How Patrice Rushen Discovered Her Musical Dream and Became One of the Most Respected Names in the Industry

Patrice Rushen is more than just a musician - she's an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and composer, who has impacted the music world in a way few women have been able to. With her dazzling piano skills and powerful vocals, Rushen has helped shape the sounds of jazz-funk and R&B, earning her numerous accolades along the way. In this article, we'll explore the musical biography of Patrice Rushen, from her beginnings to her most famous albums and songs, as well as her unique style and influences.

Patrice Rushen was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1954. She began playing classical piano at the age of three and quickly showed prodigious talent. Her parents encouraged her passion for music and enrolled her in a private performing arts school, where she received a well-rounded education in music theory, composition, and performance. By the time she was a teenager, Rushen had already established herself as a top-notch musician, performing with jazz legends like Clark Terry and Gerald Wilson.

In 1974, Rushen signed with Prestige Records, and released her debut album, Prelusion. The album showcased her unique fusion of jazz, funk, and soul, and was well-received by critics and fans alike. She followed it up with the equally successful albums Before the Dawn (1975) and Shout It Out (1976), which solidified her reputation as a rising star in the music world. In 1977, Rushen signed with Elektra Records and released the album Patrice, which included her signature song Forget Me Nots.

Forget Me Nots became an instant classic and has remained popular in the years since its release. The song has been covered and sampled by numerous artists, including Will Smith, who used its groovy hook for his hit single Men in Black. Rushen's other notable hits from this period include Haven't You Heard, Feels So Real (Won't Let Go), and Watch Out. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Rushen was one of the few female musicians to have crossover success in both R&B and jazz circles.

Rushen's musical style is characterized by her virtuosic piano playing, soulful vocals, and funky rhythms. She drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including classical composers like Chopin and Rachmaninoff, and jazz legends like Oscar Peterson and Erroll Garner. She also incorporated elements of funk, disco, and African rhythms into her music, creating a sound that was both innovative and infectious. Rushen's music has been praised for its technical brilliance, melodic beauty, and emotional depth.

In conclusion, Patrice Rushen is an indelible figure in the history of jazz-funk and R&B. She's a testament to the power of dedication, talent, and hard work, as well as the importance of diversifying one's skills in the music industry. Through her music, Rushen has not only entertained audiences but also inspired countless aspiring musicians and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. We hope this brief overview of Patrice Rushen's musical biography has been informative and engaging, and that it has encouraged you to explore her rich discography further.