Biography
Though few casual fans recognize the name Louie Shelton, his guitar contributions have reached countless ears across popular music since the mid-'60s. Session work first drew him into the spotlight alongside the Monkees, where he supplied the memorable riffs that defined several of their tracks, including the cool, rapid-fire, reverb-drenched solo on "Valerie." Subsequent sessions found him laying down parts for the Jackson 5 hits "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There," Boz Scaggs' "Lowdown," and the Seals & Crofts singles "Summer Breeze" and "Diamond Girl." He also delivered the guitar solos on Lionel Richie's "Hello" and Neil Diamond's "Play Me," while appearing on recordings by Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, the Partridge Family, Art Garfunkel, and Mama Cass Elliott. In addition, Shelton produced multiple albums, most prominently those by Seals & Crofts.
The 1995 release Guitar highlighted his broad command of the instrument across many styles. Although the album carried more rock energy than most contemporary efforts, it nevertheless received airplay on smooth and contemporary jazz stations after its 1996 American release. Hot & Spicy arrived in April 1998 and came across as a more deliberate bid for that same audience. Urban Culture followed in 2000.
The 1995 release Guitar highlighted his broad command of the instrument across many styles. Although the album carried more rock energy than most contemporary efforts, it nevertheless received airplay on smooth and contemporary jazz stations after its 1996 American release. Hot & Spicy arrived in April 1998 and came across as a more deliberate bid for that same audience. Urban Culture followed in 2000.
Albums
Singles
