Donnell Spencer, Jr.

Donnell Spencer, Jr. is a session musician, drummer and award-winning composer. He has worked with or toured with Patti Austin, Anita Baker, El De Barge, Chaka Khan and Jody Watley. He has been associated musically with mainstream films Running Scared and Without You I'm Nothing. He has composed hits for Cerrone & La Toya Jackson, Chuckii Booker and The Controllers.

Donnell Spencer, Jr.
Also known asDonnell Spencer
BornPhiladelphia, United States
GenresJazz, funk, R&B
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Drums, keyboards, vocals

Background

Originally from Philadelphia, Spencer is a drummer, producer, singer, songwriter. He is also a photographer who has had his work published.[1]

Spencer's status as an award-winning musician and chart-topping songwriter has been noted by Blues Blast Magazine.[2] He has composed at least nine national chart hits.[3]

In addition to Patti Austin, Anita Baker, El De Barge, Chaka Khan, and Jody Watley, he has been associated in either a performing or recording capacity with Jonathan Butler, Brian Culbertson, Kenny G., Boney James, Ray Parker, Jr. and Stevie Wonder.[4] He has also played with John Legend and Teddy Pendergrass.[5][6]

He has recorded as a solo artist with the singles, "True Love" in 2019 and "Come On" in 2020.[7] He played on Johnny Adams' final album, Man Of My Word which was released in 1998.[8][9]

Via his work as a photographer, he has made contributions to Style & Society magazine,[10] and The Scoop LA.[11]

Session musician, composer, producer

With Nick Mundy and Cerrone, he co-wrote the song, "Oops, Oh No!" which was a hit for Cerrone and La Toya Jackson in 1986.[12][13]

Spencer and Danny Sembello wrote the song, "Take Your Time" for singer Pebbles.[14] It was released on CA 53362 and a hit prediction in the July 2, 1988 issue of Billboard. It got to no. 3 on the US R&B chart.[15][16]

He co-wrote the song, "Turned Away" for Chuckii Booker which was a hit in 1989.[17]

Work with The Controllers

Also in 1989, another composition of his, "Temporary Lovers" by The Controllers was a hit. It made it to no. 43 on the US R&B chart.[18] With Sam Sims, he co-wrote "Just in Time" for The Controllers. He also produced the single which was released on Capitol l B-44414. Reviewed by Billboard, it was said to be a seductive R&B ballad ripe for quiet storm programming.[19] He co-produced their album as well as adding backing vocals, playing drums and keyboards.[20]

Backing

On February 3, 2016, Spencer and bassist Sam Sims were part of Jody Watley's backing band and played at The Roxy in February.[21]

Spencer played drums on Brigitte Purdy song "Blues Angel" which is the single from her Still I Rise album that was released in 2018.[22]

In late 2019, he was the drummer in Judith Hill's band.[23]

As of 2023, Spencer has been part of Ayline Artin's backing band.[24]

Solo career

In 2022, Spencer released the single, "Over U".[25]

Further reading

References
  1. Indie Cognito, Sep 15, 2020 - Page 17 DONNELL SPENCER, JR.
  2. Blues Blast Magazine, October 15, 2018 - Brigitte Purdy – Still I Rise | Album Review - Steve Gabe
  3. MusicVF.com - Songs written by Donnell Spencer, Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography
  4. World Beat, 13th February 2014 - Donnell Spencer Jr.
  5. Jazz 91.9 WCLK, May 13, 2022 - Donnell Spencer: Over U By David C. Linton
  6. Smooth Jazz News, December 2018 -January 2019 - Page 18 DRUMS, SALUTE TO SIDEMEN, Donnell Spencer, Jr.
  7. Jazz 91.9 WCLK, May 13, 2022 - Donnell Spencer: Over U By David C. Linton
  8. CMJ New Music Report, October 5, 1998 | Issue 590 | Vol. 53, No. 3 - Page 34 JOHNNY ADAMS
  9. Amazon.ca - Man Of My Word, CD (Backcover)
  10. Style & Society, July 5, 2021 - Mokuzai is the Most Innovative Pop Up Sushi Restaurant in Hollywood
  11. The Scoop LA, APRIL 20, 2023 - NAMM 2023- A Meaningful Experience
  12. RnBSoulMusic.com - Cerrone & LaToya Jackson, Oops, Oh No
  13. MusicVF.com - Cerrone & LaToya Jackson Top Songs, Oops, Oh No
  14. Session Days - 1987 Pebbles – Pebbles
  15. Billboard, July 2, 1988 - SINGLE REVIEWS, POP PICKS
  16. MusicVF.com - Take Your Time By: Pebbles
  17. Music VF.com - Turned Away By: Chuckii Booker
  18. MusicVF.com - Temporary Lovers by The Controllers
  19. Billboard, July 15, 1995 - Page 65 Single Reviews, BLACK, RECOMMENDED
  20. Session Days - 1989 The Controllers – Just In Time
  21. The Urban Music Scene, February 4, 2016 - Jody Watley Reloads Shalamar and Keeps on Steppin’ in Her Jerome C. Rousseau Shoes
  22. Blues Blast Magazine, October 15, 2018 - Brigitte Purdy – Still I Rise | Album Review - Steve Gabe
  23. Soul Bag, 3.12.2019 - Judith Hill, New Morning, Paris
  24. Easy Reader & Peninsula Magazine, March 23, 2032 - Music review – Ayline Artin ‘Heaven in Hell’ - GARRICK RAWLINGS
  25. Jazz 91.9 WCLK, May 13, 2022 - Donnell Spencer: Over U By David C. Linton
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