Doc Powell has never wasted time getting down to business. Born into a musical family in Spring Valley, New York, he took up the guitar at age six and never looked back. Throughout his youth, his parents listened to jazz and gospel, while his brother turned him on to R&B and rock – all of which made for a rich musical backdrop to his formative years. By his teen years, he was studying guitar under the tutelage of Richie Hart, a teacher at Berklee College of Music.

Powell furthered his musical studies in music composition, guitar and piano at the University of Charleston, West Virginia. Back in New York after college, he was in demand for session work – anything and everything from television and radio commercials to movie soundtracks to live recording dates. Some of his contemporaries in this thriving studio scene included bassist and ace producer Marcus Miller, the late drummer Yogi Horton and the late pianist Kenny Kirkland. Powell attributes his versatility as a session player to his eclectic upbringing. “Being a studio musician, there was no way you could make it without being able to play different styles,” he says.

Aside from the extensive session work during this period, he also enjoyed a regular gig throughout the early and mid-‘80s at Mikell’s, the Manhattan hotspot that hosted the likes of Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers, George Benson and a host of other veterans and up-and-comers alike. 97th & Columbus, Powell’s 2003 recording on Heads Up, takes its name from the address of that famed New York training ground.

Powell gained his first international exposure with R&B superstar Luther Vandross. Throughout the ‘80s and early ‘90s, he toured with and recorded on some of Vandross’ most successful albums. Powell’s unique guitar technique became an integral part of the Vandross sound on top-selling albums such as the landmark Forever, For Always, For Love, Busy Body, The Night I Fell In Love and Give Me The Reason. On Vandross’ hit single “Stop To Love,” Powell showcased his versatility in the rock genre with a guitar solo that aspiring rockers emulate today. “Luther always surrounded himself with the best musicians and was blessed to have some great personalities who knew how to support his career,” Powell recalls. “Some of the greatest musicians aren’t necessarily the best supporting players,” he said.

Powell’s session work quickly expanded to the R&B elite – Aretha Franklin, Teddy Pendergrass, Jeffrey Osborne, Ashford & Simpson and Dionne Warwick, as well as contemporary jazz giants Grover Washington, Jr., Bob James and McCoy Tyner – because of his fresh, new sound that was becoming a staple on numerous hit records. During this period, he still performed regularly at Mikell’s, showcasing his original compositions and building a fan base as a solo artist.

In 1987, Polygram/Mercury released his solo debut, Love Is Where It’s At, which yielded his Grammy-nominated rendition of the Marvin Gaye classic, “What’s Going On.” His next CD, Inner City Blues, was the first release on his West Coast Records label and scored a huge success at radio and retail. The self-penned track “We'll Make It Last,” became an instant favorite at radio and still receives heavy airplay today. Two years later, he released Laid Back, now considered a contemporary jazz masterpiece. Laid Back was the first album in NAC Radio history to have over 1,000 spins for one song during the first week of its release. Don’t Let The Smooth Jazz Fool Ya followed. It showcased the talents of Grammy Award winner Roy Hargrove and smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz..

At the end of the nineties, Powell released his first gospel album as an effort to assist in the fundraising at his church, West Angles Church of God In Christ in Los Angeles. I Claim the Victory featured vocals from the celebrated gospel group Higher Praise and former Temptations lead singer Ollie Woodson.

The new millennium brought many changes for Powell. His 2001 album, Life Changes, featuring Bob James and Patrice Rushen, elevated his infectiously melodic brand of contemporary jazz to a new level. Between Life Changes and 97th & Columbus in 2003, he toured the U.S. as the bandleader on the sellout Hopeville Tour, which featured Grammy and Stellar Award winners Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin – three of the most prominent names in contemporary gospel music.