Written by Joel Semper Brockman
The George Semper Music Archives represents the collective works of the late George Semper
(b. 1.1.1942 t. 1.9.2009) who needs little introduction to soul and funk fans. The Trinidadian-American multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, publisher and label owner from San Diego. Amongst his achievemnts, Semper is considered a Hammond B3 Hero innovator of the jazz organ, Godfather of Bay Area Funk and influencing the early days of hip-hop notably sampled by Cypress Hill on their classic ‘Insane In The Brain’. George’s talent led him to collaborate with Legendary labels and artists including Mary Love, Jimmy Smith, Merry Clayton, Isaac Hayes, Al McKay, Joe Tex, Johnny Taylor, Swamp Dogg, Brenton Wood, and Donny Hathaway. His 1966 LP Makin’ Waves is considered a Hammond organ essential and his 1977 production The Perfect Circle a cornerstone of Bay Area Funk. As a record label executive, he founded record labels Inner City Records, Inner City Attractions, Parlour Records and was an executive at MoJo Records and Liberty. As a Publisher he founded Sybil Music, Music Forever, Showtime Music.
George Semper’s professional career began in 1958 as leader of “The Kingsmen” a San Diego, California rock and soul group which released “Monster Walk” George co-wrote with the Legendary H.B. Barnum in 1963. The following year Semper penned several recorded songs including “Better Wach Out Boy” by The Accents Featuring Sandi. Throughout the mid 1960s Semper worked with legendary labels Chess and Imperial Records as a member and producer of The Imperialites and The Chessmen. During this time he was also a Partner in two successful San Diego nightclubs “Jazzville” and “Semper’s Market Street East”. His club’s featured artists including Ramsey Lewis, Cannonball Adderley, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, The Temptations, Ottis Redding, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Ike & Tina Turner, Dave Brubeck and others. Notably, Semper gave a young Frank Zappa his first professional gig opening for Little Richard in 1965!
Semper’s first solo hit came in 1966 recording his most widely known album “Makin Waves” with Imperial Records. His abilities as a musician, writer, and arranger, producer led to a varied performance and studio career throughout the 1960s and all the way through the 2000s and 120 record releases. He performed diverse venues such as Carnegie Hall with Billy Preston, The Monterey Jazz Festival Orchestra with Gil Fuller and James Moody, and Wattstax. Semper was AR and musical director for the Total Experience club and studios, MoJo and Imperial record labels, and artist Brenton Wood. George Semper’s Legacy is survived by his 3 children, five grandchildren, worldwide fans, and the contribution he made to the global urban music we enjoy today!
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