.....................................
..................................................
.....................................  
 
   
   
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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




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


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


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.

back...

 

.......... ..........       .......... ..........