Dexter Wansel

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Dexter Wansel
Birth nameDexter Wansel
BornPhiladelphia, U.S.
GenresJazz, jazz fusion
Occupation(s)Record producer, songwriter, arranger
InstrumentsKeyboards
Years active1963–present
LabelsPhiladelphia International, Digital Jukebox
Associated actsThe Jackson 5#The Jacksons CBS/Epic Records, Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, Grover Washington Jr., Phyllis Hyman, Instant Funk, Bunny Sigler, Stanley Clarke, MFSB
Websitewww.dexterwansel.com

Dexter Gilman Wansel (born August 22, 1950) is an American R&B/jazz fusion arranger, musician, composer, conductor, synthesist and A&R director.

Early life[]

Dexter Wansel began as an errand boy backstage at the Uptown Theater in Philadelphia from 1959 through 1963 for his step-uncle Georgie Woods. There he met many great artists who encouraged him to pursue music. During high school, he and his friend, Stanley Clarke, performed in bands together.

Career[]

In 1970 after being honourably discharged from the United States Army, Wansel quietly joined the ranks of synthesists like Wendy Carlos and Dick Hyman, where he began programming the EMS VCS 3 'Putney' and the ARP 2600 for sessions at Sigma Sound Studios both credited and uncredited. From the early to mid '70s, Wansel also played keyboards for groups such as Instant Funk, Yellow Sunshine, and MFSB. After signing with Philadelphia International Records, as in-house songwriter/producer/arranger, he established a songwriting relationship with the lyricist Cynthia Biggs.

He also collaborated with other writers such as Bunny Sigler, T. Life, Vinnie Barrett and Kenneth Gamble. Wansel produced, wrote, arranged, played keyboards and synthesized hits for artists at Philadelphia International Records as well as numerous other labels. In 1977, he produced the Grammy-winning album Unmistakably Lou by Lou Rawls.

Wansel's music has been used as samples in the world of hip-hop. His 1975 'Theme From The Planets' drum beat intro, is hailed as being one of the first foundation beats of hip-hop. This beat continues to be sampled today and can also be heard on TV commercials and in movies. His sampled music has been used by Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Drake, Rick Ross, J Cole, Eric B and Rakim, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Kim, Ice-T and Ice Cube. In 1979 as conductor of the world-famous MFSB Orchestra, Wansel was the music director/conductor for the historic show at the White House commemorating the very first 'Black Music History Month' celebration in 1978. From 1978 through 1980, Dexter Wansel was the A+R Director for Philadelphia International Records where he oversaw many album releases by the label's artists under the direction of Gamble and Huff.

In 1981, he wrote and arranged the song "Nights Over Egypt" for the Jones Girls. In April 2021, Wansel signed a new record deal with Digital Jukebox Records.

Personal life[]

Wansel is the father of Grammy-nominated music producer and songwriter Pop Wansel,[1][2][3] and a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War era (Taiwan). He has authored a novel entitled Shortwave, published in 2011.[4]

Dexter Wansel is the brother of author Teri Woods.[5]

Discography[]

Studio albums[]

Year Album Chart positions[6] Record label
US US
R&B 		Jazz Albums
1976 Life On Mars — 44 — Philadelphia International Records
1977 What the World Is Coming To 168 45 24
1978 139 37 —
1979 Time Is Slipping Away — 58 —
2004 Digital Groove World — — — Hotplanet Entertainment
"—" denotes the album failed to chart

Singles[]

Year Single Chart positions Record label
US US
Soul[7] 		Disco Singles[7]
1976 "Life On Mars" — 91 — Philadelphia International Records
1977 "Disco Lights" — — 91

Selected production discography[]

References[]

  1. ^ Ballin, Sofiya. "Producer Andrew 'Pop' Wansel, inspired by Philly". philly.com. philly.com. Retrieved 2015-08-08.
  2. ^ Trammell, Matthew. "Beat Construction: Meet Andrew "Pop" Wansel, the Producer Behind Nicki Minaj's Soft Side". the fader.com. The Fader, Inc. Retrieved 2015-08-08.
  3. ^ Hailey, Jonathan. "Pop Wansel Names Top Five Producers & Best R&B Song Ever [VIDEO]". theurbandaily.com. The Urban Daily. Retrieved 2015-08-08.
  4. ^ "Shortwave" page Archived 2013-10-02 at archive.today, Sage Words Publishing.
  5. ^ "Dexter Wansel Presents Sounds Of Philadelphia". DC Nitelife. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  6. ^ "Dexter Wansel US albums chart history". allmusic.com. Retrieved 2010-08-31.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b "Dexter Wansel US singles chart history". allmusic.com. Retrieved 2011-10-13.

External links[]

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