Demetrius (Demo) Cates is an American-Canadian musician. [1] He is most noted as a two-time Juno Award nominee for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year, receiving nominations at the Juno Awards of 1985 for "Memories of Moments" [2] and at the Juno Awards of 1989 for "Secret Love". [3]
Cates began his musical career in Detroit, Michigan as a member of the soul/funk band The Fabulous Counts. [4] After that band recorded part of its 1971 album What's Up Front That Counts in Toronto, Ontario, Cates opted to stay in the city, performing as a session musician for Lenny Breau and Wayne St. John. [5]
In 1981 he collaborated with Bobby Boyer and Jay W. McGee on Rap the Night Away, [6] which has been credited as the first known full-length Canadian hip hop album. [7] He recorded a number of soul, rhythm and blues and jazz singles, and was a regular performer in Toronto jazz clubs. [8]
Although principally a saxophonist, Cates has also performed as a jazz and R&B vocalist. [9] He has also had occasional supporting or guest roles as an actor, including in the television series Forever Knight, Goosebumps and The Jane Show, and the films Blues Brothers 2000 and A Raisin in the Sun.
References
- ^ Greg Quill, "Canada's blacks win recognition from music world". Toronto Star, November 1, 1985.
- ^ "Two rockers square off in four categories: Juno nominations pit Adams against Hart". The Globe and Mail, September 4, 1985.
- ^ "Juno candidates announced". Vancouver Sun, February 2, 1989.
- ^ The Fabulous Counts. AllMusic.
- ^ Greg Quill, "Cates cuts a new 'demo'". September 5, 1986.
- ^ Michael Rancic, "Finding Mr. Q". Hazlitt, March 17, 2021.
- ^ Alessandro Porco, "The Evolution of Canadian Hip Hop". Maisonneuve, March 18, 2010.
- ^ Val Clery, "Jazz a dirty word in some clubs". Toronto Star, February 20, 1986.
- ^ Claudelle Boudreau, "Smooth jazz in the Country: Artists, food and refreshments; people on the go". Hamilton Spectator, May 19, 2005.
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