b. 31 May 1960, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Heard is often credited as the single biggest influence on contemporary dance music, a claim that gains credence when his groundbreaking run of mid-80s house singles is taken into consideration. Heard was given the nickname "Mr. Fingers" because of his dexterity when spinning records. He started off playing percussion in several bands before becoming fascinated by electronics and its musical possibilities. He made his recording debut in 1985 as the It with street poet Harry Dennis, releasing the singles "Donnie" and "Gallimaufry Gallery", the latter named after a Chicago club. As well as his solo work under the Mr. Fingers moniker, Heard formed Fingers Inc. with vocalists Robert Owens and Ron Wilson. Seminal house tracks such as "Mystery Of Love" and "Can You Feel It?" (as Mr. Fingers), and "Distant Planet", "You're Mine" and "Bring Down The Walls" (as Fingers Inc.) followed on DJ International and Trax Records.

Listen to Larry Heard at Finetune.

• (1998)  Ice Castles

• Ten City
• Lil' Louis
• Ce Ce Rogers
• Marshall Jefferson
• J.M. Silk
• Fingers, Inc.
• Liz Torres
• LNR
• Farley & J.S.
• Earth, Wind & Fire with Jr. Wells
• Earth, Wind & Fire
• Common
• Buddy Guy
• Chicago
• Howlin' Wolf
• Ministry
• Peter Cetera
• Peter Cetera/Amy Grant
• Screamin' Rachael
• The American Breed

• leiya