b. 11th June 1959, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.
Marcus Miller has built himself a reputation as one of the finest jazz / r & b bass players in the business.
He was initially discovered in the mid-70's by Lonnie Liston Smith, who employed him at various gigs.
In 1978 Lonnie recorded a Marcus Miller composition 'Space Princess', a UK jazz funk anthem.
In 1979 Marcus wrote 'Love When I'm In Your Arms' for Bobbi Humphrey before teaming up with Dave Grusin as bass player on his 1980 album 'Mountain Dance'.
From here Marcus embarked on a string of session work with artists including Bernard Wright, Tom Browne ('Funkin' For Jamaica'), The Brecker Brothers, Bob James (for whom he has also written), Charles Earland and eventually Luther Vandross.
With Luther, Marcus developed a songwriting / production partnership which remains to this day.
Songs they have co-written to date include 'You're The Sweetest One', 'I Wanted Your Love', 'Busy Body','The Night I Fell In Love' and 'See Me' for Luther's own albums.
They have also written, produced and recorded for Aretha Franklin ('Jump To It' and 'It's Just Your Love'), Dionne Warwick ('Got A Date') and The Temptations ('Do You Really Love Your Baby').
In 1983 Marcus recorded the first of two solo albums for Warner Brothers, 'Suddenly' (including 'Much Too Much'). His second album 'Marcus Miller' was released in 1984.
In 1988 he produced / co-wrote 'Da Butt', a go-go anthem for E.U. taken from the movie soundtrack 'School Daze'.
He has also written and / or produced for David Sanborn, Bernard Wright, Steven Dante, Roberta Flack, the late Grover Washington ('Summer Nights') and Joe Sample ('Strike Two').
His bass sessions include recordings with Marc Sadane, Peggi Blu, Miles Davis and Roberta Flack among many others.
After Miles Davis's death, Marcus Miller put together his own group which performs many songs in the style of Davis' later band; they have recorded for the PRA label.
Albums:
Suddenly (Warner Brothers 1983)
Marcus Miller (Warner Brothers 1984)
The Sun Don't Lie (PRA 1993)
Tales (PRA 1994)
Live & More (GRP 1998)
M2 ( GRP 2001)
Free (GRP 2007)
Marcus (GRP 2008)
