Michael Wycoff

Michael Wycoff (January 1, 1956 – March 13, 2019)[1] was an American R&B singer. He scored several hits on the US R&B chart during the 1980s.

Michael Wycoff
Birth nameMichael Wycoff
Born(1956-01-01)January 1, 1956[1]
Torrance, California
OriginLos Angeles, California
DiedMarch 13, 2019(2019-03-13) (aged 63)[2][1]
GenresSoul
Funk
R&B
Occupation(s)Singer
Years active1976–2019
LabelsRCA Records

Biography

Wycoff attended Wilmington Junior High School and Phineas Banning High School in Wilmington, Los Angeles, California.[3] Wycoff played keyboards and sang in the school's talent shows.[1]

Wycoff sang backup on Stevie Wonder's album Songs in the Key of Life. He signed a solo contract with RCA and released three albums between 1981 and 1983, scoring a few hit singles on the U.S. R&B charts. His second album, Love Conquers All, included the song, "Looking Up to You," that was sampled by the 1990s R&B group Zhané on their hit song, "Hey Mr. D.J." in 1993.[3]

Wycoff succumbed to an addiction to drugs and alcohol.[1][3] His addiction ultimately caused him the loss of his career, his home and his family, and Wycoff ended up homeless.[1] At the bottom, he found his way back through his faith,[1] beating his habit and ultimately becoming Minister of Music at several Los Angeles area churches.[1][3]

His oldest son is a DJ, who, in May 2013, released his own album titled A Boy and His Toys under the name DJ Michael Wycoff.[4]

Discography

Albums
Year Album Label US R&B
1980 Come to My World RCA Records —
1982 Love Conquers All 54
1983 On the Line 54

Singles
Year Single Peak chart positions
UK
[5]		 US R&B
[6]
1980 "Feel My Love" — 43
1981 "One Alone" — 52
1982 "Looking Up to You" — 47
"Still Got the Magic (Sweet Delight)" — 64
1983 "Tell Me Love" 60 23
"There's No Easy Way" — 83
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

References
  1. "Michael Wycoff Soulwalking Page". Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  2. "Michael Wycoff Dies..." Soul and Jazz and Funk. March 15, 2019. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
  3. "Biography by Andy Kellman". Allmusic. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  4. A Boy and His Toys. Retrieved November 5, 2013
  5. "MICHAEL WYCOFF - full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  6. "Michael Wycoff Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography". Music VF. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
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