Patrice Rushen, a true icon in the music industry, offers a unique perspective shaped by her extensive career as a composer, producer, and performer. With over a decade of experience as music director for the Grammys and NAACP Image Awards, Rushen has collaborated with music legends and created timeless tracks that continue to inspire artists today. Speaking ahead of her Fireside Keynote Conversation at the Chicago House Music Conference, she shared her thoughts on artistry, the roots of Chicago House music, and the evolving landscape of music creation.
A Career Defined by Collaboration and Homage
When asked about standout moments in her career, Rushen highlighted her involvement in shows like the Grammys and NAACP Image Awards. The opportunity to collaborate with and provide music direction for legendary artists such as Sarah Vaughan, the Nicholas Brothers, and Sammy Davis Jr. was particularly meaningful. “These are people, of course, I stand on their shoulders as great artists, as great entertainers as they were and as they influenced so many of us,” she shared. Paying homage to these influential figures through tributes was a deeply exciting aspect of her work.
Rushen expressed humility about her music continuing to inspire current artists. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around that idea,” she admitted. She values the process of teaching and discussing music’s influences, finding it hard to believe her own work serves that purpose for others. Her passion stems from the joy of playing music, collaborating, and striving for excellence, aiming to be so good that she could play with anyone.
The Essence of Chicago House Music
Hailing from Los Angeles, Rushen acknowledges Chicago as the birthplace and initial epicenter of House music. She learned about its origins through stories of The Warehouse club, where DJs experimented with various musical influences – funk, R&B, jazz, and later EDM – to create a sound that resonated deeply with people on the dance floor. Rushen believes House music’s value lies in its progressive nature and its ability to incorporate diverse influences.
However, she also notes the tendency to “put it in a box,” which can sometimes limit its progressive spirit rather than celebrating its purpose. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Rushen attributes her success and longevity to hard work, skill, and a deep understanding of culture. “Your person is your citizenry. The concept of how you feel about culture… The ability to just communicate. Those are things that also feed the music,” she explained.
Navigating the Industry as a Woman and Embracing Technology
Rushen believes her success is also due to her understanding of culture and her ability to communicate effectively, which feeds her music. She credits the women who came before her, acknowledging that “the bar was pretty low” for women in music for a long time, but she stands on their shoulders. She emphasizes that talent and skill are not enough; understanding one’s culture and communicating effectively are crucial.
Technology has significantly changed music creation, and Rushen embraces it as a tool for efficiency and precision. Having learned her craft through traditional means, she sees technology as a way to “get to it a little faster or more precisely.” It allows for remote collaboration, file sharing, and experimentation, making the creative process more convenient. However, she cautions against relying solely on technology, noting that “art isn’t made that way” and that students must still put in the time, work, and energy.
A Dream Supergroup Across Time
If given the opportunity to create a supergroup with no restrictions across time, Rushen’s dream lineup includes Miles Davis, Sly Stone, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson, Larry Graham, Mongo Santamaria, Freddy Hubbard, Abbey Lincoln, and Freddy Hubbard on trumpet. This eclectic mix reflects her deep appreciation for diverse musical talents and genres.
What are your favorite Patrice Rushen songs or collaborations? How do you think technology has impacted music creation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
