Lead Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter and Recording Producer, who hails from Omaha Nebraska U.S.A.
At the age of 11 played his first professional concert at a place called Allen’s Showcase where the local talent was showcased every Sunday. At the Age of 17 in 1971 landed a Gig with Motown working with the Funk Brothers Earl Van Dyke Robert White, Pistol Pete, and James Jamerson and the Famous producer Norman Whitfield, producer of Temptations, Gladys Knight, Edwin Starr, And the Undisputed Truth. He is a Studio musician and innovator. While musicians sat in the studio all day Wali, came up with a plan to what was called in the Industry (Over Dub) this proved to be very lucrative and time saving. In 1977 Wali began touring with Marvin Gaye and is Featured on Marvin Gaye Here My Dear Album. In 1978 along with working with Marvin Wali also toured with Aretha Franklin and the Undisputed Truth.
In the late 70s he recorded few songs for Jobete Music Co under the direction of Brian Holland & Edward Holland Jr. two of them is entitled ” We’re Almost There” and “(Oh I) need your loving” and is included on the album “Yesterday, Today, Forever” which was released on Jobette Music Co in 1980.
In 1980 Wali did a 30 City tour with Patrice Rushen and 1981 Trinidadian tour with Gladys Knight. Wali also Penned a song for Gladys titled “Love was Made for Two” featured on Gladys Knight’s Touch Album.
As lead guitarist, Wali Ali helped to bring you such hits as the Temptations’ “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” / “Treat Her Like A Lady” / “Truly For You” and Continued; Eddie Kendrick’s “Keeping On Truckin” Teena Marie’s “Da Ja Vous(Been Here Before)” / “Irons In The Fire”and “Wild And Peaceful”and Rick James’ “Bustin’ Out Of L Seven”. Wali has also worked with such greats as, George Benson, Patrice Rushen, Norman Conners, The Crusaders, and the late Sammy Davis Jr.. Wali Ali was privileged to have worked as the musical director for Patty La Bell’s Chaz La Belle night club.
Wali realizes that prayer, talent, hard work, and consistency have a role “To the extend good is promoted in the media, it will reflect the behavior of the people?”. stated, a serious, Wali Ali. No one knew that such goals and aspirations burned so intense in such a young man.
In 1981 Lamont Dozier found a trio of singers, James Ingram,Lady Bianca and Wali Ali and name them Zingara. Lamont Dozier explains: “He was better known around the LA session circuit for his guitar playing than his singing. But he is a fantastic singer, so underrated when you think how feted he is for his guitar work. Zingara recorded one of the best sweet modern soul albums ever on Wheel Records.
Wali Ali sang for Zingara two songs, entitled “Gypsy heart” and the ballad “For all of my life” and “background vocals on “Loves Calling”
In 1981, Wali Ali established D-West Records making his dreams come true.
The name D-West Records, was inspired by that blessing of working with such legends. In Imam W.D. Mohammed. The first single to be gaining this experience, Wali is known as master released by the company was Images, which guitarist. During his tenure as musical director produced 10,000 copies of the world famous Cotton Club, Wali was dubbed, the “Minister of Music”.
Having the ability to create, produce, and perform truly frees Wali Ali to continue the
“NEW” direction in music.