and here all this time I thought Norman Connors was the vocalist on this song. I bought the album back in 76, and still have it. Haven't played it in decades. Gonna dig it out and rediscover it. Thanks for the spotlight on a bass player I really didn't know very much of anything about. Incidentally, if you're running out of bassist to introduce (or reintroduce, as the case might be) Philadelphia session bass player James, or "Jimmy" Williams would be an excellent choice. He held down "The Sound of Philadelphia" for Teddy Pendergrass, et.al. His bass lines in Love TKO are a "knockout" (pun intended) in and of themselves. Give it a close listen. No knuckle bustin' solos peppered with thumbnail splitting slaps and pops. Just soft smooth outlining statements, that could easily be solos, equally stunning as T.P.'S unforgettable voice was.

[@doozerace]

TKO’s baseline is like a pairing of a Padron 1926 with a Balvenie…..amazing…

[@bustabass9025]

@@doozerace Ahhh yes...He was to the Philadelphia International sound, what Jamerson was to The Motown Sound, and Duck Dunn was to The Memphis Sound. Each forever defined by the indelible basslines, forever etched in our memories of the Golden Age of Sweet Soul Music. Cheers! 🥃

[@cappriment]

I also have thought the same thing all these years!

[@written12]

Henderson is one of the few guys whose move from jazz to more popular music cannot be described as a musical come-down.

[@dislikesquare8749]

A very astute observation, spot on. Michael Henderson was as diverse as they come, doing it all with quality and class. He had no equals.

[@LeydenAigg]

Jazz musicians need to eat, just like the rest of us. I love music snobs, with their little pigeonholes. When you're playing it, it's ALL jazz. I have to use the EXACT same skills and artistry when I'm playing a Monk tune with my friends, as I do playing r&b with a WORKING band. You know, one that actually earns money.

on behalf of all non-native-English speakers I'd like to appreciate how slowly and clearly you speak. Thank you!

[@ZAaron-wq5jd]

Michael Henderson has been one of my favorite artists EVER of any genre, since I can remember listening to music. My step-dad used to play his tunes on the record player most mornings before heading to work. His voice itself was an instrument as well, let alone his bass playing abilities. An unsung and hidden gem for sure.

[@Below-Average_Joe]

Leon Sylvers III, Robert Wilson, Robin Duhe, now Michael Henderson, I suggest you check out Lamont Johnson and Fernando Saunders next. You are a bass apostle! Thanks for this feature on Michael Henderson, I have admired him since Solid came out in 1976.

[@michaelgottlieb9083]

And.... Let's not forget Mark Adams from Slave. That dude was so funky.

[@Below-Average_Joe]

@@michaelgottlieb9083 for real!

[@Below-Average_Joe]

@@michaelgottlieb9083 Nathaniel Phillips, from Pleasure (Glide), deserves a video too.

[@bassistdc]

Lamont and Fernando are 2 more influences of mine.

[@bmuhamad]

I went to a concert in 1980, at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. I think. GQ, The Fatback Band were two of the bands that performed, that day. " I Like Girl's" ,Disco Nights", & "I Do Love You", & "Do The Spanish Hustle", were four of the "hot songs" of the day. Thanks. Peace.

[@ronrobins3513]

Mind blowing...I’ve loved that song since I was a child growing up in North Nashville I heard this song all the time on WVOL THE MIGHTY 147 😂😎. I never really knew how harmonically rich it was. BUT I always FELT it. Thanks you’re doing GOD’S WORK

[@nepatsken88]

It’s about time someone gave Michael Henderson his just due. He is an amazing bass player. Just listen to the instrumental “Solid” this is his standout on bass with his solo work. You covered some of the best R&B bass players Leon Sylvers, Paul Denman & Henderson. It’s time to do something on Mark Adams from Slave. Probably one best bass players ever.

[@MsTexas73]

Agree. Mark Adams…and I’m adding Jermaine Jackson to the list. He is really underrated.

[@maduromoon1]

Michael Henderson is an underrated bass player. This was a well explained video to us that are not musicians. I still think the best funk bassist of all time was Mark Adams of Slave.

[@rickimhotep1236]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@jameshhenderson8243]

1000% correct that Mark Adams is the bass master.

[@rutherfordBHAZED]

OMG yes!!!!

[@rutherfordBHAZED]

Louis Johnson & Larry Graham too!

[@HenryMSmith-zq1vu]

Yes, MARK ADAMS was a funding beast on bass his style was his and he funding owned it SLAVE 4 LIFE

[@WorldSystemsMedia]

The most underrated bass player of all time. Listen to any live recording with Miles. Everything Henderson played was soo in the pocket. His sound was huge.

