Pilate was born in Jackson, Mississippi (United States). His father, Felton Pilate Sr., was a naval physician. His mother, Benita Akines Pilate, was a music major and social worker. After many military assignments, the Pilate family’s last move would be a move to Vallejo, California. Felton Jr. would spend his formative years there. Pilate knew from a young age that music would be an important part of his life. He took trumpet and piano lessons, and self taught himself to play guitar and the trombone. In high school, he created a band and performed locally, while honing his craft.[citation needed]
Michael Cooper, who had another local band, asked Pilate to join his band during their final high school years. This was the beginning of his career as a member of Project Soul. The band went on the road with The Soul Children and moved to Memphis, Tennessee. There they got a record deal and were asked to change their name from Project Soul. The band chose the name Con Funk Shun. The band went on to record a string of hit records, in the 1970s and 1980s.[5] Pilate was co-record producer and songwriter, for his own group's albums and singles. He continued to perform with Con Funk Shun in later years. Pilate proclaimed the music industry has been his only income since 1972.[citation needed]
As a collaborator with rapper MC Hammer, Pilate's joint efforts with Hammer have sold over 30 million albums, between 1986 and 1995. Albums included: Feel My Power (1986),[6] Let's Get It Started (1988),[7] Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em (1990), Too Legit to Quit (1991)[8] and Inside Out (1995).
Discography
- Nothing But Love Spoken Here via New Media Studio (2006)
- Can't Get E'nuff (1987)
- Cleopatra (1987)
Born in California, Michael Vernon Cooper's musical career began in high school, forming a group called Project Soul with Louis McCall.
A highly versatile performer Michael's musical skills were wide and varied, excelling on guitar, sitar, timbales, percussion and as a vocalist.
In 1972, he and Louis moved to Memphis where they formed the group Con Funk Shun.
Michael became lead singer and wrote songs for the group before signing to Warner Brothers as a solo artist in 1987.
His first solo album release was 'Love Is Such A Funny Game' (1987) including 'To Prove My Love' (which made it to number three on the R & B charts).
His follow-up release, 'Just What I Like', in 1989, was also moderately successful.
In the meantime, he co-wrote ' Do Me Right' for Pebbles.
There then followed, 'Get Closer', included appearances from jazz musicians Roy Ayers, Charles Tolliver, and Buddy Montgomery and was issued in 1992.
In 2001, Michael returned to recording, releasing 'This Heart Of Mine' which included a competent version of Stevie Wonder's 'Looking For Another Pure Love' (originally on Stevie's 'Talking Book' album from 1972).
Love Is Such a Funny Game (Reprise Records 1987)
Just What I Like (Reprise Records 1989)
Get Closer (Reprise Records 1992)
This Heart of Mine (Lightyear Records 2001)
Are We Cool? (Reprise Records 2004)
Productions (and songs) appear on:
Bruce Grant: LP I'm Still In Love With You (Bullet, 1987) - Felton Pilate production
Con Funk Shun: LP/CD Secrets (Mercury, 1977)
Con Funk Shun: LP/CD Loveshine (Mercury, 1978)
Con Funk Shun: LP/CD Candy (Mercury, 1979)
Con Funk Shun: LP/CD Spirit Of Love (Mercury, 1980)
Con Funk Shun: LP/CD Touch (Mercury, 1980)
Con Funk Shun: LP/CD 7 (Mercury, 1981)
Con Funk Shun: LP/CD To The Max (Mercury, 1982)
Con Funk Shun: LP/CD Electric Lady (Mercury, 1985)
Klique: LP/CD It's Winning Time (MCA, 1981)
Klique: LP/CD Let's Wear It Out (MCA, 1982)
M.C. Hammer: LP/CD Feel My Power (Bustin , 1987) - Felton Pilate production
Michael Cooper: LP/CD Love Is Such A Funny Game (Warner Bros., 1987) - Michael Cooper production
Phyrework: LP/CD Phyrework (Mercury, 1978) - Michael Cooper production
Spinners, The: LP/CD Down To Business (Volt, 1989) - Felton Pilate production
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