Michael Hill
Raised in the South Bronx, New York
Raised in the South Bronx, New York, Michael's early exposure to music
included Harry Belafonte, Jackie Wilson, Johnny Ace, Elvis Presley and many
other 78's and later 45's from his father Rufus' record collection. His mother
Eunice and grandmother Lucia both sang and played the piano at home as well,
and Michael briefly took piano lessons at age seven and sang in school glee
clubs and the church choir as he grew up. Hearing Jimi Hendrix changed his
life, inspiring his love of the electric guitar. During his years at
Stuyvesant High School in the East Village, Michael and his friends spent
virtually every weekend either inside or listening from the street outside the
Filmore East and other New York concert venues. He was thus able to see
Hendrix five times along with such other influences as Jeff Beck, Cream and
blues heros
B.B. King,
Albert King and
Buddy Guy.
Michael began playing guitar at age 18 and started the band Wild Honey
(briefly Brown Sugar) with his siblings Wynette, Kathy and Kevin, some
childhood friends and two cousins in 1973. They specialized in popular soul
and funk of the time while sneaking in the odd rock or blues number. Michael
continued playing with his siblings while also working as a sideman with
various singers and doing the odd recording session, primarily playing cover
material. In 1985 he was invited to join the band of poet/performer Sekou
Sundiata and keyboardist Doug Booth; Sekou was to become a major influence and
inspiration. The band also included Vernon Reid, who introduced Michael to the
Black Rock Coalition. Michael was simultaneously playing in the rock outfit
Fitz and the New York Band. This immersion in original music, combined with
the urging of friends and associates to start his own band, led him to refocus
on songwriting and form Michael Hill's Bluesland, out of which spun the Blues
Mob. Over the years Michael has been priviledged to perform or record with
Little Richard, Carla Thomas, Harry Belafonte, Archie Bell and
B.B. King,
and has jammed with numerous blues heros, friends and colleagues, including
B.B. King,
Buddy Guy and
Luther Allison.
Recognized as one of modern blues' "most talented songwriters and
guitarists" (Living Blues) and known for "uncompromising musical and
lyrical integrity" (Goldmine), Michael has clearly learned much from his
heros, especially the importance of originality. Now with four highly
acclaimed albums, Michael Hill and his Blues Mob ignite stages all around the
world in a unique, high energy expression of New York style blues. Powerful
singing, dazzling guitar playing and his engaging personal blend of warmth,
conviction and humor have Michael leaving audiences feeling good first time,
every time.
(quoted from Michael Hill's official website)
Visit Michael Hill's official website.
Visit Michael Hill's page at myspace.com.
Visit also these related Sites:
Biographical Information on Michael Hill
Michael Hill biography at alligator.com.
Michael Hill biography by Ray Stiles.
Michael Hill biography by Richard Skelly.
Various Articles on Michael Hill
Article by Nat Hentoff.
Reviews and Critiques of Michael Hill Live Performances and Recordings
Cd review at stlblues.net.
Michael Hill Lyrics
Lyrics of five Michael Hill songs.
Lyrics of eight Michael Hill songs.
Michael Hill Videos
Michael Hill and BASE. Runtime 05:16.
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