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Tennyson Lee Stephens, Jr. is a pianist, vocalist, and composer whose career spans over six decades. Born in Dallas, Texas, he began exhibiting his musical gifts at the age of four, quickly becoming an accomplished accompanist for local talent shows throughout his schooling. His deep commitment to music ministry began when he spontaneously stepped in for an absent musician, leading him to become the official Minister of Music at his church.
By age seventeen, Stephens was performing at venues across the Dallas area. A pivotal moment came when he relocated to Chicago at age twenty-one, becoming a sought-after session musician whose studio work led to a significant association with the legendary Natalie Cole, who recorded his composition, “Party Lights.” He recorded a series of singles on labels like Back Beat and Aries, and recorded an album alongside Phil Upchurch in the ’70’s on the Kudu label. One of his songs, 1970’s “Don’t Rip Me Off,” was later sampled by Souls of Mischief–other songs have been sampled by Hi-Tek feat. Common and Vinia Mojica, and DJ Revolution feat. Guilty Simpson and Royce Da 5’9”.
His distinguished recording and performance credits also include collaborations with icons such as Aretha Franklin, Minnie Riperton, Nancy Wilson, Maurice White, Sonny Stitt, and Gene Ammons, alongside releasing several compositions under his own name. He subsequently moved to Honolulu, establishing a base from which he toured the world for four decades, sharing his talent globally. Now residing in Los Angeles, Tennyson, at age 83, maintains his creative momentum and remains highly productive, with new music slated for release in 2026, continuing his remarkable legacy as a powerhouse of American music.
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