Del Atkins, bassist and composer, brings to music the heart and soul that gives it life.
As a student at Locke High school, Del took advantage of the rich music programs, which
encompassed the study of harmony, arranging and jazz concert performance. This began his
musical journey. Del’s foundation became stronger under the guidance of Reggie Andrews, Don
Dustin and Frank Harris. While at Los Angeles City College he performed with other up and
coming talented artists such as big band leader Leslie Drayton and Gerald Albright. Through
this jazz and improvisational exposure, Del began performing at the Playboy Jazz Festivals with
Latin artist Willie Bobo.
European tours with Lou Rawls and Les McCann were the next phase for Del. His experience
grew from these associations and progressed to the recording studio. Included in his feature film
soundtrack recording credits are Another 48 Hours, Panther, and Fear of the Black Hat. Del
Atkins’ journey continues with his recording and touring work with Dr. Dre, Ricky Jones and
Patrice Rushen. Artists who have recorded his compositions include Norman Connors “Easy
Living” Motown, and Ron Brown “From My Eyes Only,” Sire Records
Del had his music featured in a documentary on TV ONE entitled, “MLK - A Dream Deferred.”
He was also nominated for a Dove Award for co-producing 2 songs on Patti Labelle’s “The
Gospel According To Patti Labelle.” He worked with Dallas Austin Music directing a PBS
special produced by History Makers and was Musical Director for the Northwest African
American Museum tribute to Quincy Jones, in Seattle, Washington, featuring Carlos Santana,
James Ingram, and Siedah Garrett.
Del also scored a movie, now on DVD entitled “Divine Intervention” staring, James Avery, and
he played bass on a sound track score for a movie staring Samuel Jackson, and Bernie Mac
entitled “Soul Men.” He was also Musical Director and Conductor for a Moulin Rouge show
written by Debbie Allen.
Del served as Music Director for James Ingram for 10 years, Del also plays bass with the Pointer
Sisters in between gigs. He has toured Japan with jazz-fusion drummer Simon Phillips and is
heard on the latest release from Stix Hooper entitled, “Orchestrally Speaking.” Del is presently
recording and performing live with, Jesse Johnson, Greg Adams and East Bay Soul, The Yuko
Mabuchi Trio, Suren Arustamyan. Keeping his heart close to home, Del has a B.A. in Digital
Media Arts, Music Technology from California State University Dominguez Hills, and a
master’s degree in Music Industry Administration from California State University Northridge.Del Atkins - Guest on The Back Beat with Eric McKain. Del Atkins is one of the smoothest Bass Player in the industry. Del played on America's Got Talent as a studio musican, and he his some amazing stories. Set your calendar to this podcast, it's awesome.
They will take you on a journey and share some behind the scenes stories with you, so buckle in. Join your host Eric McCain, along with co-host Lee Moore, as they unveil secrets and celebrate the unsung heroes that bring your favorite musical moments to life. In this teaser episode, Eric and Lee introduce you to some of the incredible personalities who shape the music we love, featuring special guest appearances and authentic narratives that will leave you thirsty for more.
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