Mike Whittaker
Keyboards, Musical Director
A native of Detroit Michigan, Mike Whittaker began piano lessons at the age of four and took up the drums at age nine. His exceptional talent on both instruments earned him recognition at regional, statewide, and national competitions throughout his youth. He was active in stage and concert bands during his school years and served as drummer for his church choir and orchestra, which toured England during the 1976 Bicentennial celebration. All of his early musical and life experiences exposed him to a wide variety of styles, including classical, jazz, R&B, soul, Motown, rock, Christian, country, bluegrass, and pop music, helping shape the versatile musician he is today.
After graduating from high school, Mike toured professionally as a drummer before joining the United States Navy Band in 1982 as a Piano/Keyboard Instrumentalist. During his distinguished 20-year military career, he performed with and led a wide variety of ensembles, including pop/rock/R&B bands, big bands, jazz trios, concert bands, marching bands, and as a solo pianist. He has performed with Lee Greenwood, The Judds, Exile, and numerous cover bands across the country. Mike co-founded the Washington, D.C.-based Latin jazz group Afro-Bop Alliance, recording and performing throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. He is an accomplished producer, arranger, composer, and recording engineer, with experience spanning gospel, big band, Latin jazz, and singer-songwriter projects.
Throughout his civilian and military career, Mike has performed for two U.S. Presidents, numerous high-ranking dignitaries, and audiences across all 50 states and 37 countries. Today, as Keyboardist and Musical Director for Yacht Rock and Soul, Mike delivers the signature keyboard sounds, lush harmonies, and sophisticated musicianship that define the Yacht Rock and Soul experience. His lifetime passion for music, combined with decades of leadership and performance experience, helps guide every performance on course for an unforgettable musical voyage.
Kevin Underwood
Percussion, Vocals
The founder and percussionist of Yacht Rock and Soul, Kevin Underwood began his musical journey in early childhood, fueled by a lifelong passion for the drums and the legendary, groove-driven sounds of Motown, classic soul, and rock 'n' roll. Those early influences became the foundation for the deep pocket, feel, and musicality that define his playing today.
From 2002 to 2023, Kevin charted his course through the Metro Detroit music scene, founding and performing as the drummer for two of the area's premier cover bands, FunkeeStation and RocknSoul. Through years of live performances and countless stages, he developed the experience, versatility, and vision needed to bring great songs to life.
In 2026, Kevin embarked on a new musical voyage, inspired by the sophisticated arrangements, lush harmonies, and smooth, sun-soaked melodies of the late 1970s and 1980s. With a clear vision and a passion for the genre, he assembled a world-class crew of elite local musicians to create Metro Detroit's ultimate Yacht Rock tribute band: Yacht Rock and Soul.
As the band's founder and percussionist, Kevin keeps the ship on course—anchoring the rhythm section, steering the groove, and bringing timeless hits to life. With every performance, he invites audiences aboard for a first-class musical voyage filled with smooth sailing, unforgettable melodies, and the sounds of an era that never goes out of style.
Robert Joiner
Bass Guitar, Vocals
Robert Joiner has built a colorful and vibrant musical history that began in his early childhood. By elementary school, he was already playing the French horn and trombone, later picking up the electric bass guitar during his high school years. While attending Detroit Mackenzie High School, Robert joined the stage band and regularly performed in local concerts and talent shows.
Following high school, Robert expanded his musical reach by performing with local bands at various venues. His career eventually grew to encompass songwriting, global performances, and community service: In 1987, after joining the Detroit Police Department, Robert formed the band Niteforce. The group produced and recorded several tracks, including "How Do We Get Back to Love" and "Oh How I Love Those Songs" (a tribute to The Temptations). Robert later co-founded the group T.H.I.Q.U.E, co-writing and recording the tracks "Sweet One" and "Last Dance". Merging his police career with his love of music, Robert joined the iconic Detroit Police band, The Blue Pigs. He carried on the group’s decades-long tradition of performing for civic groups, schools, and non-profits to promote music awareness and crime prevention until early 2013.
Throughout his career, Robert has traveled the world playing high-profile events and opening for legendary entertainers, including Aretha Franklin and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Please welcome the man who drops the anchor and locks down the low end.