All Of It: Episode Summary Featuring Patrice Rushen

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Guest: Patrice Rushen
• Release Date: March 28, 2025
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators in conversations about the what and why of their work.

Introduction to Patrice Rushen

The episode opens with host Alison Stewart introducing Patrice Rushen, a multifaceted artist renowned as a pianist, singer, producer, and the first woman to serve as musical director for the Grammys, Emmys, and NAACP Image Awards. Rushen is celebrated for her 1982 hit "Forget Me Nots," which she wrote, arranged, performed, and produced herself. Alison highlights Rushen's classical and jazz roots and her ongoing contributions to music education as a faculty member at Berkeley College of Music and USC. Additionally, Rushen was recently honored with a lifetime achievement award by the National Association of Music Merchants for her role in promoting women in music production.

Early Experiences in Music Production

[02:41] Patrice Rushen: "What do you remember about the first time you stepped into the studio as a producer?"

Rushen reflects on her initial foray into production, drawing parallels between her experiences as a music education major and leading small bands. She emphasizes the transferable skills she acquired, such as empowering musicians and maintaining focus on the project's goals. Her enthusiasm for creating environments where artists can perform at their best shines through, underscoring her passion for production.

Evolving Role of the Producer

[03:42] Patrice Rushen: "What do you see as your job when you're the producer?"

Rushen discusses the evolution of the producer's role from managing budgets and logistics to deeply understanding and nurturing the artist's vision. She elaborates on creating optimal environments, selecting suitable studios and musicians, and employing methodologies that elicit the best performances. Her approach prioritizes bringing out the best in artists and fostering collaborative creativity.

Discovering the Passion for Producing

[04:50] Patrice Rushen: "Had you always been interested in producing or was it something that you discovered in the process of making your own albums?"

Rushen explains that her interest in producing emerged organically from her experience in creating her own albums. She likens producing to band leadership, highlighting the necessity of organization, breaking down large tasks into manageable steps, and empowering team members. This natural progression showcases her inherent leadership and collaborative skills.

Influence of Early Works and Instrumentation

[06:03] Patrice Rushen: "First of all, what was special about the Rhodes?"

Rushen shares her admiration for the Rhodes keyboard, particularly its unique sound and versatility. She recounts how the instrument allowed her to experiment with electronics while maintaining a connection to traditional piano, enhancing both solo and ensemble performances.

[06:34] Patrice Rushen: "Is there anything about the production of this song or the album overall that comes to your mind that we should listen for in this track?"

Highlighting her 1977 album "Shout Out," Rushen discusses the integration of dance music with jazz improvisation, creating a sound that balances commercial appeal with artistic expression. This fusion is evident in tracks like "The Hump," exemplifying her innovative approach to genre blending.

Diverse Musical Influences and Training

[08:37] Patrice Rushen: "How was your training useful to you as a performer when you spread out into R and B and other genres?"

Rushen recounts her extensive training in classical music from a young age, which provided a strong technical foundation. Her exposure to diverse genres—jazz, pop, R&B—fostered a versatile approach to music, allowing her to seamlessly transition between styles while maintaining a focus on musical communication and emotional expression.

Mentorship and Professional Growth

[10:52] Patrice Rushen: "When you started in production, did you have a mentor?"

Acknowledging the pivotal role of mentorship in her career, Rushen credits her high school producer and teacher, Reggie Andrews, as her first mentor. She also mentions influential producers like Quincy Jones and Richard Perry, whose approaches to empowering musicians left a lasting impact on her production philosophy.

Collaborations and Notable Projects

[14:18] Patrice Rushen: "How did the two of you get connected?"

Rushen details her collaboration with Sheena Easton on the jazz standard album "No Strings," which began with preparing Easton for her role in the film "Indecent Proposal." Despite budget constraints that limited the use of strings, Rushen adapted by expanding the ensemble, resulting in a successful project that highlighted her versatility and creative problem-solving.

[16:27] Patrice Rushen: "What did you bring out in Sheena Easton in that performance?"

Rushen emphasizes the importance of active listening and creating a comfortable environment for artists to fully express themselves. By focusing on the lyrics and emotional nuances, she facilitated Easton's ability to deliver intimate and authentic performances.

Pioneering Roles as Musical Director

[19:55] Patrice Rushen: "How did you begin working as a musical director?"

Rushen narrates her entry into musical direction through composing the score for "Hollywood Shuffle" and subsequently working on HBO comedy specials. These experiences led to her roles as musical director for prestigious award ceremonies, breaking gender barriers in the industry.

[21:39] Patrice Rushen: "What do you think about those milestones?"

Reflecting on her achievements, Rushen expresses pride in paving the way for future women in music production. She emphasizes the importance of expertise, confidence, and humility in overcoming biases and achieving recognition in a male-dominated field.

Recognition and Influence

[23:42] Patrice Rushen: "How did you, how did you react when you heard that?"

Rushen shares her excitement upon being acknowledged by Alicia Keys at the Grammys, highlighting the significance of recognition from peers and the impact it has on inspiring others in the industry.

Continued Performances and Legacy

[24:00] Patrice Rushen: "You are still performing. How can people see you when can People see you."

Promoting her ongoing performances, Rushen directs listeners to her website (www.patricerushen.com) to stay updated on her concert schedule. She shares memorable moments from recent performances, such as witnessing a young girl and her grandmother singing "Forget Me Nots," illustrating the timeless appeal of her music.

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with a preview of Rushen's recent video for Roland, showcasing her career and keyboard skills. Host Alison Stewart thanks Patrice Rushen for her time, celebrating her contributions to music and her role as an equalizer for women in music production.

Notable Quotes:

• [03:47] Patrice Rushen: "The producer's role is to bring the best out of everybody, to get the best performances of these songs."
• [06:03] Patrice Rushen: "The Rhodes sound was so amazing... it could either blend well with other instruments or be a solo instrument as well."
• [10:57] Patrice Rushen: "Production is an offshoot of the music. It has to be that people come together and it has to be that they have a common purpose."
• [21:55] Patrice Rushen: "Being first is overrated because when you're first, sometimes a lot of the biases and concerns that people have can take you off your goal."

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers an in-depth exploration of Patrice Rushen's illustrious career, her impact on music production, and her role in breaking barriers for women in the industry. Through engaging conversation and insightful reflections, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Rushen's contributions to music and her enduring legacy.