Patrice Rushen

Patrice Louise Rushen, born on September 30, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, is a highly esteemed pianist, composer, producer, and music director. Known for her innovative fusion of jazz, pop, and R&B, Rushen has left a significant mark on the music industry with her versatile talent and groundbreaking achievements.

Early Life and Education

Rushen exhibited prodigious musical talent from a young age. By the age of three, she was already playing the piano and soon after commenced formal music education at the University of Southern California (USC) Thornton School of Music. Her early dedication to music was evident, as she performed classical recitals and studied voice by age six. After graduating from Alain Leroy Locke High School in 1972—a year marked by her win at the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival—Rushen obtained a BA in Music Education and Piano Performance from USC in 1976.

Musical Career

Early Recordings and Jazz Roots

In 1973, Rushen's career took off when she signed with Prestige Records. While still a student at USC, she released her first three albums:

• Prelusion (1974)
• Before The Dawn (1975)
• Shout It Out (1977)

These works underscored her jazz foundations and superior skill as a pianist.

Crossover Success and Signature Sound

Rushen transitioned to Elektra Records, releasing albums that defined her signature style by blending multiple genres:

• Patrice (1978)
• Pizzazz (1979)
• Posh (1980)

Her seventh album, Straight from the Heart (1982), included "Forget Me Nots," a track that brought her commercial success and a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The album's instrumental, "Number One," also earned a Grammy nod for Best R&B Instrumental.

Later Albums and Continued Influence

Her discography continued to expand with:

• Watch Out (1987)
• Anything but Ordinary (1994)
• Signature (1997)
• The Essentials: Patrice Rushen (2002)

Notable Achievements and Collaborations

• Patrice Rushen is a four-time Grammy nominee.
• A prominent jazz pianist, she has performed with luminaries like Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Prince, Nancy Wilson, and Carlos Santana.
• Prince was so inspired by Rushen that he wrote "I Wanna Be Your Lover" with her in mind.
• Her hit "Forget Me Nots" has been extensively covered and sampled, notably in Will Smith’s "Men in Black."

Work as Composer, Producer, and Music Director

• Rushen has composed for film and television and written symphonic pieces for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
• She made history as the first female musical director for major award shows, including the Grammy Awards and NAACP Image Awards.
• Her expertise extends to producing and arranging, making her a sought-after figure in the industry.

Educational Leadership and Advocacy

Since 2008, Rushen has been the Ambassador of Artistry in Education at Berklee College of Music. She served as the Chair of the Popular Music Program at USC Thornton School of Music from 2013 to 2023. Beyond her academic roles, she is actively involved in initiatives supporting music education and mentorship.

Legacy and Impact

Patrice Rushen remains a pioneering figure with accolades stemming from her rich blend of musical styles and her pioneering roles. Her contributions to music as a classical pianist, jazz artist, and advocate for education have cemented her status as an influential leader in the arts.

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrice_Rushen
• https://patricerushen.com/full-length-bio
• https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/patrice-rushen-1954/
• https://patricerushen.com/short-version-bio
• https://music.usc.edu/patrice-rushen/