Ira Wilkes - Since you've been gone 1984



I have just returned from my holidays. I decided to present Ira Wilkes.

Ira L.Wilkes was born in Lawrence, Kansas and grew up in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe, Kansas. His career as a musician/songwriter has spanned 40 years. Ira is a talented musician, proficient with lead and rhythm guitar, bass guitar, drums, as well as lead and background vocals.
Wilkes, a self-taught musician, began experimenting with the guitar at age 14. By age 16 he was performing in Kansas City area clubs. Ira’s first professional performance, at age 16, was opening for Aretha Franklin at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. After graduating from Olathe North High School, Ira moved to Chicago where he performed with the well-known blues artist, Otis Clay. Ira’s time in Chicago also afforded him the opportunity of friendships and musical inspiration from greats such as The Chi-Lites, Barbara Aklin, and Donny Hathaway.
Ira Wilkes has opened for many well-known recording artists such as Aretha Franklin, Kool & The Gang, Isaac Hayes, Chaka Khan, Delfonics, Ohio Players, Stylistics, Brian Auger, Weather Report, Delbert McClinton, and The Whispers. Wilkes has also performed with Ali Woodson, of the Temptations, at The Harris House in Kansas City, played lead guitar for Bobbi Humphrey, was Musical Director and lead guitarist for the group Bloodstone.
He was influenced by Curtis Mayfield, Eric Gales, Wes Montgomery, Albert Collins, Doc Powell, George Benson. He also played bass for the country-rock artist Freddy Fender on Fender’s albums in mid 70s. He was a member of the group called The Ham Brothers Band until 1978 when he left from the group. In 1981 he joined in the group The First Love which released one and only album on HCRC (Houston Connection Recording Corporation) Records. It is worthy to mention that he wrote a song for this album entitled "When Will I See You".
Later in the 80s, he released some singles on various labels such as Jet Stream, Fifth Street and Jaime.
Most of these singles were funky. One of them is "I'm so glad / Since you've been gone" on Fifth Street Records in 1984. I have chosen the "Since you've been gone".



Composed by himself. Produced by S.McClain



I have noticed at FAQS that Ira Wilkes has written many songs around 1984-86, but I don't know if they were ever released.

Note: The above posted single is not played in full

Biography by Myspace.com/irawilkes

Comments

Dale Cartwright said…
I remember this song like it was yesterday. I am looking for I saw You which Ira did around the same time frame as Since you've been gone. Ira was ahead of his time back then.
August 11, 2011 at 4:24 AM
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