Grand Bahama Island - The Bahamas Weekly brings you an exclusive in-studio interview with Deon Estus, American bassist and singer, best known as the bass player of Wham! and as George Michael's bassist on all of his subsequent projects after Wham!
Estus was born in Detroit and his bass teacher as a child was the late James Jameson of Motown fame (the Funk Brothers). Deon has played with the likes of Elton John, Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner, and Stevie Wonder, just to name a few.
Click to view the video interview (February 25, 2008) and hear Deon play a few riffs on his bass, and speak of his career and future projects...
See photos of Deon Estus' trip to Grand Bahama Island
YouTube -
Deon Estus - Heaven Help Me ( 1989 )
YouTube - George Michael - 1 2 3 (Live at "Stand By Me
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Deon was on his way to start a solo career on his own with
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Deon Estus on Wikipedia
BIO: Deon Estus epitomizes the phrase, “Born to perform!” From the time his great-grandmother gave him his first guitar at age of three, it was obvious that Deon and music was a match made in heaven. Coming from a family deeply involved with the arts, Deon’s affinity for music was first manifested in singing opera with the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra’s youth program and soon gravitated to an overwhelming passion for the bass guitar.
He quickly established himself as a local prodigy in the Detroit area and beyond, playing such venues as Motown studios, the Apollo theatre, the Grand Ole Opry, and Carnegie Hall.
Forming a band while still in his teens, Deon produced many dance hits resulting in his invitation to tour the United States as opening act for both The Whispers and the Brothers Johnson. Deon’s unique abilities soon captured the attention of singing legend Marvin Gaye. Deon and Marvin forged a powerful relationship which led to collaboration on Marvin’s “Midnight Love” album and continued through several years of European tours.
Deon’s reputation as a bass virtuoso, accomplished composer, and skilled producer created a demand for his talent by such musical luminaries as Elton John, Annie Lennox, Seal, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, George Clinton, Frank Zappa, and Tracy Spencer. Yet it was in 1982 that he paired with little-known George Michael and his band Wham!
Seemingly overnight, Wham! reached legendary status with Deon serving as musical director and bass guitarist. Highlights of the relationship include performing at MTV’s 1st Music Awards at the Berlin Wall, the Princess of Wales Concert for Hope at Wembly Arena in London, and garnering distinction as the first western group to perform and tour China.
Eventually producing his own album entitled, “Spell,” Deon’s single “Heaven Help Me,” co-written with George Michael, reached the elusive top 5 on the International Billboard charts, and his second single, “Spell” climbed to number 8.
Now residing again in the United States, this prolific writer, performer, and consummate professional is in high demand. Considered one of the top 5 bass players in the world, Deon is lending his diverse talents to such projects as scoring films, working in the studio assisting premiere artists, as well as forming his own label.
Many consider music the only true universal language. Deon Estus speaks it fluently.
Deon Estus can be reached at : deonestus@gmail.com
