With deep, funky grooves and a pop sensibility, Henderson was one of the first notable bassists of the fusion era as well as being one of the most influential jazz and soul musicians of the past 40 years. In addition to Miles, he has played and recorded with Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, the Dramatics, Doctor John, and others. He is considered to be one of the three greatest motown bassists, along with Bob Babbitt and his primary influence, James Jamerson.
Before working with Miles, Henderson had been touring with Stevie Wonder, whom he met at the Regal in Chicago while warming up for a gig. Miles Davis saw the young Henderson performing at the Copacabana (nightclub) in New York in early 1970 and reportedly said to Wonder simply "I'm takin' your fuckin' bass player."
After almost seven years with Miles, Henderson focused on songwriting and singing in a solo career that produced multiple hit songs and albums for Arista Records until his retirement in 1986. Although known primarily for ballads, he was an influential funk player whose riffs and songs have been widely covered.
In a resurgence in popularity, many of his bass riffs have been imitated by players seeking the fat, deep grooves of the Motown sound. His bass riffs, from such hits as "Valentine Love" and "You are my Starship," have been sampled by the likes of Snoop Dogg and L.L. Cool J, and his songs have been covered by Rick James, Wayman Tisdale, and Sugar Ray, and many more!
He continued to play shows intermittently with classic Michael Henderson music such as the very funky "WIDE RECEIVER" "GEEK YOU UP" "YOU ARE MY STARSHIP" "VALENTINE LOVE" "BE MY GIRL" LET ME LOVE YOU" the famous duets IE., Roberta Flack, "AT THE CONCERT" "Phyllis Hyman "CAN'T WE FALL IN LOVE AGAIN" Rena Scott "TAKE ME, I'M YOURS" Jean Carne on "VALENTINE LOVE" and additional tracks ranging from great Bass Instrumentals to Sexy Ballads to the very Funky.
Am I Special
Michael Henderson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the one you say, never your mind
I want to be am i special to you
Oooooooooh baby i want to be special to you
Its been years since we made a vow
If the same it so different now
Oooooooooh baby i want to be special to you
Do you baby
Say you want me baby, say it, say it(3xl
Kiss me right now and say to me
What you said last night endlessly
I want to be am i special to
You, i just like to hear it sometimes
I want to be, i want to be special to you
The lyrics of Michael Henderson's song Am I Special directly talk about the insecurities in a relationship, where one feels neglected by the other. The opening lines explain how the person has forgotten to devote time to their partner, and instead, they don't care about them. The singer then expresses their desire to feel special to their partner, as they did before. They reminisce about the time when they had made a vow to each other, and how things have changed so much since then. The singer wants to know if they are still important to their partner, even if it's just something they like to hear sometimes.
The song is a reflection of the challenges faced in a relationship, how things can change over time, and how important communication and reassurance are in building and maintaining a bond between two people. It portrays the singer's vulnerability and the need for affirmation, as they ask their partner to express their love and commitment openly. Overall, the lyrics of “Am I Special” are a testimony to how love can be fragile and how it takes effort and understanding to make it last.
Line by Line Meaning
You forgot, how to give your time
You have lost the ability to prioritize your time for me
To the one you say, never your mind
To the person you claim you are never thinking about
I want to be am i special to you
I need to know if I hold a special place in your heart
Oooooooooh baby i want to be special to you
Oh darling, I desire to be your one and only
Its been years since we made a vow
It has been a long time since we promised each other something
If the same, it's so different now
Even though things appear to be the same, they are so different now
Do you baby
Can you confirm for me
Say you want me baby, say it, say it (3x)
Tell me that you want me, express it verbally three times
Kiss me right now and say to me
Embrace me with a kiss and tell me
What you said last night endlessly
The words you spoke to me last night, repeatedly
I want to be am i special to you
I can't help but ask if you think I am special to you
You, I just like to hear it sometimes
I don't mind hearing it from time to time, especially from you
I want to be, I want to be special to you
All I want is to hold a special place in your heart
Writer(s): MICHAEL HENDERSON
Contributed by Abigail V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@victorialevy3928
This is Victoria Levy and I always ask myself am I special to the man I love. But then again, if I have to ask, I have my answer. Good thing I'm in a city of over three million people. Someone somewhere will appreciate me and realize I'm special. Enough said. Love the song, his singing and the lyrics.
@fireanddesire804
So True! 👍
@kevinglass3626
Bad to the bone! 🎶 Saw Mike back 78' open for Natalie Cole. Didn't want to go the concert. with my sister & cousin, they had to talk me into going, but it. would have been biggest mistake of my music loving life. Mike killed it along with Natalie and Ashford & Simpson! All three shined like diamonds! 💎 🎶
@fireanddesire804
Micheal Henderson will be missed! He Was So Awesome 👌 💞
@ronnyp6934
Yes a great sadness R.I.P. Michael and thank you for the great music...♥
@algenoclemons9848
Michael Henderson....there is no other
@poenagowaseb7346
This is a smooth jam,thank you brother.
@DJSoul832
You welcome Poena Gowaseb.
@FM_MARCIANO
VERY GOOD
@tratikowimbush745
Just one of those songs TT