Michael Cruse

Michael Cruse (Bassist, Writer and Producer) was born August 14, 1954, and raised in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his early years, Cruse father (who was a professional drummer and percussionist) taught him how to play percussion instruments. Cruse also pursued musical lessons on the piano, organ, vibraphones and flute before finally sticking to the electric bass guitar at age 14. At age 16, Cruse began studying the upright at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, Pa. Cruse studied at Settlement for about 3 years. In the early 70s, Michael began playing with ensembles, singing group, and gospel groups. In 1976 the late saxophonist George Howard introduced Cruse to pianist Dennis Fortune and guitarist Gerald Twig Smith who was looking for a bass player to join their band called Prelude. The alliance proved to be invaluable to Michael’s musical growth and development in future years. The band Prelude disbanded in the late 1970s. In the 1980s and 90s, Michael began touring with Billy Paul, Rachelle Farrell, the Intruders, the Delphonics, Norman Connors and many other well-known artists.

In 1990, Cruse, the late Pete Vinson and Dennis Fortune formed a group called the Dennis Fortune Trio. The group recorded its first CD “Follow Your Heart” which was ranked by WRTI Radio as one of the top 50 CDs of the year. In 1992, the group changed its name to Fortune, Vinson Cruse and released its second CD “Fortune Vinson Cruse” which was produced by the late great bassist Charles Frambrough and drummer T.S. Monk.

In 1999 the group released its 3rd CD “Fortune Vinson Cruse Live featuring vocalist Brenda Smith.” In 2003 Fortune Vinson Cruse released its 4th CD Sunny Nights which gained international radio exposure.

In 2007-2008, the Settlement Music School, a prominent music school in the Philadelphia, PA celebrated its 100 year anniversary. As part of its celebration, the school recognized and honored 100 distinguished alumni and faculty that attended Settlement Music School in its history. Cruse was selected as one of the Settlement 100 out of over 500,000 students and faculty.

In addition to his musical career, Cruse was an employee of the Federal Government for 37 years. He retired from Federal service in December 2010. Now, Cruse can devote all his time to music.

J. Levinson from Amazon writes in his review of Fortune Vinson Cruse (self titled CD) “Michael Cruse plays aggressive electric bass, pushing the sound of this group towards jazz fusion or smooth-jazz turf, yet the grooves and the playing are interesting enough to reward careful listening.”