Richard Tee

Richard Tee was a highly influential American pianist, keyboardist, and session musician, renowned for his versatile playing style and impeccable musicianship. Here are some key facts about him:

1. Musical Prowess and Versatility: Richard Tee was celebrated for his exceptional skills as a pianist and keyboardist, adept at playing various styles of music ranging from jazz and soul to pop and R&B. His versatility allowed him to seamlessly navigate between different genres, making him a sought-after session musician and collaborator for numerous recording artists and bands. Tee's ability to infuse soulful grooves, inventive chord voicings, and tasteful improvisation into his playing set him apart as a true virtuoso.

2. Session Work and Collaborations: Throughout his career, Richard Tee was in high demand as a session musician, contributing his talents to countless recordings by some of the biggest names in the music industry. He worked with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, Quincy Jones, and Roberta Flack, among many others, leaving his indelible mark on some of the most iconic recordings of the 20th century. Tee's exquisite piano and keyboard performances enhanced the music of his collaborators, elevating their songs with his soulful touch and impeccable sense of timing.

3. Founding Member of Stuff: In addition to his prolific session work, Richard Tee was a founding member of the jazz-funk supergroup Stuff. Formed in the early 1970s, Stuff consisted of a rotating lineup of top-notch studio musicians, including Cornell Dupree, Steve Gadd, Eric Gale, and Gordon Edwards, among others. The band's electrifying live performances and dynamic studio recordings showcased Tee's exceptional keyboard skills and contributed to their status as one of the premier instrumental groups of the era.

4. Solo Career and Solo Albums: Richard Tee also pursued a successful solo career, releasing several albums under his own name. His solo recordings showcased his prowess as a composer and bandleader, featuring a mix of original compositions and inventive interpretations of jazz and R&B standards. Tee's solo albums, such as "Strokin'" (1979) and "Inside You" (1989), garnered critical acclaim and further solidified his reputation as a formidable solo artist in his own right.

5. Legacy and Influence: Richard Tee's impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. His soulful playing, impeccable technique, and innate musicality continue to inspire generations of pianists, keyboardists, and musicians across various genres. Tee's contributions to countless recordings and his influential role as a session musician have left an enduring legacy that ensures his place among the most revered and respected musicians in the history of popular music.