I was born in Philadelphia, on March 27, 1960. I was born into a musical family so there was music playing constantly from the moment I arrived on the planet. My dad, Morris Bailey Jr., is a master composer, arranger, producer, and saxophonist. During the 60's, 70's and 80's his songs were recorded by some of music's greatest R&B artists including, Patti LaBelle, The Stylistics, Blue Magic, The Spinners, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and international artist Nina Simone.
My uncle, Donald Bailey, is a legendary jazz drummer, probably best known as the drummer in the trio of groundbreaking jazz organist Jimmy Smith. My sister, Brenda, sang with the hit making, disco era group Crème D'Cocoa. My brother, Morris III , never practiced a day in his life yet can write, sing, and play any instument. Even my mom Vera has a wonderful singing voice although she never pursued music as a career.
And then there's a great family music mystery. Once when my dad and uncle Donald were young, they were in the house playing and my grandfather, Morris Sr., came downstairs, grabbed the drumsticks from Uncle Donald and played the drums so well no one could believe it. Even after doing so, however, he never talked about how or why he could play the drums so no one ever knew. After he passed away, while going through his things, the family found a professional 8x10 black and white photo of him sitting at the drumset with his na.....