[@ScottWalker-uw3rp]

No doubt. His bass lines throughout Dark Magus, Pangaea, and Agharta are insane. So good.

[@Nanbebe7]

His music is true Time travel takes you back to a specific time and place

[@jamesvghn]

You're a legend for making these. Don't have another bass channel that churns out these concise detail rich nuggets of bass history! As someone relatively new and who plays casually these vids have helped me immensely!

[@truthseeker6541]

The first time I heard Starship was in a nightclub, Belize city 1976. It has stayed with me and is still my companion, thank you Michael Henderson. I pray your journey back to the stars whence you came was a peaceful one.

[@pmjphotography5256]

Incredible. Been following base-players since James Jamerson (Motown). So sorry to hear of his passing. Micheal, Norman Conners and Jean Carne help sooth my anxiety when I attended college in the mid 70's. His music and style will live on through all of us who loved him.

[@newking70]

Bass

[@vincentsweargen8436]

I'm a "recreational" bassist. Playing bass is cathartic for me. I love learning new things about great bassists. This one was great. Thank you for the lesson. 🎸

[@myklallen7184]

I absolutely love his bass playing on "Never Explain Love" featuring Al Jarreau on the "Do The Right Thing" Soundtrack

[@latonyahemingway3752]

Your content is incredible !! Longer and more please!!👍🏾🎶🎵❣️

[@shlmel]

I'm 60 years old & yes, absolutely is one of my go-to songs for chillin out because that bass virtuoso is the main reason why.

[@feteboo]

As a drummer the funkiest bass lines ever to me are ...1...funkentelety...played by bootsy...2.... steal your heart ...slave ..played by marc Adams...3. teen town ..weather report....played by Jaco pastorious....4.....dynasty..." Life in the fast lane...played by Leon silvers...5.bobby humpries ...harlem river drive .6.. chic." forbidden lover ....played by Bernard Edwards....how you know it's great bass lines....your 👀 eyes water or you get goose bumps

[@stevemack4643]

I was fortunate to see him with Miles, along with basically the band that's on On the Corner. He and Al Foster created the funkiest shit I've ever witnessed that night. Straight up blew my mind.

[@rutherfordBHAZED]

I think Billy Hart is also drumming on that album too

[@tyronewilliams8344]

I've always appreciated Michael Henderson's music and this bass breakdown of "You Are My Starship" is mind blowing! I agree that he MUST HAVE written it on bass! The double stops he plays create the mood and feeling of the song. Michael KNEW what he was doing.

[@damerochelle4014]

I love Michael Henderson's At the Concert and In the Night Time - But I'm blown away with Starship with the underlying bass movements, Fascinating!

[@1masterfader]

I've worked with Sly Stone in the studio and he said that You have 5 keys you can get to when you speed up or slow down tape. The original key a half to a whole step up and a half to a whole step down. So It is four keys from the original. I've learned so much from working with my cousin. He is a true genius.

[@oldskoolmusicforever0724]

AS A FELLOW MEMBER OF THE AARP CROWD AND SET,LET ME JUST GIVE MICHAEL HENDERSON AN OLD SKOOL SHOUT OUT FROM ME TO HIM.AS OF 6-13-22,MICHAEL IS STILL ALIVE AND TOURING AT AGE 70 NOW.YOU GO MICHAEL.👋👋👋👋

[@semperfidelis1550]

Micheal Henderson…One of the most underrated and under appreciated musicians ever!..🔥🔥🔥

[@adeliahenderson4064]

We loved him always, he also loved us...a great father.

[@ripvanwink3954]

True that ... absolutely.

[@marcgreene6343]

Listening to Michael with Miles taught me how to hold it down an groove with just two notes. One of the best!

[@blackopsfan03]

What albums/songs do you recommend that they’ve collaborated on? I love Miles and just now discovered Michael.

[@Benjiroyoface]

@@blackopsfan03 On The Corner and the live albums of around that time.

[@GOGOLH]

@@blackopsfan03 Live/Evil, Jack Johnson, On the Corner, Get Up With It and last but by no means least, Agharta. There's a lot of great stuff on KZbin, of course.

[@marcgreene6343]

@@blackopsfan03 ​ @Gordon Hastie and @benj both answered nicely.

[@mariahlikethewind]

I am so glad you are talking about this great musician. His songs and music helped me through my college years in many ways. My all time favorite songs are "Be My Girl and You Are My Starship!!! Those 2 songs alone!!! 😀👏👏

[@adeliahenderson4064]

love this!

