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Doc was born and raised in New York and started playing guitar by the age of six. Before reaching his 21st birthday, he landed his first major gig as Musical Director for the legendary Wilson Pickett. The job served as an internship that prepared the guitarist for what lay ahead. During a career spanning more than 15 years, Doc has performed with such heavyweights as Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, George Benson, Dionne Warwick, and Teddy Pendergrass. You might also have seen him next to Vanessa Williams with his anchoring gig or working with soul crooner Luther Vandross by accompanying the singer on albums and tours. Doc can be heard on numerous soundtracks, TV commercials, and three solo albums on Discovery Records. He continues to push his artistry to new levels, making him one of the most sought after musicians in the industry.
Throughout the ’80s and early ’90s, he toured with and recorded on some of Luther Vandross’ most successful albums. Powell’s unique guitar technique became an integral part of the Vandross sound on top-selling albums such as the landmark Forever, For Always, For Love, Busy Body, The Night I Fell In Love and Give Me The Reason. On Vandross’ hit single “Stop To Love,” Powell showcased his versatility in the rock genre with a guitar solo that aspiring rockers emulate today. Powell’s session work quickly expanded to the R&B elite - Aretha Franklin, Teddy Pendergrass, Jeffrey Osborne, Ashford & Simpson and Dionne Warwick, as well as contemporary jazz giants Grover Washington, Jr., Bob James and McCoy Tyner - because of his fresh, new sound that was becoming a staple on numerous hit records.
In 1987, Polygram/Mercury released his solo debut, Love Is Where It’s At, which yielded his Grammy-nominated rendition of the Marvin Gaye classic, “What’s Going On.” His next CD, Inner City Blues, was the first release on his West Coast Records label and scored a huge success at radio and retail. Two years later, he released Laid Back, now considered a contemporary jazz masterpiece. Laid Back was the first album in NAC Radio history to have over 1,000 spins in just one week. Don’t Let The Smooth Jazz Fool Ya followed. It showcased the talents of Grammy winner Roy Hargrove and smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz. In 2003, Powell toured the U.S. as the bandleader on the sellout Hopeville Tour, which featured Grammy and Stellar Award winners Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin - three of the most prominent names in contemporary gospel music. Powell follows up on the success of his 97th & Columbus with Cool Like That, scheduled for release on Heads Up in July 2004.
Doc uses Dean Markley’s SLP REG and LT on his Fender Telecaster, EL gauge on the Fender Stratocaster, a custom gauge (12, 16, 20, 30 40 and 50) set on the Gibson 335. In addition, Doc uses Blue Steel Bass LT and VintageBronze LT and EL strings.
Doc says:
“ Dean Markley Strings have been on my guitar for countless recordings and concerts since 1987. It has been an honor to be endorsed by such a product of excellent standard.”
Be sure to visit the Doc Powell website at:
www.DocPowell.com.
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