The Offical Archive Of

Michael Henderson

Legendary Bass and Jazz Fusion Icon.
Authorized registry of master tracks, session contributors, and historical catalog assets.

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Music History

THE LEGACY

Miles Davis with trumpet alongside Michael Henderson on bass

MICHEAL HENDERSON

Born in Yazoo City and raised through Detroit’s fierce music network, Michael Henderson found his voice and his bass, laying the groove that would define decades.

By his mid-teens he was already in rooms with Stevie Wonder, and moved through a Detroit orbit that also shaped Marvin Gaye. His tone helped shape the future of jazz fusion, becoming the pulse of a new movement alongside Miles Davis.

His sound echoes across generations and genres, connecting classic R&B, Jazz Fusion to modern Hip Hop, and Pop. A soulful vocalist, bassist, and composer whose catalog blends classic albums, hit singles, collaborations, and official licensing opportunities.

MICHEAL HENDERSON

OFFICIAL INDEX

The Master Index

Solo catalog

1976

Starship

Album / catalog highlight

"An iconic track from the Starship album (1976), officially recognized as a core piece of Michael Henderson’s bass-led R&B and jazz-fusion legacy."

Written & Arranged By: Michael Henderson. Strings: Michael Henderson & Gary Bartz. Lead Vocals, Bass: Michael Henderson. Saxophone: Gary Bartz. Drums: Norman Connors. Electric Piano: Onaje Allan Gumbs. Guitar: Keith Loving. Flute: Art Webb.

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Catalog

Solo catalog

1976

Starship

Album / catalog highlight

"An iconic track from the Starship album (1976), officially recognized as a core piece of Michael Henderson’s bass-led R&B and jazz-fusion legacy."

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Catalog

Norman Connors collaboration

1976

Valentine Love

Featured duet performance

Michael Henderson’s landmark romantic duet-era performance, included here as a technical credit reference for catalog research and licensing review.

Written & Arranged By: Michael Henderson. Lead Duet Vocals: Michael Henderson & Jean Carn. Bass Guitar: Michael Henderson. Drums: Jerry Jones. Keyboards: Hubert Eaves. Produced By: Skip Drinkwater & Michael Henderson.

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Licensing

Norman Connors collaboration

1976

Valentine Love

Featured duet performance

Michael Henderson’s landmark romantic duet-era performance, included here as a technical credit reference for catalog research and licensing review.

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Licensing

Solo catalog

1980

Wide Receiver

Album / catalog highlight

A signature solo album capturing Henderson’s transition into R&B stardom. Officially archived as a centerpiece of his 1980 solo output."

Written, Arranged & Produced By: Michael Henderson. Rhythm Charts: Michael Henderson & Randall Jacobs. Strings: Johnny Allen. Lead Vocals & Bass: Michael Henderson. Guitars: Randall Jacobs. Keyboards: Ernestro Wilson, Gary Nester. Drums: Bobby Franklin, Ollie E. Brown. Saxophone: Eli Fontaine.

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Catalog

Solo catalog

1980

Wide Receiver

Album / catalog highlight

A signature solo album capturing Henderson’s transition into R&B stardom. Officially archived as a centerpiece of his 1980 solo output."

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Catalog

Solo catalog

1978

In the Night-Time

Album / catalog highlight

A quintessential late-70s solo release, officially curated for its blend of smooth R&B production and Henderson’s iconic bass presence.

Written, Arranged & Produced By: Michael Henderson. Guitar, Vocals: Michael Henderson. Guitar: Randall Jacobs, Ray Parker Jr. Backing Vocals: Barbara Ingram, Yvette Benton, Paula Benson. Drums: Jerry Jones, Keith Benson. Keyboards: Gary Crista, Rudy Robinson. Organ: Rod Lumpkin. Saxophone: Eli Fontaine. Trumpet: Evan Solot.

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Catalog

Solo catalog

1978

In the Night-Time

Album / catalog highlight

A quintessential late-70s solo release, officially curated for its blend of smooth R&B production and Henderson’s iconic bass presence.

