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James Mtume |
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On-Air personality & co-host of KISS-FM’s popular OPENLINE SHOW, Sunday morning talk show; Former music producer for Fox Network’s highly rated weekly crime drama New York Undercover; |
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Former jazz percussionist, Mtume moved into Urban Contemporary and funk in the late '70s, and became one of the more successful producers and performers in both styles during the '80s. The son of the great jazz saxophonist Jimmy Heath, Mtume was a conga player and percussionist who recorded and toured with Miles Davis and was featured on albums by the Heath Brothers, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, and Freddie Hubbard. |
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Mtume even recorded as a bandleader for Strata-East before turning to funk in the late '70s. Mtume's band included the sassy, sultry vocalist Tawatha Agee, keyboardist Phil Fields, and bassist Ray Johnson. Mtume, the band, had a number one R&B hit with "Juicy Fruit" for Epic in 1983 and a number two single in 1984 with "You, Me and He." They recorded for Epic until the late '80s. Their final Top Ten hit was "Breathless" in 1986. Mtume produced and/or wrote for such artists as Stephanie Mills, Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway, Phyllis Hyman, Gary Bartz, Sadane, Lou Rawls, Rena Scott, Eddie Henderson in the late '70s, Levert, Tyrone Brunson, Roy Ayers, Henderson and Tease. Roots and Influences: Miles Davis and Pharoah Sanders. Mtume’s hits for Robert Flack and Donny Hathaway include “The Closer I Get To You” and “Back Together Again”, both platinum sellers and widely viewed “classic songs” in the business. |
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Mtume is a two time Grammy Award winning producer and writer for his work on “What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin”, the album that catapulted Stephanie Mills to fame in the 80s. |
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Mtume scored the film “Native Son” in the late 80s and is popular producer for the likes of Mary J. Blige, Jodice and other hip hop singers and rappers. Politically conscious, Mtume always gives you the “3rd Answer” on music and events. |