We at TMOTTGoGo Media are deeply saddened to have learned of the passing my musical brother saxophonist Rory “DC” Felton.
A staple in the history of Go-Go music and its culture, DC started out as one of the original members of the band Rare Essence for a about 5 years, and then later returning to the stage with some of his former musical brothers in the band Little Benny and The Masters.
Fondly known for always donning the some most creative styled hats that he could find (which was his trademark) and his melodically aggressive cowbell patterns, DC’s most remembered saxophone signature pieces that stood out during his years with Rare Essence were in the songs “Mr. Magic” by Grover Washington, Jr. and the RE original “Take a Little Ride Through The City” (see clip below).
I personally got to work and share the stage with DC during our years together with Little Benny and The Masters. Here is where I got to know him on a personal level. One particular story moment that comes to mind was a song he had written and used to sing around practice all the time. This was back in 1992. It was a slick little number that he called “Uptown.” And although this tune was something that he never took to the stage, I thought the lyrics had such a powerful and deep meaning to it. So, kind of I pressed him to take it to the studio and let me put some music to it. Which is exactly what he and I did. We recorded the demo in my home studio. He laid the vocal tracks and I added very subtle guitar, Hammond organ and drum tracks to accompany exactly what he was singing. The object was to have the subtle music serve as just a simple heartbeat to ensure that the deep and powerful meaning of his lyrics stood way out in the front.
That was over 20 years ago, and although we did not finish the “Uptown” demo (see clip below), we did actually just talk about going back in and finally completing it. Unfortunately, we never got that chance to do so. We just assumed we would have the time to eventually get around to it.
Rest in musical harmony, DC! We’re going to continue taking a little ride through the city for YOU!
Our prayers and condolences go up, out and with his family, friends and the many musicians he shared the stages with.
The following clips below are as follows:
- The unfinished demo recording of DC’s song “Uptown”.
- DC with Rare Essence performing “Take a Little Ride Through The City” at the Howard Theater.
- DC with Rare Essence performing “Don’t Stop”.
- DC with Little Benny at The Masters at The Capital Center.
- DC with Little Benny and The Masters at his wedding reception at the Panorama Room.
- DC with Little Benny and The Masters at the Metro Club.