Dexter Wansel Story Podcast Funk Funky Pearls Radio

Dexter Gilman Wansel (born August 22, 1950) is an American R&B and jazz fusion singer, as well as an arranger, musician, composer, conductor, synthesizer programmer, and artistic director.

Early Life:Dexter Wansel began his career as a runner at the Uptown Theater in Philadelphia (1959-1963), where he met many influential artists. He played in bands with Stanley Clarke during his high school years. In 1970, after his military service, Wansel worked with synthesizers like Wendy Carlos and Dick Hyman, programming the EMS VCS 3 'Putney' and ARP 2600 at Sigma Sound Studios. In the 1970s, he played keyboards for Instant Funk, Yellow Sunshine, and MFSB.

Career:Signed by Philadelphia International Records as a songwriter/producer/arranger, he collaborated with Cynthia Biggs and other writers. He produced hits for various artists and won a Grammy for Lou Rawls' album "Unmistakably Lou" in 1977. His music has been widely sampled in hip-hop by artists such as Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Drake, and others. In 1979, Wansel was the conductor of the MFSB Orchestra and musical director for the first celebration of 'Black Music History Month' at the White House. From 1978 to 1980, he was A&R director for Philadelphia International Records. His LP "Time Is Slipping Away" (1979) produced the disco hit "(I’ll Never Forget) My Favorite Disco." In 1981, he wrote "Nights Over Egypt" for the Jones Girls. In April 2021, he signed with Digital Jukebox Records.

Influence on Jamiroquai:Jay Kay of Jamiroquai stated that Dexter Wansel's song "Life on Mars" sparked his passion for jazz and funk at the age of 14/15.

Personal Life:Dexter Wansel is the father of producer Pop Wansel and a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War. He is the author of the novel "Shortwave" (2011) and brother to author Teri Woods.

Selected Discography:

• The Jacksons – The Jacksons (1976)

• Lou Rawls – All Things in Time (1976)

• The Jacksons – Goin’ Places (1977)

• Lou Rawls – Unmistakably Lou (1977)

• Teddy Pendergrass – TP (1980)

• Patti LaBelle – The Spirit’s in It (1981)

• Grover Washington Jr. – The Best Is Yet to Come (1982)

And many other notable collaborations.

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