Wali Ali (Master Guitarist)

Wali Ali is no stranger to the music world. He helped as a 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.

This track was re-recorded by Eddie Kendricks in 1981.

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. 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 (I'm Serious)”.

The song “For all of my life (I'm Serious)” was released as a 7 incher (short version) on the same label. Composed and produced by Lamont Dozier.

Unfortunately, Wheel Records ran out of money way before they had a chance to put any promotional muscle behind their release, and the whole Zingara thing fell apart just as quickly as it had come together. In 1981 Wali Ali formed D-West Records. The name, D-West Records was inspired by Iman W. D. Mohammed. The first single to be released by the company was "Images", which produced 10,000 copies. Wali Ali sang for the gospel group "The Bilalian Cultural Foundation". Backing vocals by The Waters Sisters. Arrangement by Wali Ali. Orchestration by Mikal Majied.

The same year he wrote a great song for Gladys Knight & The Pips entitled “Love Was Made For Two”. It was included on the album "Touch" in 1981.

“Love Was Made For Two” was also released as a single on Columbia Records in the same year.

A year later he participated on the gospel group Hijrah as a guitarist. Hijrah released an album entitled "Truly Free" on Ummat Records from Oakland. I chose a sweet track called "Faith and deeds". Solo guitar by Wali Ali.



He also played guitar for Chuck Cissel on the album "If I had the chance". Afterwards in the late 80s he released a single entitled “Let the world come together” on D-West Records. Probably he has recorded an album.

Note: The above posted tracks are not played in full