Dennis Coffey is an American guitarist, composer, and producer who has been an influential figure in the Detroit music scene for more than fifty years. Born in Detroit in 1943, Coffey began playing guitar in his early teens and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Throughout his career, Coffey has played with a number of prominent musicians, including Motown session players, and has released numerous solo albums.
Coffey began performing professionally in the mid-1960s, playing soul and funk with a number of local bands in Detroit. He first gained recognition in 1968 when he recorded the instrumental single "Scorpio" with the Funk Brothers. This track became a hit and Coffey became an established session guitarist. His subsequent recordings with the Funk Brothers and other Motown artists, including Diana Ross and the Supremes, earned him a reputation as one of the most sought-after session guitarists in the industry.
In the 1970s, Coffey began to focus more on his solo career and released his debut album, Electric Coffey, in 1972. This album featured his signature funk and soul-infused guitar playing and showcased his unique style. Over the course of the decade, he released a number of albums, including the critically-acclaimed Goin' for Myself (1975) and Finger Lickin' Good (1977). Throughout the 1970s, Coffey collaborated with numerous other artists, including George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, and The Temptations.
In the 1980s, Coffey continued to record as a solo artist and released several albums, including Evolution (1984) and No Filter (1987). He also produced albums for other artists, including Was (Not Was)'s What Up, Dog? (1988) and the self-titled debut album of the band Big Chief (1989).
Throughout his career, Coffey has been recognized for his influential guitar playing. He has been inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame and has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Detroit Music Awards. He is also a member of Detroit's Motor City Music Foundation.
Dennis Coffey's impressive career has spanned more than five decades and has earned him a place in the pantheon of Detroit music greats. His unique style of guitar playing and production has had a major influence on the music of Detroit and beyond. He continues to perform and record and is an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere.