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Catalog

Jazz fusion

Official era

Miles Davis Era

Bass / collaboration era

Definitive jazz-fusion era. Henderson’s bass work redefined the electric-era Miles Davis sound; an essential pillar of his official legacy."

Bass Guitar & Live Electric Grooves: Michael Henderson. Definitive studio & live jazz-fusion masterworks spanning 1970-1975. Featured historical sessions include: "Jack Johnson", "Live-Evil", "On The Corner", "Big Fun", "Agharta", and "Pangaea".

Citation / Archive

Biography

Jazz fusion

Official era

Miles Davis Era

Bass / collaboration era

Definitive jazz-fusion era. Henderson’s bass work redefined the electric-era Miles Davis sound; an essential pillar of his official legacy."

Citation / Archive

Biography

Jazz fusion

Official era

Miles Davis Era

Bass / collaboration era

Definitive jazz-fusion era. Henderson’s bass work redefined the electric-era Miles Davis sound; an essential pillar of his official legacy."

Citation / Archive

Biography

Modern influence

Ongoing

Recent Samples

Influence / sampling

"An enduring sonic legacy. Henderson’s bass lines remain among the most sampled in music history, bridging classic jazz-fusion with modern hip-hop and R&B."

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Licensing

Modern influence

Ongoing

Recent Samples

Influence / sampling

"An enduring sonic legacy. Henderson’s bass lines remain among the most sampled in music history, bridging classic jazz-fusion with modern hip-hop and R&B."

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Licensing

Modern releases

2025

Remix Collection

Official catalog expansion

"A contemporary expansion of the official catalog. Curated by the estate to present foundational grooves through a modern lens, maintaining the integrity of the original masters."

Citation / Archive

Catalog

Modern releases

2025

Remix Collection

Official catalog expansion

"A contemporary expansion of the official catalog. Curated by the estate to present foundational grooves through a modern lens, maintaining the integrity of the original masters."

Citation / Archive

Catalog

Modern releases

2025

Remix Collection

Official catalog expansion

"A contemporary expansion of the official catalog. Curated by the estate to present foundational grooves through a modern lens, maintaining the integrity of the original masters."

Citation / Archive

Catalog

Early story

Official biography

Detroit Beginnings

Origin / biography

"The formative chapter of Henderson’s musical narrative. Rooted in the rich, collaborative environment of Detroit, this period established the foundational bass voice that would influence generations of R&B and jazz-fusion."

Marvin Gaye& Michael Henderson

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Biography

Early story

Official biography

Detroit Beginnings

Origin / biography

Marvin Gaye& Michael Henderson

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Biography

R&B

1976

R&B Pioneer

Artist legacy

"Formally recognized for his transformative impact on 1970s R&B. Henderson’s work as a session bassist and solo artist bridged the gap between complex jazz textures and chart-topping soul."

Citation / Archive

Biography

R&B

1976

R&B Pioneer

Artist legacy

"Formally recognized for his transformative impact on 1970s R&B. Henderson’s work as a session bassist and solo artist bridged the gap between complex jazz textures and chart-topping soul."

Citation / Archive

Biography

R&B

1976

R&B Pioneer

Artist legacy

"Formally recognized for his transformative impact on 1970s R&B. Henderson’s work as a session bassist and solo artist bridged the gap between complex jazz textures and chart-topping soul."

Citation / Archive

Biography

Jazz fusion

Official legacy

Jazz Fusion Innovator

Genre influence

The official site describes Henderson as a jazz fusion innovator and a pulse of a new movement.

Citation / Archive

Biography

Jazz fusion

Official legacy

Jazz Fusion Innovator

Genre influence

The official site describes Henderson as a jazz fusion innovator and a pulse of a new movement.

Citation / Archive

Biography

Jazz fusion

Official legacy

Jazz Fusion Innovator

Genre influence

The official site describes Henderson as a jazz fusion innovator and a pulse of a new movement.

Citation / Archive

Biography

Solo catalog

1976

Solid

Solo album

"A cornerstone of the 1976 Buddah Records output. This album serves as a definitive reference for Henderson’s transition into his celebrated solo career."

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Licensing

Solo catalog

1976

Solid

Solo album

"A cornerstone of the 1976 Buddah Records output. This album serves as a definitive reference for Henderson’s transition into his celebrated solo career."

