All Of It: Equalizers – A Deep Dive into Patrice Rushen’s Musical Journey

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Episode: Equalizers: Patrice Rushen
• Release Date: March 17, 2025
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators about the what and why of their work.

Introduction

In the March 17, 2025 episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the illustrious career of Patrice Rushen, a multifaceted artist celebrated as a pianist, singer, composer, and producer. Recognized as the first woman to serve as the musical director for prestigious ceremonies such as the Grammys, Emmys, and NAACP Image Awards, Rushen's influence spans across genres and decades. This episode, part of the Women in Music Production series commemorating Women's History Month, offers an in-depth exploration of her contributions to the music industry, her approach to production, and her enduring legacy.

Early Beginnings and Musical Foundation

Patrice Rushen's journey into music began at the tender age of five when she started playing the piano. While her formal training was rooted in classical music, her home life was infused with jazz and the popular sounds of her parents' era. This diverse musical upbringing fostered her versatility and her ability to seamlessly navigate various genres.

Notable Quote:

“I was doing classical music for quite a long time. But, at home, I was hearing jazz and the pop music of my parents' day as I was growing up.”
— Patrice Rushen [08:48]

This blend of classical precision and the improvisational essence of jazz became the cornerstone of her musical identity, allowing her to adapt and flourish in multiple musical landscapes.

Transition to Production: Embracing the Role

Rushen's foray into music production was a natural progression from her experience as a performer and band leader. Her initial steps involved co-producing her own records and assisting other artists, where she observed and learned from established producers.

Notable Quote:

“The producer's role was to bring the best out of everybody, to get the best performances of these songs.”
— Patrice Rushen [04:43]

She emphasized the importance of creating an environment where artists feel empowered to deliver their best, drawing parallels between production and leading a band. This philosophy underscored her approach to production, focusing on organization, empowerment, and maintaining the artistic vision.

Mentorship and Influences

Mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping Rushen's production philosophy. Her first mentor, Reggie Andrews, who was also her high school teacher, introduced her to the intricacies of production. Additionally, working alongside industry giants like Quincy Jones and Richard Perry provided her with invaluable insights into maximizing musicians' potential.

Notable Quote:

“I keep using that word, empower people to give you their best. Those were very, very, very big. Made big impressions on me in terms of how you treat people.”
— Patrice Rushen [10:51]

These experiences reinforced her belief in the producer’s role as a facilitator, ensuring that every collaborator can contribute their utmost to the creative process.

Iconic Works and Artistic Innovations

One of Rushen's early notable projects includes the 1977 album "Shout It Out," where she not only performed but also took on the role of producer. A standout feature of this album was her use of the Rhodes keyboard, which allowed her to experiment with electronic sounds while maintaining the traditional feel of the piano.

Notable Quote:

“The sound was so amazing. And I was always attracted to how it could either blend well with other instruments or be a solo instrument as well.”
— Patrice Rushen [05:56]

Her ability to integrate dance music with jazz traditions is evident in tracks like "Forget Me Nots" and "Breaking All the Rules," showcasing her talent for creating commercially viable instrumentals without compromising artistic integrity.

Collaborations and Breakthroughs

Rushen's collaboration with pop artist Sheena Easton on the jazz standard album "No Strings" marked a significant milestone in her career. Initially brought together to work on a song for the film "Indecent Proposal," their successful collaboration inspired the creation of the album.

Notable Quote:

“Making her comfortable enough to feel that she could do that safely and without feeling inhibited at all was a big part of the session and part of the producer's role.”
— Patrice Rushen [17:39]

This project highlighted her adeptness at fostering a supportive environment, enabling artists like Easton to explore new musical territories with confidence.

Trailblazing as a Musical Director

Patrice Rushen broke new ground as the first woman to serve as the musical director for the Grammys, Emmys, and NAACP Image Awards. Her appointment to these roles was a testament to her expertise and the respect she commanded in the industry.

Notable Quote:

“The work and the music and the idea of being respected for the work overrode everything else.”
— Patrice Rushen [21:48]

She reflected on the challenges and responsibilities that came with being a trailblazer, emphasizing the importance of integrity, preparation, and humility in overcoming biases and achieving excellence.

Recognition and Legacy

Rushen's contributions have not gone unnoticed. She received a lifetime achievement award from the National Association of Music Merchants and was recently honored by Alicia Keys, who gave her a heartfelt shout-out during the Grammys.

Notable Quote:

“I was floored because I met Alicia a few times on some television shows where I was music directing... I was flabbergasted that she mentioned me and that she mentioned me first.”
— Patrice Rushen [23:52]

This acknowledgment from peers underscores her lasting impact and the high regard in which she is held within the music community.

Continuing the Musical Journey

Beyond her production and directorial roles, Patrice Rushen remains an active performer. She frequently engages with audiences worldwide, delighting fans with live performances and continuing to inspire new generations of musicians.

Notable Quote:

“It's wonderful to feel like, especially someone as gifted and wonderful as her would acknowledge. That's really cool.”
— Patrice Rushen [23:50]

Her ongoing performances serve as a testament to her enduring passion for music and her commitment to sharing her artistry with the world.

Conclusion

Patrice Rushen's story is one of talent, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements. From her early days as a jazz pianist to her influential role as a producer and musical director, Rushen has consistently pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a musician in the modern era. All Of It shines a spotlight on her multifaceted career, celebrating her as an equalizer in the music industry and an inspiration for future generations.

For those looking to explore Patrice Rushen's music or attend her performances, her website provides up-to-date information on her latest projects and tour dates.

This summary was crafted based on the transcript from the March 17, 2025 episode of All Of It on WNYC, hosted by Alison Stewart.