Many of you know Patrice Rushen from her 1982 hit "Forget Me Nots". Since then, this incredible track has been used on many occasions. It was first featured in the movie "Big" (Tom Hanks), then in George Michael's "Fastlove", Will Smith's "Men in Black", French rapper MC Solaar on Les Boys Bandent and many more. In 2006, Rushen collaborated wit jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour and Zamajobe on a cover version of the song.
Besides "Forget Me Nots", Rushen had many other hits such as "Feels So Real", "Watch Out", "You Remind Me", and "Never Gonna Give You Up". What some people do not realize is that Patrice Rushen is also a Grammy Award winning artist, a jazz vocalist, composer, producer, and pianist.
Patrice Rushen was the first woman to serve as Musical Director for the 46th, 47th & 48th Annual Grammy Awards, the first woman in 43 years to serve as Head Composer/Musical Director for television’s highest honor, the Emmy Awards and the first woman Musical Director of the NAACP Image Awards, an honor she held for 12 consecutive years. Rushen has also been the only woman Musical Director/Composer for the Peoples Choice Awards and HBO’s Comic Relief. She also served as the musical director for Janet Jackson's world tour "Janet".
Rushen is also considered one of the top pianists in the world and she performed and produced music with artists such 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, Stanley Turentine, Joshua Redman and more. It doesn't stop there, Rushen also performed with Philharmonic Orchestras and even wrote an award-winning symphony.
In addition to her success as a recording artist and musical director, Rushen is also an accomplished composer providing musical scores for Emmy-nominated television movies and series.
To learn more about Patrice Rushen visit her website www.patricerushen.com. Patrice Rushen's talent is truly remarkable, she is an inspiration, a true artist!
Watch a beautiful performance of Patrice Rushen and violinist Karen Briggs below, a must hear and see!