Patrice Rushen: pianist, singer-songwriter and composer
Patrice Rushen (born 1954) is an American pianist, singer, composer and producer best known for the 1982 hit “Forget Me Nots.” She bridged jazz, funk and R&B and later worked in composing, session work and education.
Patrice Rushen (born September 30, 1954, Los Angeles) is an American musician whose work spans jazz, funk, soul and R&B. She is widely recognized as a pianist and keyboardist and has earned broad notice as a singer, songwriter and composer. Her best-known recording is the 1982 single "Forget Me Nots," which became a pop and R&B staple and later supplied musical elements sampled in other popular recordings.
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Musical style and early development
Rushen developed her technical skills on piano and combined formal training with an interest in improvisation. Her early recordings leaned toward jazz and fusion, and over time she incorporated stronger soul and funk grooves, producing a smooth, rhythmically driven sound. She is noted for tasteful arrangements, melodic hooks, and a facility on keyboards that supports both instrumental and vocal work.
Career highlights
Across several decades Rushen recorded albums as a leader, performed as a session musician, and wrote and arranged for other artists and media. She scored commercial hits as a performer and supplied music that found new life through sampling and film placement. In addition to performing, she has produced recordings and contributed to soundtrack and television projects, expanding her role beyond the stage and studio.
Legacy and influence
Rushen's crossover from jazz to mainstream R&B and pop helped introduce sophisticated harmony and instrumental skill to wider audiences. Musicians and producers cite her grooves and keyboard voicings as influential; tracks from her catalog remain sources for sampling and reinterpretation. Her career illustrates how a classically grounded instrumentalist can build a versatile creative life across genres.
Selected aspects and notable facts
- Known for the hit single "Forget Me Nots," a song often referenced in discussions of 1980s R&B and pop.
- Balanced roles as performer, arranger and producer, as well as work composing for visual media.
- Maintains a reputation for technical proficiency and elegant songwriting that bridges jazz, funk and soul.
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Patrice Rushen: pianist, singer-songwriter and composer Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/128093