Michael Watford

Born in Virginia where he spent his early years, Michael Watford later established himself as a Newark, New Jersey garage artist noted for his refined approach. His distinctive, soulful baritone featured on several successful releases after the debut single Holdin' On appeared on EastWest. As a child he staged song-and-dance routines with his siblings to entertain his parents. At age five he became a member of the gospel group the Disciples of Truth. In 1987 he aligned with the New Jersey production team Smack Music run by Michael and Debbie Cameron, the same outfit that had supported Adeva. His reserved and nearly reticent temperament delayed his arrival at the forefront. The recording "Holdin' On" supplied the decisive impetus. First included on the 1992 Atlantic Records compilation Underground Dance Volume 1, the track soon attracted attention from club DJs. The Smack team handled his debut album with assistance from producer John Robinson. That collection contained the successful singles "Luv 4-2" and "So into You," confirming his appeal to club audiences and soul listeners alike while he retained his deep religious beliefs. Michael Watford died on January 26, 2024, at the age of 64.