Larry Heard

Larry Heard (born May 31, 1960[1]) is a Memphis, Tennessee-based musician[1] widely known for the Chicago-based house music he produced in the mid-1980s and continues to produce today. He was leader of the influential group Fingers Inc. and has recorded solo under various names, most notably Mr. Fingers. His smooth, warm production style with soulful vocals and long instrumental passages that spearheaded the subgenre known as deep house.

Born on the South Side of Chicago, Heard grew up hearing jazz and Motown at home, and could play several instruments from a young age.[1] Before beginning his solo musical career in 1983, he was a member of the bands Infinity (a Jazz-fusion cover group that included Adonis) and Manhattan Transfer.[1] He also worked for the US government as a benefit authorizer, which enabled him to buy his first studio equipment.[1