away on October 11, 2019 in Kentfield, California.
Beginning in 1968, Erik built a successful life as a unique bassist, musician, songwriter,
and producer. Erik's diverse career, some include writing, playing and recording with Flo
& Eddie (The Turtles), Alice Cooper, Kim Carnes, Tonio K, Signal and being a founding
member of the eclectic band Sonia Dada. In 1994 Erik won a Grammy for the song he
wrote and played on, “Father Father” for Pop Staples, which took the award for Best
Contemporary Blues Album.
Although Erik has been drawn to other planets for inspiration, he was born on the 3rd
rock as Erik Scott Filipowizc in Milwaukee, WI on January 17, 1948. His father,Edward
Filipowicz, was a decorated USAF pilot and his mother, Phyllis Werner Filipowicz, was
then a homemaker. Erik had one older sister, Judith, a cheerleader in high school,
computer systems analyst, who married young and died early after battling cancer for
over a decade. When Erik was six years old, he lost his father due to a malfunction and
crash in his USAF jet. His Grandfather then became the biggest influence in Erik’s life.
He was a Colonel in the Air Force and he'd seen some things, imparting to Erik, that not
everything you see is real - it could be a trick of the wind. As a widow with two children,
Phyllis sought and received Bachelors and Masters degrees, subsequently and moving
the family to Gurnee, IL where she would teach high school for 27 years.
Erik's school years included his introduction to the bass guitar - via trombone. Erik was
in the brass section of the high school band (having started on trombone at just 9 years
old) and during a game's halftime show, the bass player was MIA. Erik was pressed into
service, “totally winging it” (his words), faking it all the way, and he discovered the magic
of being on stage. This would be the beginning of Erik's lifelong study of the art of
playing and developing his own techniques. During high school he also made All State
Champ basketball, which earned him a scholarship to Drake. He attended for a year
before transferring to DePaul, as Chicago was calling him home. After graduating cum
laude from DePaul University with his degree in business administration, Erik made his
way through a series of odd jobs. He was still practicing and playing bass, seeking the
right opportunity, which came along in the form of Food.
Food was a local Chicago band which Erik joined in the 60s, playing bars and pubs
throughout Illinois, and eventually making their way to Los Angeles where they recorded
their first release for Capitol Records. When Food was working on their album, Erik
seized on the opportunity to absorb every facet and nuance of the process - focusing on
writing, recording, producing which paid off later in his full music career, recording over
50+ albums, soundtracks and TV. Erik’s Wikipedia Page contains his discography.
Erik met his wife Mickie, aka Janice, at his Alice Cooper show in New York City in
August, 1981. From that time forward they were inseparable, and on July 10, 1982,
they were married - then sent the invitations out the following day. Mickie started
managing recording studios (Cherokee, Amigo, Chicago Trax, among others) and with
Erik on the road frequently they decided on no blessed events. Mickie will now carry on
with the music Eski created by releasing previously unpublished tracks and videos, as
well as shining light on both his vintage and newer work.
In the 1990’s, Erik was one of the founding members of Sonia Dada, reaching the
number one position on the Australian charts with their debut album. Sonia Dada
continued success as an eclectic band throughout the US. Sonia Dada took a hiatus in
2006 but Erik took his music in a different direction. Most of his solo albums are
contemporary instrumentals, including one reflecting his concern for the planet - the
album “And the Earth Bleeds.” Although some songs like “Free” have a guest singer,
most of the vocals were done by Erik.
Erik had a great spirit and is truly now, in the company of clouds.
Fans and friends who wish to honor Erik's memory are encouraged to donate to
MusiCares, a program of the Grammys which provides a safety net of critical
assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover
a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies. https://www.grammy.com/
musicares
A private memorial and a public tribute/benefit are in the works for January, 2020. Final
arrangements by Keaton's Mortuary.
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