Those of you born after 1985 prolly have no idea who Patrice Rushen is, but there's a good chance you're familiar with her music. In the pre-music video/payola era, artists acutally had to have some musical talent, which often meant being able to play instruments as well as sang. Rushen was the consummate all-around talent, a true musician who played everything from the piano to percussion. If you want a modern point of reference, she was Alicia Keys before there was an Alicia Keys. Her list of career accolades is waaaay to lenghty for this sorta post, so get familiar if you ain't. Rushen is currently a professor at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, in Boston. I'd like to see Ashanti top that one.
Without further adieu, a handful of my favorites. If you wanna name the millions of songs that sampled these originals, flex your knowledge in the comments section.
"You Remind Me"
If "a Sunday afternoon in May" was a song, it would prolly sound like this. Tell me I'm wrong.
"Forget Me Nots"
I seriously hate that this superb song will forever be attached to such a corny movie like MiB, but hey, I'm sure she didn't mind the check.
"Feels So Real (Won't Let Go)"
If "4th of July BBQ" was a song, it would prolly sound like this. Tell me I'm wrong.
Question: How many songs can you name that sampled the original Patrice Rushen tunes above?