[@19mo58]

Thank you for your amazingness! You're bringing some much-needed conversations on my favorite bassists. I'm a bassist from Detroit. I grew up listening to Michael Henderson. His work with Miles, Norman Conners, and The Dramatics. Where a significant influence on how I approach bass and my songwriting. One🌈Love✌🖖

[@tumbleweed-z5l]

Huge fan of Michael Henderson. Amazing that I found his lps in Britain without any sawcuts or punch holes. He was a fantastic singer too. My favourite songs include "In the Night Time" "Take Me I'm Yours" and "Valentine Love". Such an underrated artist/bassist/singer.

[@N.o.b.S.]

Man thank you for introducing me in the music of this superb genius bassplayer. I am just reading that he passed away. This is very sad. But his music will always live!

[@curtislawrence7096]

This is so great. My friends used to argue it was dissonance, but I argued it was advanced theory. He does a killer 16th note run in that tune that absolutely kills. Thanks for your hard work uncovering this stuff 👍

[@denrico777]

I mean...it can be both.

[@vernonbrooks6890]

I'm surprised that 16th note run wasn't mentioned in this analysis. Still much respect for this! 🎸

[@estebanb7166]

Why does it have to be one or the other?

[@oqsy]

Some people think anything besides octaves and fifths is dissonance. It’s all in the ears and mind of the listener. Roots(octaves) and fifths alone are like black and white, throw in the other intervals and you get color.

[@bassistdc]

MH is awesome! I've seen him live in Chicago several times. I tried learning Starship back in the day. I now know why I didn't quite have his sound. Thanks.

[@rogerowens7888]

Yes yes… I absolutely LOVE this song, I can’t believe this baseline hasn’t been more talked about Even on the Norman corners UNSUNG

[@ronanderson8490]

I clicked on this video not knowing the poster would be talking about one of my all-time favorite songs. Awesome!

[@taurus3973]

Great tribute to a great musician. My only quibble is that you didn’t mention his greatest pop/r&b song: “Take Me I’m Yours!”

[@samu-eljackson4211]

One of the all-time great duos. "In the Summertime" is my fav. "Let me love you", and "what I'm feeling" were great also.

[@DannyWilliams-ch6xq]

I'm about to go listen to that duet. Thx. For reminding me.

[@Brian-sh2gi]

Thank you, Sir. Thank you. There aren't enough thank yous because this song is perhaps one of the most underrated masterpieces in human history. Simply incredible. So glad you did this review.

[@qorroedr]

RIP to one of the smoothest but quirky (suprising note combos!) Jazz/ R&B "Bottom men" in music...😔 Had both Stevie AND Miles in his musical DNA! 😍🎼🎵🎶🙏

[@jerryjazzbo2845]

MH is already a legend for his work with Miles. He's also an incredible solo artist. I still have my copy of Solid.

[@MrTennisgolf]

Wow! What a revelation of information I didn’t know about Michael Henderson. Back in the 70’s this song was 1. My girlfriend and my “Our Song”. 2. My CB radio handle “Starship”. (Hers was “Slim Goodie” base station.) My sign off was: “Interplanetary Starship, in orbit, I’m gone.” 3. This song and Michael Henderson an Norman Connors are still among my all time favorites and well represented on my iPhone. While I thought about taking up the bass back then in my 20’s, I didn’t actually do it until nine years ago at age 65. Thanks for great info and insights as always. I love your channel.

[@Videosoftina]

Bless you for recognizing and sharing the genius of beloved Michael Henderson. Thank you for breaking down the technique that was applied to this beautiful composition. Mr Henderson’s comfortable relationship with and knowledge of the bass is what we aspire to experience firsthand each time we pick up a instrument.

[@Piquarius]

Very strange that I was just playing the best of Norman Connor and Friends on vinyl days ago and this shows up on my timeline. A timeless masterpiece.

[@kevinterrell9668]

Once again!!! U nailed it!!!! Michael Henderson, was, and is still very underated, Lucky that I downloaded him and Norman Connors on one of many mp3 🍎🍏 players, thank you for turning bass enthusiast on to him, outstanding Job

[@noprocrastination]

There's no End to Michael Henderson's Versatility, He literally did just about everything in the R&B World a Bass Player could ever Imaging doing.

[@fissionchips223]

Great video! Thanks for putting this together, Michael Henderson is so good in how he approaches and plays the bass. I feel he was responsible for so much of what I love about Miles Davis' electric period, I was never interested in bass lines or anything like that until I heard Michael's work. The way he would insert little melodic improvisations was so clearly off-the-cuff and yet so catchy and so HEAVY. He really takes this instrument into new realms. I appreciate your giving his virtuosity some quality attention!

