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Biographies
DENNIS HARRIS |
DENNIS HARRIS—Guitar
Dennis began
playing guitar in the 1970s for the singing group, the Del-phonics.
The lead singer of the group took Dennis to the studio in
1975 to record and Dennis never left. With a Master's Degree
in Business, Dennis pursued music and banking, simultaneously.
Dennis recorded with Michael Jackson, Harold Melvin and
the Blue-Notes, Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, et al. You
can hear Dennis most prominently on the O Jays song, "She
Used to Be My Girl."
KEITH BENSON—Drums
Keith Benson
began playing drums at 10 years old and did his first "serious
gig" as a ninth grader, in New York City. He played
drums with a dizzying array of talent from Stevie Wonder,
and Robert Palmer, to Grace Jones. Keith was brought to
PIR by McFadden and Whitehead in 1976. And for the next
seven years McFadden and Whitehead rarely used another drummer
to make a record.
After 1983, Keith worked with Chaka Khan, the Tempations,
Ruben Studdard, Bootsy Collins, and many others. In 2002
he was named Associate Producer of the Motown film, "Standing
in the Shadows of Motown," and he also toured with
the Funk Brothers, as Drummer and Production Manager. Keith
has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history. Keith can most
prominently be heard on McFadden and Whitehead's sond, "Ain't
No Stopping Us, Now."
DAMON BENNETT—Keyboard
Damon is one
of the "New Millennium" MFSB members. He began
his musical career sinign in the church choir. By age thirteen
Damon achieved a useful proficiency as a keyboardist. He
began working with the Roots Ahmir Thompson, and other musicians
from the thriving "Neo-Soul" scene, like Jill
Scott.
His primary influences are Quincy Jones, Gamble and Huff,
Stravinsky, and John Coltrane. He has composed works for
the Freedom Theater, the Prince Theater and Crossroads Theater.
He lives and loves jazz, r&b and gospel styles of playing.
BARTON FRENCH—Guitar
"French"
first began playing guitar at ten years of age. He studied
music at the Settlement School, Combs College, and in the
best clubs and showrooms of the nation. His musical influences
are Parliament, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandrdoss, Jimi
Hendriz and Toto. He takes his playing and performing seriously.
He came to MFSB highly recommended, with a great reputation.
He soon won the respect of the entire MFSB organization.
All of the origainal members agreed, "French is one
of the best in the business."
JIM GALLAGHER—MFSB
Technical Director
Jim
Gallagher (top left) worked for Philadelphia Intertational
Records as Chief Engineer for nine years (1975 - 1983).
And was Stevie Wonder's Chief Engineer for several years
thereafter.
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