Phil Upchurch

Phil Upchurch was a teenager when he joined the solid studio musicians at Chess Records in Chicago. The seasoned veterans took Phil under their wings, showed him the ropes, and embraced the unique style he brought to the studio’s distinctive sound. He later played on hundreds of recordings for artists including Quincy Jones, Donny Hathaway, and Curtis Mayfield. Phil also landed his own instrumental hit with his band, “You Can’t Sit Down.” In addition to his extensive studio work, Phil helped design a signature D’Angelico-style guitar, which he often played during recordings and live performances. His innovative playing, versatility, and tone deeply influenced generations of musicians, inspiring countless guitarists who admired his approach and sought to emulate his sound.