[@tommymandel3326]

Amen, brother! I bought that record back in the day! So magical and mysterious. You've really picked the perfect example, and it's great to see it laid out in front of us. THANK YOU!!! yeah, the end of the chorus. And the "Baby Yeah!" - he sang it too?!!! Wow.

[@Iamyinkadavies]

I love your intro sir, straight to the point.....then he speaks 😇 Simply divine Oh and thank you so much for the bass lessons So clean and easy to follow Now to get me a bass to learn with

[@guitartec]

I Like it when homage is paid to someone who brings a unique clarity on an instrument. Henderson was a monster player who deserves extra recognition.

[@dislikesquare8749]

With Miles Davis, Michael Henderson had the uncanny ability to play a simple phrase over and over for long periods, with each repetition sounding as though you were hearing it for the first time.

[@garytucker3563]

Bro, you blew my mind with the fact that he SANG THIS. I thought for YEARS that Norman Connors did!

[@kennethjackson1771]

Me too

[@jlv3x]

I actually bought a Michael Henderson greatest hits CD years ago just to get "You Are My Starship". I always thought it was a Michael Henderson song, I didn't know it was released as a Norman Conners song.

[@adeliahenderson4064]

Michael was the great singer...Starship, his songs with Phyllis, Norman and Jeane Carne.....We will ADORE AND LOVE HIM ALWAYS AND FOREVER!

[@MrWillyCC]

Me too!!!

[@damerochelle4014]

Wow! Who knew?!! I did not realize that Michael Henderson was a consummate bassist as well as singer! Thank you for doing an examination of the You Are My Starship track and the "double stop" technique --- fascinating, thank you!!

[@adeliahenderson4064]

Starship Forever AND ALWAYS!

[@roiijamez33]

Been a fan for years - favorite LP "In The Nighttime" He also had a duet with Roberta Flack "At The Concert". Had the pleasure of meeting him at LAX back in the day. Check out "Whisper In My Ear".

[@phillipwattsjr.4714]

Henderson also said that the "Starship" bassline was originally intended for a Miles Davis composition, but Miles said no.

[@rosiefisher9904]

So very sorry for the loss of your Dad, Michael Henderson. He was a musical genius, and one of the best bass players ever. Love and healing light 🥀❤️‍🩹😞✨

[@chriskimbell5884]

I collect and dj old hip hop, funk, and soul records and I found "Solid" a few years ago. So funky, great record. Thanks for the video, I really didn't know much about him and his career. Thank you for the education.

[@mishterpreshident]

One of the things I've learned since taking bass seriously is that some of the most astonishing or difficult lines can be entirely overlooked by the majority of listeners, even other bass players. This is the kind of line that one could appreciate without ever realizing the level of difficulty / creativity required to pull it off. It's far more obvious when a drummer or guitarist does such a thing, but can be extremely subtle when done on the bass.

[@Dr77Funkenstein]

I discovered him listening to the miles era. He is phenomenal one of the best ever. Very under rated

[@Mr1brum1]

I have always had big respect for Mr. Henderson's Bass skills. His Bass lines on "In the Night Time" are extremely tight.

[@trakeya51]

My daddy dedicated this song to my mom back in the day, so it's a favorite. Didn't realize how badass it is, thanks for the breakdown. Thank you Michael Henderson for this magic

[@thevillainchillin1850]

Man, this is my favorite series on the internet! Every episode is BOMB! Thanks!

[@NHILLproductions]

OMG!!! I didnt know Michael Henderson sang “You Are My Starship”! That’s one of my FAVORITE songs. Thanks man. I just started playing the bass. I’ve subbed to your channel. Looking forward to more education.

[@amsedelm]

I never knew Mike sang. OMG. He's one of my fav bassists. Starship is one for the ages. Thank you for this video. 8)))

[@Zeesboy]

Check out the bass line of “In The Night Time”. Clever syncopation.

[@ZAaron-wq5jd]

One of my favorite Henderson tunes!

[@althomson8782]

The best. No showboating, the music came first. From various interviews he seemed like such a decent humble, good man. And helluva talented!

[@smoothmisticmike7040]

Man…After he says “baby yeah” that little riff he does on bass cemented him as a funk legend on bass…pure genius…

[@the-andre]

The “other” Michael. So underrated. All comments seem to be about his bass playing. Yes, the man was consummate. But that voice, especially on the slow jams.! His singing,incredible. Sounds like I’m gushing, (I’m not but I guess I am) Just listen to “Let Me Love You” and “Wait Until The Rain” ~ Damn.

