Patrice Rushen

Patrice Rushen Biography

Patrice Rushen is a highly accomplished keyboardist, composer, producer, and vocalist known for her contributions to jazz, R&B, and funk. Born in 1954 in Los Angeles, California, she displayed exceptional musical talent from an early age and studied at the University of Southern California.

Rushen first gained recognition in the 1970s as a jazz pianist, releasing a series of acclaimed albums on Prestige Records, including Prelusion and Before the Dawn. However, she found mainstream success after transitioning to R&B and funk in the late 1970s and early 1980s, signing with Elektra Records. Her breakthrough album, Pizzazz (1979), featured the hit “Haven’t You Heard,” and her biggest success came with Straight from the Heart (1982), which included the classic “Forget Me Nots.” The song became an enduring hit and was later famously sampled for Will Smith’s Men in Blacktheme.

Beyond her solo career, Rushen became a sought-after session musician, arranger, and producer, working with artists such as Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Prince. She also made history as the first female musical director for major events like the Grammy Awards and the Emmy Awards.

In addition to her performing career, Rushen is a dedicated music educator, serving as a professor at prestigious institutions such as the Berklee College of Music and USC. Her ability to seamlessly blend jazz sophistication with commercial appeal has made her one of the most respected musicians of her generation, influencing countless artists across multiple genres.

Patrice Rushen Discography