Born in Chicago, IL, on July 19, 1941, Phil Upchurch is a prolific guitarist equally comfortable playing blues, soul, R&B, and jazz, Upchurch has been a prominent figure in Chicago music circles since the mid-'50s.

He initially did freelance sessions with such musicians as Jerry Butler before becoming house guitarist for Chess. Upchurch's sensitive, often funky chording, riffs, and licks were heard on numerous releases by such artists as the Dells, Howlin' Wolf, Gene Chandler, and Muddy Waters. He frequently teamed with drummer Maurice White, who later headed Earth, Wind & Fire.

In the early '60s he formed the Phil Upchurch Combo and had a hit with the instrumental "You Can't Sit Down" in 1961. They did some follow-up singles, but none equaled the initial record's success. Upchurch did several soul-jazz and funk dates for such labels as Sue and Cadet in the mid- and late '60s.

He signed with Blue Thumb in the '70s and split his time between sessions with the Crusaders and Ben Sidran and making his own albums. Tommy LiPuma produced 'Darkness, Darkness' and 'Lovin' Feelin'' in 1972 and 1973. Upchurch did one LP for Creed Taylor's Kudu label in 1975, 'Upchurch/Tennyson,' with pianist/vocalist Tennyson Stephens. Well known are his long time collaboration with crossover guitarist George Benson playing rhythm guitar parts and bass in most of his late 70s Warner Bros albums. 

Phil Upchurch returned to studio work, but recorded as a leader for Palladin in 1985, Ichiban in 1991, and Ridgetop in 1995 and 1997. He remains active as a session musician and bandleader, returning in 1999 with Rhapsody & Blues. Tell the Truth appeared in spring 2001.

—Ron Wynn (All Music Guide)