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Licensing

Solo catalog

1977

Goin’ Places

Solo album

"An essential 1977 release that further solidified Henderson’s solo identity. Officially archived for its technical production quality and lasting influence on the smooth soul genr

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Licensing

Solo catalog

1977

Goin’ Places

Solo album

"An essential 1977 release that further solidified Henderson’s solo identity. Officially archived for its technical production quality and lasting influence on the smooth soul genr

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Licensing

Solo catalog

1979

Do It All

Solo album

"A 1979 solo catalog centerpiece. This work showcases Henderson’s expanded mastery of songwriting and groove, maintained in the estate archive for licensing and research purposes."

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Licensing

Solo catalog

1979

Do It All

Solo album

"A 1979 solo catalog centerpiece. This work showcases Henderson’s expanded mastery of songwriting and groove, maintained in the estate archive for licensing and research purposes."

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Licensing

Solo catalog

1981

Slingshot

Solo album

"A representative entry from the early-1980s solo catalog. This album is preserved in the estate archive to provide a comprehensive view of Henderson’s evolving sound and production style

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Licensing

Solo catalog

1981

Slingshot

Solo album

"A representative entry from the early-1980s solo catalog. This album is preserved in the estate archive to provide a comprehensive view of Henderson’s evolving sound and production style

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Licensing

Solo catalog

1983

Fickle

Solo album

"A 1983 solo release included in the official archive to maintain catalog continuity, highlighting Henderson's ability to navigate the changing landscape of 80s R&B.

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Licensing

Solo catalog

1983

Fickle

Solo album

"A 1983 solo release included in the official archive to maintain catalog continuity, highlighting Henderson's ability to navigate the changing landscape of 80s R&B.

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Licensing

Solo catalog

1986

Bedtime Stories

Solo album

"The 1986 solo album documenting Henderson's later creative period, archived here for discovery by producers, researchers, and licensing partners."

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Licensing

Solo catalog

1986

Bedtime Stories

Solo album

"The 1986 solo album documenting Henderson's later creative period, archived here for discovery by producers, researchers, and licensing partners."

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Licensing

Norman Connors collaboration

1976

You Are My Starship

Featured vocal performance

Norman Connors landmark recording closely associated with Henderson’s vocal legacy and included here as a collaboration-era archive reference.

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Licensing

Norman Connors collaboration

1976

You Are My Starship

Featured vocal performance

Norman Connors landmark recording closely associated with Henderson’s vocal legacy and included here as a collaboration-era archive reference.

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Licensing

Miles Davis era

1971

A Tribute to Jack Johnson

Landmark collaboration era

"A landmark in the electric-era Miles Davis discography. Henderson’s bass contributions on this recording are widely cited as foundational to the evolution of jazz-fusion."

Citation / Archive

Citation

Miles Davis era

1971

A Tribute to Jack Johnson

Landmark collaboration era

"A landmark in the electric-era Miles Davis discography. Henderson’s bass contributions on this recording are widely cited as foundational to the evolution of jazz-fusion."

Citation / Archive

Citation

Miles Davis era

1971

A Tribute to Jack Johnson

Landmark collaboration era

"A landmark in the electric-era Miles Davis discography. Henderson’s bass contributions on this recording are widely cited as foundational to the evolution of jazz-fusion."

Citation / Archive

Citation

Miles Davis era

1972

On the Corner

Landmark collaboration era

"A pivotal recording in the Miles Davis electric period. Henderson’s rhythmic foundation on this project is recognized as a key element of the era’s funk-forward jazz-fusion context."

Citation / Archive

Citation

Miles Davis era

1972

On the Corner

Landmark collaboration era

"A pivotal recording in the Miles Davis electric period. Henderson’s rhythmic foundation on this project is recognized as a key element of the era’s funk-forward jazz-fusion context."

Citation / Archive

Citation

Miles Davis era

1972

On the Corner

Landmark collaboration era

"A pivotal recording in the Miles Davis electric period. Henderson’s rhythmic foundation on this project is recognized as a key element of the era’s funk-forward jazz-fusion context."

