(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — Burbank, CA — Bassist, producer and philanthropist Kevin Brandon, better known as Brandino, celebrated his 72nd birthday with a gathering of musicians, friends and longtime colleagues at BJ’s in Burbank.
The party was held Sept. 13th, three days before Brandino’s birthday on Sept. 16th. Brandino shares a birthday with blues legend B.B. King.
The event saw veteran musicians from Motown, jazz, rock and soul, reflecting on Brandino’s more than five decades in the music industry. Among those attending were Motown drummer Quentin Dennard; Larry Ball, a Chicago bassist and composer who worked with Smokey Robinson; Professor Harvey Estrada of Compton College; bassist Hilliard Wilson; and Rick Taub of 7th Grand, who previously booked Brandino at the club and the Biltmore Hotel.
Brandino’s sister, Cheryl, helped keep the celebration moving as guests arrived throughout the day.
Catch Brandino in Las Vegas on Saturday October 31st with Robby Krieger and the Soul Savages at the Copa Room with Franklin Vanderbilt on drums and Ed Roth on keyboards.
A nine-time Grammy winner and three-time Emmy winner, Brandino has worked with artists including Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, Barry White, Paul Simon, OutKast, Justin Timberlake and Mary J. Blige. He also spent 22 years as Aretha Franklin’s touring bassist.
Born in Compton with club feet and a displaced hip, Brandino began playing bass at age 9 after initially wanting to become a drummer. His career later took him from local big-band performances to New York, television, recording studios and international tours.
In addition to his music career, Brandino founded the nonprofit You Can Do It If You Try, which brings music programs to underprivileged, disabled and develop mentally challenged children.
The Burbank birthday gathering offered a relaxed tribute to a musician whose work has earned major industry honors while remaining largely behind the scenes.
“It was a lovely day in Burbank,” Brandino said.
We look forward to next years party!
