Chuckii Booker

Chuckii Booker built a strong reputation in urban contemporary circles through his work as an instrumentalist, bandleader, songwriter, and stage performer. Raised in Los Angeles, he mastered guitar and drums before turning 15, though graphic design initially drew more of his attention than music. In 1984 his godfather Barry White placed him under contract with White’s own production company, yet Booker departed when the label declined to release an album he had completed. He next spent three years handling keyboards for the group Tease. Those years led to production assignments for C.J. Anthony, White, Geoffrey Williams, and Lalah Hathaway that established his name behind the boards. He contributed instrumental tracks to sessions with Vanessa Williams, Troop, and Kool & the Gang, and served as musical director for Janet Jackson throughout the Rhythm Nation tour. Atlantic later issued his solo recordings, among them the 1992 album Niice 'n Wiild.