SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. The Velvet Note is pleased to welcome Wali Ali for his first performance on our stage!  Wali Ali grew up in Nebraska, but joined Motown at age 17 and recorded, toured, and wrote for the top acts.

Wali was lead Guitarist The Temptations, Eddie Kendricks, Teena Marie, Rick James & Patrice Rushen just to name a few. Wali Ali has toured as guitarist with Marvin Gaye, The Jacksons. Aretha Franklin, and the Undisputed Truth. During his tenure as musical director of the world famous “Cotton Club”, Wali was dubbed the “Minister of Music”.

In the late 70s he recorded few songs for Jobete Music Co under the direction of  Brian Holland & Edward Holland Jr. One of them is entitled “(Oh I) need your loving” and is included on the album “Yesterday, Today, Forever” which was released on Jobette Music Co in 1980.

He played guitar for Marvin Gaye on the album released in 1978. He sang as a backing vocalist for Norman Connors on the album Invitation in 1979. Also he sang together with Patrice Rushen on the song “Never Gonna Give You Up (Won’t Let You Be)“ included on her Posh album from 1980.

The same year Lamont Dozier formed the soul group Zingara. Lamont Dozier found a trio of singers, James Ingram , Lady Bianca and Wali Ali. About Wali, 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.