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.
Valentine Love
Michael Henderson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In hopes that you're still mine
And if that Valentine
Doesn't reach you, it's okay
Now it's not as bad
Like you thought it would be
Come on, baby, and take my heart
I love you still and I always will
Be yours, be yours
Yours, yours, yours
I'm so in love with you
I'm sending you this Valentine
In hopes that you're still mine
And if that Valentine
Doesn't reach you, it's okay
I can't make up your mind for you
Just have patience,
That's all you can do
I love you still and I always will
Be yours, be yours, yours
I'm on my knees
Begging you back, baby
There's nothing I won't do
If I could only hold you
In my arms again
Baby, baby, baby, baby
I'm so in love with you
There's nothing your baby won't do
If I could just (hold me)
(I'm in love)
I'm sending you this Valentine
I'm sending you this Valentine
I'm sending you this Valentine
I'm in love
Sing it, sing it, sing it, sing it, baby
Don't give up on me (don't give up on me)
I'm on your side (on your side)
There's nothing, nothing I won't do
I'm down on my knees
Begging you to stay
(Down on my knees)
Darling, please say you
Won't go away (I won't go away)
Ooh, baby (woo, baby, I'm in love)
The song "Valentine Love" by Michael Henderson is a love ballad that expresses the singer's enduring love for someone. The lyrics suggest that the singer has gone through a rough patch in their relationship, but he's hopeful that sending a card with a Valentine message will help rekindle the love. The words "I'm sending you a Valentine in hopes that you're still mine, and if that Valentine doesn't reach you, it's okay" suggests that the relationship might be in trouble, but he's willing to try to salvage it.
The singer goes on to express his deep love for the person and declares that he's willing to do anything that it takes to be with them, including getting down on his knees, begging them to come back to him. The chorus repeats the sentiment, "I love you still, and I always will. Be yours, be yours. Yours, yours, yours. I'm so in love with you."
The song's message is clear: love is worth fighting for, even if it seems like everything is falling apart. It's a passionate tribute by a person who believes in the power of love to heal even the most damaged relationships. The slow, smooth melody accompanied by the light tap of drums draws the listener into the singer's emotions and further emphasizes the song's message of undying love.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sending you a Valentine
I'm expressing my love for you on this special day
In hopes that you're still mine
Hoping that you still have feelings for me
And if that Valentine
In case this message doesn't reach you
Doesn't reach you, it's okay
It's not the end of the world
Now it's not as bad
It's not as hard as it seems
Like you thought it would be
You don't have to worry too much
Come on, baby, and take my heart
Please give me a chance to show my love
I love you still and I always will
My love for you never fades
Be yours, be yours
I want to be with you
Yours, yours, yours
Completely yours, devoted to you
I'm so in love with you
My love for you is deep and strong
I can't make up your mind for you
It's your decision to make
Just have patience,
Please take your time
That's all you can do
Trust in me and our love
I'm on my knees
I'm pleading with you
Begging you back, baby
Asking for another chance
There's nothing I won't do
I'm willing to do anything for you
If I could only hold you
I miss your touch and your presence
In my arms again
Being close to you is everything
Baby, baby, baby, baby
My love for you is all-encompassing
There's nothing your baby won't do
I'll do anything for you
If I could just (hold me)
All I want is to be close to you
(I'm in love)
I'm consumed by my feelings for you
Sing it, sing it, sing it, sing it, baby
Let's celebrate our love
Don't give up on me (don't give up on me)
Please don't give up on us
I'm on your side (on your side)
I'm here for you no matter what
I'm down on my knees
I'm begging you
Begging you to stay
Asking you to give us another chance
(Down on my knees)
I'm desperate and sincerely sorry
Darling, please say you
Please don't break my heart
Won't go away (I won't go away)
I promise to always be there for you
Ooh, baby (woo, baby, I'm in love)
My love for you is undying
Writer(s): Michael Henderson
Contributed by Lincoln B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sheilagandy2328
I wonder if Michael Henderson actually knows how beautiful this song is? My late husband has been passed away know for 3 years and I miss him dreadfully tomorrow is Valentines Day, I have every single Valentines Day Card, Christmas Card, Mothers Day Card, Birthday Card & Make Up Cards when he had our disagreements I dedicate this song to all the lovers out there. Truly while you have your significant other be loving, be kind, ladies always use those soft skills enjoy each other one day you could actually miss the time you complain about. I love this song!!!!!!!!!!
@lidakelley9690
Sorry for your loss. I also love the version with Jean Carne.
@HelenFAdams-ul6ho
I am in total agreement, with your statement.
I, too, am a widow.
May God bless you today and forever.
@richellelacy2285
Michael knows,God bless you,your hubby is always with you💕🦋
@racerx1189
God bless you. May your loved one rest in peace. You're so lucky to have had his companionship for the time you did. 🙏🏾❤️
@leffphield
❤️
@tattoogirl2860
You’ve left a legacy of wonderful music for us to enjoy. Thanks for sharing your immense talent with us. Rest In Peace, Michael Henderson.
SUNRISE: July 7, 1951
SUNSET: July 19, 2022
🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 🕊🕊🕊
@steelcurtainsteeler7795
An incredibly sad moment when I heard about Michael Henderson's passing.. his music was such a big part of my life, Fly with the Angels and RIP Sir Michael.
@demby11
This song brings me to tears. I love it so much.
@aduniubaka5563
Me too😪