Patrice Rushen’s name garners dumb respect within the landscape of American music, particularly Black music. A virtuoso keyboardist, songwriter, producer, and educator, Rushen has carved out a unique space, defying genre boundaries and leaving an enduring legacy. Her contributions extend far beyond individual hit records; she has shaped the fabric of funk, jazz fusion, and R&B, and her influence continues reverberating through contemporary music.
Growing up, I was captivated by Rushen’s musical genius. My parents played Rushen’s records and danced together on Saturday nights while my baby sister and I watched in awe. The regal way she carried herself, adorned with braids and beads, while hitting the sweetest licks on the bass, embodied Black excellence to me.
And did.
Born in Los Angeles in 1954, Rushen’s musical journey began early. She demonstrated prodigious talent on the piano, quickly mastering classical repertoire. However, her musical curiosity led her beyond the confines of classical music. She discovered the vibrant sounds of jazz, funk, and R&B, genres that were then, and continue to be, central to Black cultural expression. This fusion of influences became the defining characteristic of her innovative musical style.
Rushen’s ascent in the music industry was rapid. At 19, she signed with Prestige Records and released her debut album, “Prelusion,” in 1974. This album announced the arrival of her exceptional talent. It showcased her insanely dope keyboard skills, sophisticated harmonic sense, and ability to weave complex jazz ideas into infectious funk grooves. Albums like “Before the Dawn” (1975) and “Shout It Out” (1977) followed, further establishing her as a rising force in the jazz-funk world.
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw Rushen achieve mainstream success while maintaining her artistic integrity. She was signed to Elektra Records and released a string of successful albums and singles that crossed over into the R&B and pop charts. Her 1978 album “Pizzazz” featured the iconic track “Haven’t You Heard.” The single became an R&B and funk radio staple, demonstrating her ability to craft intellectually engaging and irresistibly danceable songs. The infectious bassline, the soaring melodies, and Rushen’s captivating vocals combined to create a signature sound.
Her 1982 album “Straight From the Heart” cemented her status as an innovator. It produced the smash hits “Forget Me Nots” and “Number One.” “Forget Me Nots” became a crossover phenomenon, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its enduring popularity is evident in its extensive sampling by artists across diverse genres, most notably in Will Smith’s “Men in Black.”
Rushen’s impact on Black music is multifaceted. First, she expanded the sonic palette of funk and R&B. Her sophisticated harmonies, influenced by jazz, added complexity and depth to these genres. She demonstrated that music could be both intellectually stimulating and deeply groove-oriented. Second, she was a pioneer for women in music. She broke barriers in an industry often dominated by men, demonstrating that women could excel as instrumentalists, songwriters, and producers. She paved the way for future generations of female musicians.
Third, Rushen’s music has a lasting influence on subsequent generations of artists. Her songs have been sampled extensively, a testament to their enduring appeal and foundational importance in developing hip-hop and other genres. Artists such as Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, and George Michael have drawn inspiration from her work, further solidifying her place in the canon of Black music. As noted by Yamaha, Rushen is considered one of the world’s top jazz pianists and has performed with and produced for such esteemed artists as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Prince, Lionel Hampton, Carlos Santana, Boys II Men, George Benson, Jean Luc Ponty, Tom Jones, Nancy Wilson, Michael Jackson, Dianne Reeves, Sheena Easton, and Stanley Turentine.
Beyond her recording career, Rushen has also made significant contributions as a composer and arranger for film and television. Her work in this realm showcases her versatility and expands her influence across different media. She composed the theme song for the hit TV sitcom, “The Steve Harvey Show.” Her feature film writing credits include “Men In Black,” “Waiting To Exhale,” and “Hollywood Shuffle.” She also provided musical scores for Emmy-nominated television movies and series, including Showtime’s “The Killing Yard” and PBS’s “Cora Unashamed”.
In addition to her performance and composition work, Rushen is a dedicated educator. She has held faculty positions at prestigious institutions such as the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, where she served as Chair of the Popular Music Program from 2013 to 2023.
She is currently the Ambassador for Artistry in Education at Berklee College of Music. Rushen’s commitment to education reflects her belief in music’s transformative power and her desire to empower the next generation of artists.
Rushen’s career is marked by “firsts” and significant honors. She was the first woman to serve as Musical Director for the Grammy Awards for three consecutive years (2004, 2005, and 2006). She was also the first woman in 43 years to serve as Head Composer/Musical Director for the Emmy Awards, and the first woman Musical Director of the NAACP Image Awards, a role she held for twelve consecutive years. Rushen was the only woman Musical Director/Composer for the People’s Choice Awards and HBO’s Comic Relief, and the only woman Musical Director/Conductor/Arranger for a late-night television talk show, The Midnight Hour on CBS. In 2005, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Music degree from Berklee College of Music.
These achievements highlight her exceptional talent and groundbreaking role in the music industry. She shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for other women to succeed as musical directors, composers, and arrangers.
Even though Rushen is known for being an outcold bassist, the icon is, ironically, a pianist at heart. She also plays the clarinet, drums and percussion.
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The accomplished songwriter is still performing. Rushen recently performed at Disneyland.
“Still floating from last Friday — my first time performing at Disney Hall in my hometown! What an unforgettable night. Thank you to everyone who came out and made it so special. ❤️ Patrice,” she wrote on Instagram.
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Rushen is more than just a musician; she is a cultural force. Her music continues to move audiences across generations, and her influence can be heard in the work of countless contemporary artists. She is a testament to the power of talent, creativity, and determination, and her legacy as a performer, composer, and educator will continue to inspire for years to come.
Patrice Rushen’s Top 5 Hits
Here are five of the bassist’s most iconic and influential songs:
Haven’t You Heard
Forget Me Nots
Number One
Settle For My Love
Remind Me
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