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Last Updated: Mar 10, 2017 - 7:43:27 PM |
Legendary Bahamian musician King Errisson has recently written a book
about his life from childhood in The Bahamas and his climb to fame as a
world renowned percussionist. His book “My Life, My Loves” tells the
story of his early years of growing up in the beautiful Bahama islands
and knowing that one day he would be somebody. His grandmother knew he
was special and she called him “King.” He is known worldwide as an
illustrious percussionist, composer and actor.
Studio musician King Errisson has led quite an interesting life since
his introduction to the entertainment industry. He was born October 29,
1941 in Nassau, Bahamas. Between the ages of 13 and 18, he was a
professional jockey and a session drummer for local bands in his native
Bahamas.
He left Nassau for drama studies in Canada, formed a jazz band in New
York City, and spent a year performing in a Bermuda club where he met
Redd Foxx who invited King to appear at his place in Los Angeles. Sammy
Davis Jr. asked King to appear on the Hollywood Palace, and Cannonball
Adderly became his mentor in the recording studio.
In 1968, he moved to Los Angeles to become an actor, a career he
successfully maneuvered as he appeared in a variety of films and TV
shows. King received his first “big break” at the age of 23 when his
talent with the congas was prominently displayed in a memorable night
club scene in the James Bond thriller Thunderball. He also starred in
the Abe Vigoda series Fish.
While in Los Angeles, he met saxophonist Julian Adderly, and the two
bonded strongly, eventually recording several albums together.
As a session musician, King has worked with a very diverse group of
artists representing a wide variety of musical styles. King has been
praised as “the unsung hero behind Motown” by Ray Singleton in her book
Berry, Me, and Motown as well as by Berry Gordy in his book To Be Loved
for his work with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, The
Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, the Jackson Five, and
many others. He has also worked with Herb Alpert, John Klemmer, Doc
Severinsen, Ringo Starr, Blood Sweat & Tears, Jim Stafford, Swamp
Dogg, Barbra Streisand, David Cassidy, Bobby Darin, Nancy Wilson, Johnny
Mathis, OC Smith, Lou Rawles, Hodges James and Smith, Mickey Stevenson,
Barry White and The Carpenters.
Between tours, he recorded a few solo albums and managed to appear in a
few more films, most notably The Jazz Singer and Tap. He started a
fishing resort in The Bahamas while he continued to live outside of Las
Vegas to do session work. Errisson also joined Neil Diamond’s band
around this time, appearing on most of Diamond’s recordings from the
80s. He recorded one more solo album, 1993’s Man, before returning to
session work and on again/off again appearances with Diamond.
King Errisson will be leaving April 7, 2017 with Neil Diamond for his 50 year Anniversary World Tour to 39 concerts in North American arenas, appearing in major cities and ending the tour on October 5, 2017 in the United Kingdom.
CLICK HERE to purchase autobiography from Amazon.
CLICK HERE to visit King Errisson’s iTunes page.
CLICK HERE for King Errisson’s website.
CLICK HERE to read article on King in the Las Vegas Informer.
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
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