[@pmjphotography5256]

I whole heartedly agree. Also, check out his duet 'At the Concert' with Roberta Flack.

[@lxxwj]

glad you covered this, that song was sampled in mobb deep's trife life (which is one of my favorite mobb deep songs) and it turns out the original song is just as dope!!

[@RobertTalbert]

Really appreciate vids like this that show there's more to being a great bass player than insane slap/pop/tap technique.

[@Akira-5]

He was fantastic with Miles Davis, he was so young too!! I still LOVE On The Corner. What an amazing opportunity for such a young man at the time, great stuff.

[@HannibalHector714]

R.I.P. (REST IN PARADISE) Michael Henderson. July 7, 1951 - July 19, 2022 LEGEND R&B SOUL SINGER BASSIST. 🙏🏽😎🤍🕊

[@DorianPaige00]

Don't forget about "Take me, I'm yours" with Rena Scott. The illest break of all time has to be Ron Carter on McCoy Tyner's version of Impressions from his Trident release.

[@jimmiesmith5811]

He also did two songs with Phyllis Hyman we both need each other and can't we fall in love again

[@deezerbee81]

@@jimmiesmith5811 I believe they were dating each other...and she's on his 1981 album cover Slingshot with her fine self in that bathing suit.... Phyllis had bah-deeee!

[@zenupe84]

I always thought Norman Connors was singing lead. thanks for the info. Wide receiver is a tight track too

[@adeliahenderson4064]

NEVER IT WAS MY HUSBAND ALL ALONG....

[@MichaelHendersonmusic]

✌😎✌

[@galedribble9535]

Lol wow this is cool

[@michaelweston2285]

hey it's the guy from the thing

[@marriagereconciliationplaybook]

@@michaelweston2285 😄😄

[@marriagereconciliationplaybook]

Mike is that really you?

[@virgilwalters7646]

Good one Paul!

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

It was meant for me to find this video I literally just listened to you are my starship seconds ago your dad's voice glided over the song so beautifully I fell in love with the song in the 90's after hearing my mom's record collection I heard the original first so when the samples and covers started coming I knew where they originated from LL Cool J , Mobb Deep borrowed it for hip hop tracks and the best cover versions are Conya Doss and Kenny Lattimore none of those top the original I hope you know how much your dad was appreciated by fans of all ages Valentine Love was another beautiful composition I will never forget your dad commenting on a mobb deep video telling the young people about the song you are my starship thanks so much may your dad rip we appreciate ❤ you for sharing him with us .

[@TydisAnthony]

DAMN DAMN DAMN!!! Finally! Music theory and the history of my favorite bassist and vocalist! FANTASTIC!!!

[@osodelcity]

The bass lines and woodwind solo are just great!!

[@relaxpayourincometax]

Great video. What break could it possibly be? Very pleasantly surprised, being a Norman Connors fan too. I always thought the bass playing was uncommon for a ‘soul’ song at the time. The line ups on Connors’ productions beggared belief and many of them are my spiritual heroes.

[@DaddyKoolPop]

His bassline on "Be My Girl" is my favorite by him. it is so Soulful and Sensual.

[@nimico33]

Be my girl by Bloodstone? 🤔

[@DaddyKoolPop]

@@nimico33 Check "Be My Girl" by Micheal Henderson. I am certain he played on The Dramatics' version of the same song (it is actually his song), and it is a beautifully produced rendering by The Dramatics (classic Dramatics vocal arrangement - great song!!). But the bass-heavy "slow drag" groove laid down on Michael's version, at least back in my day, would likely get you and ya sweetheart moving furniture around in the dark. lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoHTZaKgmpt3mdU

[@stormchild71]

I love Wide receiver I grew up in England and did not really even know what the main lyric meant but it was still a song I played over and over again. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@sociologynut8033]

Mr. Henderson. Your dad lived in the neighborhood in the '70's. Fairway Drive. Detroit. You will probably never know how proud Detroiters were, of him, his music, his rare talents, his style. I saw him cruise out of Fairway Drive in a spectacular car in the '70's. We're never going to forget any of our Detroit superstars. You may or may not know how he had Belle Isle rockin' every night with Wide Receiver, You are my Starship,Take me, I'm Your's, etc. Detroit is considered a wasteland now, but I lived across the street from Mary Wilson and down the street from Florence Ballard in the '60's, on Buena Vista/Petoskey. Michael Henderson will always be a part of the Detroit story.

[@manuelgchapajr2000]

I don’t care who you are you have heard this GREAT Bass player!!!