Citation / Archive

Citation

Miles Davis era

1975

Agharta

Landmark collaboration era

"A definitive Miles Davis live electric-era document. Included in the estate archive as an essential reference for Henderson’s legendary bass-led performance style."

Citation / Archive

Citation

Miles Davis era

1975

Agharta

Landmark collaboration era

"A definitive Miles Davis live electric-era document. Included in the estate archive as an essential reference for Henderson’s legendary bass-led performance style."

Citation / Archive

Citation

Miles Davis era

1975

Agharta

Landmark collaboration era

"A definitive Miles Davis live electric-era document. Included in the estate archive as an essential reference for Henderson’s legendary bass-led performance style."

Citation / Archive

Citation

MODERN INFLUENCE

Sampled & Reimagined

HIP-HOP FOUNDATION

1995

Trife Life

Mobb Deep

Built directly on the unmistakable bass groove of 'You Are My Starship', this landmark track from Mobb Deep's classic album The Infamous cements Henderson's timeless East Coast impact.

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EAST COAST HIP-HOP

2021

Life Is Like a Dice Game

Nas (Prod. by Easy Mo Bee)

Produced by Easy Mo Bee, this legendary Nas track loops the unmistakable foundation of 'Valentine Love'. Originally a coveted 90s demo, it was officially finished and released in 2021, showcasing the enduring power of Henderson's catalog.

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R&B INFLUENCE

2026

More Than A Lover

Mary J. Blige

Released ahead of Valentine's Day, this track flips a warm, mid-tempo sample of Henderson's 'Be My Girl' into a modern masterclass. The original sample stems from his acclaimed 1976 solo album 'Solid'.

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LEGENDARY COVER

Tribute

You Are My Starship

Rick James

A rare tip of the hat from the King of Punk Funk himself. Rick James famously requested and secured personal blessing to re-record and perform Henderson's signature anthem, cementing its legendary status across generations.

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WEST COAST LEGACY

2008

Hands on the Wheel

Snoop Dogg

A staple of West Coast rap architecture, Snoop Dogg masterfully utilized the opening verse and smooth bass architecture of 'Riding' from Henderson's 1979 album 'Do It All'.

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WEST COAST G-FUNK

1994

Come When I Call

Danny Boy (Prod. by DJ Quik)

Featured on the legendary Murder Was the Case soundtrack, DJ Quik's pristine production seamlessly loops the smooth, soulful groove of Henderson's 'Let Me Love You' from the 1977 album Goin' Places to provide the ultimate sonic foundation for Danny Boy's breakout performance.

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MODERN COVER

2008

You Are My Starship

Kenny Lattimore

Released as the lead single for his cover album 'Timeless', Kenny Lattimore delivered a smooth, contemporary homage to Michael Henderson's timeless original.

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URBANSTAR REMAKE

2002

You Are My Starship (Urbanstar Mix)

The Dazz Band

A legendary funk ensemble tackling a classic, The Dazz Band provided a vibrant remake of 'You Are My Starship' for an Urbanstar collection, bringing the anthem to new dance floors and new generations.

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90S R&B INFLUENCE

1995

It's All About You

Adina Howard

Featured on her acclaimed 1995 debut album 'Do You Wanna Ride?', this R&B track heavily credits Michael Henderson as a songwriter, cementing his structural influence across 90s R&B.

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HIP-HOP MAINSTREAM

1997

Don't Be Late, Don't Come Too Soon

LL Cool J (feat. Tamia)

Featured on his 1997 album 'Phenomenon,' LL Cool J heavily interpolates the legendary chorus and silky foundation of Michael Henderson's 'You Are My Starship'. Taking its opening lyrics directly for the track's title, it brings the Quiet Storm staple perfectly into the hip-hop mainstream.

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UNDERGROUND SAMPLE

2019

4N

Earl Sweatshirt (feat. Mach-Hommy)

Closing out his acclaimed 2019 project 'Feet of Clay,' Earl Sweatshirt and Mach-Hommy trade verses over an intricate, lo-fi instrumental that loops a clever Michael Henderson sample. It serves as a perfect example of Henderson's continued atmospheric influence on modern underground hip-hop visionaries.

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