Dwight Watkins

DWIGHT W. WATKINS

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At an early age, Dwight's parents enrolled him into fine schools with outstanding music teachers in Charlotte, N.C., for both private lessons and group studies. To them he credits much of his success.

One of his first musical experiences was at age 5, as a member of his 'Kindergarten Rhythm Band'. It was there that he began to develop an interest in melodies, harmonies and the 'World of Music'. He began studying music theory with private piano lessons at age 7. In 5th grade, he joined his school band and learned to play the trumpet. As a teenager, he taught himself how to play the guitar. During high school years, his focus was on playing trumpet, french horn and timpani/ percussion, where he was an award-winning member in Orchestra and Concert Bands. While on a college scholarship for trumpet, he taught himself how to play the Electric Bass, where he was awarded a position playing in Jazz Band. To date, playing bass and singing have become an integral part of his professional career.

His performances include: Playing Drums and Percussion, Piano/ Keyboards, Brasswinds, Guitar, Bass, Singing, Directing and Conducting on recordings and in concerts. He has had the pleasure to perform before Presidents and dignitaries around the world in several countries on six continents.

He is thankful for the wealth of information and knowledge on which he continues to build, sharing with others through teaching and performing.

Working as Conductor, Musical Director, Performer, Vocalist, Producer, Writer and Arranger for more than thirty years, Dwight has shared stages and recording studios with a number of remarkably talented recording artists, musicians and singers including:

 

Oleta Adams                  Roberta Flack**                 Percy Sledge               James Ingram                Candi Staton**                   Lenny Williams              Jeffrey Osbourne           Syndicate Band**              Sunday Night Affair**      En Vogue                       Aurturo Sandaval               Rhonda Ross               Stevie Wonder               Denise Williams                 Celine Dion

Chante Moore                Irene Cara                         Luther Vandross**     Melissa Manchester       Peabo Bryson**                Debra Cox                     Dionne Warwick             Dee Dee Sharp                 Jimmy Ruffin                 Pattie Austin                   Jasmine Guy**                  Allison Williams             SWV**                            Temptations Revue            Kenny G

The Emotions                 Sheena Easton                 Spencer Day             Kim Weston                    Genobia Jeter**                Abbey Lincoln               Regina Belle                   Leonard Julien                  Aretha Franklin             Archie Bell                      Freda Payne                      Ernest Jackson             Luther Barnes**              Natalie Cole                      Johnny Gill

Jon Secada                    Ruben Studdard                Don DeGrate**         Michael McDonald          The Tymes                         Bill Medley                     Ashford and Simpson     Bonnie Tyler                       Willie Sherman** George Duke                  Martha Reeves                  Taylor Dane                   Jodie Watley                   Paul Jackson, Jr.**             Dominick Allen

Jennifer Holiday             Jim Warner, Jr.**                 Christopher Cross         CeCe Winans                 Maxi Priest                         Aaron Neville                 Marilyn McCoo               Billy Davis, Jr.                    Stephanie Mills        Lea Salonga                   BeBe Winans                     The Jones Girls           Brenda Russell               Dave Coz                           Brenda Holloway

William Bell                     David Guest                       Arlington Jones         Keizo Nakanishi              O C Smith                          Geoff McBride**           Hubert Laws**                 Ben Vereen                        Lonnie Liston Smith   Billy Paul                         Eddie Holman                    Dorothy Moore           Edwin Hawkins               Eddie Floyd                        Lamont Dozier

**Recording

 

DWWatkins@hotmail.com           DwightWatkinsMusic@gmail.com             Instagram@DwightWWatkins      LinkedIn@DwightWatkins                  Pres./ International Performers, Inc.   dwightwatkins.com   

     

 †† Lifetime member 'American Federation of Musicians' (AFofM)            

 

 From 2019 to the present, Dwight has been focusing on writing, arranging and recording various genres of music.

 

 ** Recording credits include playing, producing and singing: Soundtrack to "Bustin Loose" Movie, Born To Love

w/ Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson, We're The Best Of Friends w/ Natalie Cole & Peabo Bryson, Straight From

The Heart, I Am Love, Crosswinds, Paradise, Positive, Don't Play With Fire, Can You Stop The Rain, All My

Love, Unconditional Love, Really Love, Through The Fire, & Quiet Storm w/ Peabo Bryson, Do You Still

Remember Love w/ Geoff McBride, New Beginnings w/ SWV, You Can Make It w / Sherman, Perfect Love Affair

w/ Constellation Orchestra, Nashville Ain't All Country w/ The Syndicate Band.  Various Television Appearances.