b. Edwin L. Birdsong, 22nd August 1941, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
d. 21st January 2019, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
Edwin Birdsong is an underrated organist, who has worked with numerous artists in varied musical scenario's.
From a gospel background, Edwin was the son of a minister and grew up in a strict fundamentalist environment.
He joined The Los Angeles Community Choir, where he met such artists as Merry Clayton, Billy Preston, and D.J. Rogers, and eventually served in the Vietnam war.
Edwin later played in clubs in Germany, entertaining service personnel.
After moving to New York, he headed a trio that played blues and jazz.
Edwin attended the Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard as a composition major.
He later played with The Youth Symphony Orchestra before signing with Polydor in 1971.
what it is - 1971 / super natural - 1973 / dance of survival - 1985 / edwin birdsong - 1979
He issued two albums of funk, rock, fusion, and jazz, 'What It Is' and 'Supernatural' in 1971 and 1973.
Birdsong issued one album for Bamboo, 'Dance of Survival', in 1975, then recorded 'Edwin Birdsong' for Philadelphia International in 1979, which included the single 'Phiss-Phizz.'
However, Birdsong had more success teaming with vibist / vocalist Roy Ayers.
funtaztik - 1981 / percolator - 1987
The two co-wrote the songs 'Running Away' and 'Freaky Deaky,' and Edwin co-produced Roy Ayers' LPs 'Vibrations', 'Lifeline', and 'Let's Do It'.
They also collaborated on productions and songs for the group Eighties Ladies (including 'Turned On To You').
with stevie wonder
Edwin recorded the singles 'Perfect Love' in 1984 and 'Son of a Rapper Snapper' in 1985 for Salsoul, and continued session work with many artists, including Stevie Wonder.
He has also been sampled by other artists many times, including Daft Punk who sampled 'Cola Bottle Baby' (from Edwin's 1979 album) in 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger', and Gang Starr who sampled Edwin's single 'Rapper Dapper Snapper' for their song 'Skills'.
Edwin died in January 2019.
Albums:
What It Is (Polydor Records 1971)
Supernatural (Polydor Records 1973)
Dance Of Survival (Bamboo Records 1975)
Edwin Birdsong (Philadelphia International Records 1979)
Funtaztik (Salsoul Records 1981)
