Demo Cates is a distinguished vocalist and saxophonist in the Canadian jazz and R&B scene. Through a skillful combination of jazz, R&B, funk and soul, he is considered a notable artist across the nation.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Cates’ affinity for music began young. He accredits this to his mother, who bought him his first saxophone as a child. He immediately fell in love with the instrument, describing it as “an extension of [him]self” in an interview on The Kool Breeze Experience radio show. By his teens, Cates could improvise on the saxophone and began to collaborate with local bands.

Cates’ official musical career began in 1968, through the formation of the funk band The Counts (formerly The Fabulous Counts). Just one year later, they debuted with the hit album Jan Jan under Coalition Records. Following their debut, the group regularly toured across Detroit and other American cities like New York, Boston, Washington and Philidelphia. After eight years, four albums and three labels, the group officially split in 1976.

Following his band’s demise, Cates relocated to Toronto, Ontario, where he began a new musical chapter. During his early days in the city, he frequented the entertainment nightclub Zanzibar. There, he met several musicians and secured gigs across the city—this led to him becoming well-known across Toronto’s jazz scene. From the 1980’s to early 2000’s, Cates released four solo albums—two of which received Juno nominations for Best R&B/Soul Recording.

After a near two-decade hiatus, Cates released the single “Give Me You Love” in 2018. Currently, Cates continues to independently release music and works as a music consultant.