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.
In the Night-time
Michael Henderson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just seems kind of funny,
That every time it's sunny,
Can't get along with my honey.
Woo, woo, woo, woo
But in the night time,
It always comes out right.
In the night time,
Joggin'
I can't keep up with you,
In the park I missed you,
But you better not try it again.
Ohh, ohh, cause in the night time,
It always comes out right.
In the night time,
It always comes out right.
I'm not tryin' to say,
That I don't fly in the daytime,
But the going gets better for me.
In the night time.
With the phone always ringing,
Radio singing,
I just want to satisfy you.
Hey baby, is it? (Oooh, just too much)
I know it; hey, hey, hey, hey
In; baby,
It always comes out right,
Hey baby, in the might time,
It always comes out right,
Come on, come on, come on, ohhhh.
Oh, baby
Hey, in the night time,
It always comes out right.
In the night time,
And it always comes out right.
I'm not tryin' to say,
That I don't fly in the daytime,
But the going gets better for me,
In the night time.
I'm not tryin' to say,
That I'm not happy in the daytime,
But the going gets better for me,
In the night time.
Give me a chance to put my best stuff on,
Get ready, baby don't take too long,
Cause I, I want to be with you,
In the night time.
I'm not tryin' to say,
That I'm not happy in the daytime,
But the going gets better for me,
In the night time.
end
The lyrics to Michael Henderson's song "In the Night-Time" convey a sense of longing and desire for the nighttime. The singer talks about the difficulties he faces with his partner during the day ("every time it's sunny, can't get along with my honey"), but finds solace and resolution in the nighttime, repeating the mantra "in the night time, it always comes out right." The singer seems to suggest that the nighttime is a magical time where problems are resolved and relationships are strengthened.
In addition to romantic relationships, the song also talks about the singer's personal life. He talks about jogging and being unable to keep up with someone, but in the end, finding success in the nighttime. He also refers to the phone ringing and the radio singing, suggesting that the nighttime is a time of activity and excitement.
Overall, the lyrics of "In the Night-Time" suggest that the nighttime is a time of possibility and resolution, whether it be in personal matters or relationships. The singer finds comfort and confidence in the nighttime and encourages his partner to join him in this realm.
Line by Line Meaning
Funny,
It's strange to me
Just seems kind of funny,
I find it curious
That every time it's sunny,
When it's a beautiful day
Can't get along with my honey.
I have conflicts with my partner
Woo, woo, woo, woo
Expressing vocal excitement
But in the night time,
During the nighttime
It always comes out right.
Things work out well
Joggin'
Exercising through running
I can't keep up with you,
I can't match your pace
In the park I missed you,
I lost sight of you while we were in the park
But you better not try it again.
Don't do that again
Ohh, ohh, cause in the night time,
During the nighttime
It always comes out right.
Things work out well
I'm not tryin' to say,
I don't mean to imply
That I don't fly in the daytime,
I don't enjoy the daytime
But the going gets better for me.
But things improve for me
With the phone always ringing,
The phone never stops ringing
Radio singing,
The radio is playing music
I just want to satisfy you.
I want to please you
Hey baby, is it? (Oooh, just too much)
Intimate conversation
I know it; hey, hey, hey, hey
I understand
In; baby,
During
It always comes out right,
Things work out well
Hey baby, in the might time,
During the nighttime
It always comes out right,
Things work out well
Come on, come on, come on, ohhhh.
Encouraging action
Oh, baby
Ooh, my love
Hey, in the night time,
During the nighttime
It always comes out right.
Things work out well
And it always comes out right.
Things consistently go well
Give me a chance to put my best stuff on,
Allow me to prepare myself
Get ready, baby don't take too long,
Prepare yourself quickly
Cause I, I want to be with you,
Because I desire to be with you
In the night time.
During the nighttime
I'm not tryin' to say,
I don't mean to imply
That I'm not happy in the daytime,
I can still enjoy the daytime
But the going gets better for me,
But things improve for me
In the night time.
During the nighttime
Writer(s): Michael Henderson, Sylvester Rivers
Contributed by Adam Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Karen Sanford
RIP, Michael Henderson!! 😢 Your music will live on forever! ❤
Lawan Walls
Rip one of my best.
Hibiscus7
Rest Michael and continue singing them jams
Barry Payton
As soon as that intro rolls in, the biggest smile on my face lights up. Brings back great childhood memories with this ultra classic. Riding around in a 76 Gran Prix through the city looking at Afros wearing bright colors everywhere. I wish there was something more than the thumbs up press button.
Debra Carr
Those were the best times .
Michael Perry
I grew up listening to Michael Henderson and to listen to it now makes you wish you could reverse time and go back and hold on to those days and moments!!!!! Priceless!!!!!!!!
Laurie McLemore
Micheal Henderson has always been one of my favorites...takes me straight back to them good ole old school days !!!!
Anthony Harrison
Amen brother I also grew up listening to Michael Henderson in the 1970s and those were the best times of my life ❤️
Nicole Dorsey
He passed away yesterday
Cynthia Sanford
Amen!!!!!