Patrice Rushen is a celebrated American musician and composer known for her incredible versatility as a jazz pianist, R&B singer, and record producer. With a rich discography and a notable influence on contemporary music, she has inspired countless artists and continues to shape the future of music education.
Patrice Louise Rushen, born September 30, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, is a multifaceted American musician, composer, and educator. She is renowned as a jazz pianist, R&B singer, record producer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter.
Rushen began her musical journey at the remarkably young age of three when she started playing piano. By age four, she was enrolled in music classes at the University of Southern California (USC) Thornton School of Music. Her prodigious talent was evident early on, as she was performing classical recitals by the age of six. Rushen graduated from Alain Leroy Locke High School in 1972, the same year she won a solo musical competition at the Monterey Jazz Festival. She went on to earn her BA in Music Education and Piano Performance from USC in 1976.
Rushen's professional career began in 1973 when she signed with Prestige Records. Her discography is extensive, spanning several decades and record labels:
Rushen's most famous single, "Forget Me Nots," was released in 1982 from her album "Straight from the Heart." This song earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Other notable singles include "Haven't You Heard" (1980), "Look Up" (1980), and "Feels So Real (Won't Let Go)" (1984).
Rushen's music spans multiple genres, including jazz, R&B, pop, and fusion. Her unique style, combining her classical training with contemporary sounds, has influenced many artists. Notably, the musician Prince wrote his hit song "I Wanna Be Your Lover" (1979) inspired by his admiration for Rushen.
Rushen has worked with numerous renowned artists, including:- Herbie Hancock- Carlos Santana- Stevie Wonder- Prince- Nancy Wilson- Lee Ritenour
Rushen has held significant positions in music education:- Ambassador of Artistry in Education at Berklee College of Music since 2008- Chair of the Popular Music Program at USC Thornton School of Music from 2013 to 2023
She is also involved in various music education programs for underprivileged youth in Los Angeles.
Rushen has composed scores for movies and television shows. She has also been the musical director for many high-profile award shows, including the Emmy Awards, People's Choice Awards, and NAACP Image Awards.
Patrice Rushen's impact on the music industry is significant. Her hit "Forget Me Nots" has been sampled by numerous artists, including Will Smith for the theme of the film "Men In Black." Her versatility as a classical pianist, jazz musician, R&B singer, and composer has cemented her place as a respected figure in multiple musical genres.
Rushen continues to be active in music education and mentorship, passing on her knowledge and experience to new generations of musicians.
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