Legendary guitarist and composer Phil Upchurch has passed away. His legendary career includes several highlights, but he’s perhaps most known for his work with Michael Jackson, Curtis Mayfield, and Donny Hathaway. He was 84 years old.
According to The LA Times, Upchurch’s wife, Sonya Maddox-Upchurch, confirmed that he passed away on November 23 in Los Angeles. She did not provide a cause of death.
Phil Upchurch Leaves Behind a Massive Legacy
Upchurch led a legendary career, recording nearly 30 albums and appearing on over 1,000 recordings. In additon to Jackson, Mayfield, and Hathaway, he also worked with the likes of Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, and George Benson.
Some of his most notable works include “I’m Every Woman,” “Off the Wall,” “Superfly,” “Let’s Do It Again,” “Sparkle,” and “Workin’ Day and Night.”
According to AOL, Upchurch also served in the United States Army during the mid-1960s. He served as a radio reporter while stationed in Germany. Notably, he also performed as part of the unit’s glee club while stationed.
Upchurch also published books, with the first being a collection of blues guitar solos. The second was a photography book, on which he collaborated with his wife. He was also working on an autobiography before his death.
Fans Are Paying Tribute to His Legacy
Following his passing, many fans are flocking to social media to pay tribute to his legacy.
One person, Brandon Ousley, said on X, “One of the all-time guitar greats, Phil Upchurch, has passed away. His funky, in-pocket chording and riffs touched in blues, soul, and jazz settings, spanning his extensive work as an in-demand sideman for Curtis Mayfield, Ramsey Lewis, Jerry Butler, Rotary Connection, Donny Hathaway, and countless others to his own soul-jazz oriented solo recordings (1972’s Darkness, Darkness is essential listening). The man was Chicago music royalty.”
Another fan wrote, “Phil Upchurch met Michael Jackson in the 1960s, before the Jackson 5 signed with Motown. Much later, in the 1970s, Upchurch reappeared as Michael Jackson’s guitarist on “Off the Wall.” He also appears on the album Triumph. From book Lecocq and Cadman. Rip Phil🙏”
Someone else wrote, “Alas, another Music legend has joined the Ancestors. R.I.P. to the Master guitarist, Phil Upchurch. Thanks for sharing your great gift with us. 🙏🏿🕊❤️”
Finally, someone else said, “Phil Upchurch, one of the greatest guitarists of all time, has passed away
His funky and original chords and riffs were reflected in blues, soul, and jazz, spanning his extensive career as an accompanist for Curtis Mayfield, Ramsey Lewis, Jerry Butler, and Rotary.”
Upchurch will be missed, but his legacy will last forever.
