Welcome Friends & Fans

Your song ‘feel so real’ is phenomenal…the best ever flow that I’ve heard in any song, and the power of the lyrics go deeply within. Thank you.

I have been a fan of yours since the Monterey jazz festival in 1978?. I grew up in santa Cruz listening to you while all my friends were into DEVO, Scorpions, or Van Halen I even managed to sway a few heavy metal retard friends of mine in into appreciating you as a very talented artist. It was you who awakened my enjoyment of jazz and funk (with special emphasis on piano). I used to get teased endlessly because everyone recognized the crush I had on you as a teenager. I was past caring what they thought however. I can to this day hear a snippet of piano on the radio and instantly recognize you because of your playing style (which I consider technically flawless).

In a Country with so much violence, racism and stereotyping…. you were the one that taught me from an early age that skin color doesn’t matter when it comes to music, talent or the love people, (even so-called strangers), should have for each other. For that reason, I will Forget you Nots.

Hello Patrice,

I was born in 1980, and my mother named me after you. I still listen to your music to this day. Where there is love is one of my favorite songs, I plan to quote the lyrics (with your permission) in my wedding program because I can’t find a poem that I like more. Thank you for sharing your gift, your influence continues to be expressed in lots of today’s music.

I was at home doing some work on my computer and listening to some music on the tv (music choice). A song came on that I remember listening to when I was younger. The song came out in 79. I was only 4 at that time but I did remember it. As the song played, pictures of the singer were being shown. I decided to find out more information on line about that singer, so here I am. You are a knock out now but wow you were beautiful during those times. I think that I’m in love now. Thank you for the memories and pleasant sounds.

Patrice,
I met and performed with you almost ten years ago in Detroit for the Sphinx Competition; you played Bill Banfield’s concerto–tempus fugit!! I just read that you are in Boston some of the time already!! I catch up with Bill every blue moon, but do tell him hello when you see him!! I hope we cross paths again sometime; have you written anything cello-specific with piano? If so, let me know…take care, Merry Christmas!!
TWH

hi Patrice, love your songs specially “I found love’…YOU are one of my favorites Patrice! glad to see your website, now i can send my love of your talent and style in singing that really comes from the soul….Take care! Love you! Merry Christmas! from the philippines

Hi Patrice, when are you doing a concert in the Dallas area? I live in Hope. Ar and would love to see you perform. I work with a Jazz drummer who is from Los Angeles and he told me he went to high school with you. His name is George Buckner and his dad played drums for Lional Hampton back in the day. George currently plays with several well known jazz artists in the Texarkana, Tx area. I have several of your albums and would like to see you perform here in Hope, Ar. George could play drums and there are several other well known jazz musicians in the area who would love to perform with you. Let me know what you think. Take care.

Hello Patrice I am so glad that I get a chance to let you know that I named my oldest daughter after you II just loved your voice her Name is Patrice also and she would be so proud knowing that I got a chance to let you know she is your name sake god bless you and keep on doing great things

You know what would be cool, on the front page of your site where you have the piano keys for navigation, on roll over the keys should play that particular note. That would be cool.

i was 11 years old when number one came out, but i just want to let you know that song (instumental version) is an all time favorite skate jam here in detroit. thank you for the many years of great music AND the countless skate jams….smile

Hello, old friend. I received a response via e-mail from you but for some reason could only read the first line. I would love to re-establish contact with you but I realize that your schedule is probably crammed with activities. I recently spoke with Gaylon Crosby who also would love to hear from you. At your convenience please contact me so that i can give you a way to contact her as well. I hope that all is well for you and hope that we can reconnect sometime in the future. I look to see if you’re continuing to record or at least tour and wish you continued success!

Your friend,

Walter White

Happy B-Day!!! Mrs. P, I’ve been enjoying your music for the past 30 years-your music has been an inspiration for me.

Its been way too long. Drop me an email if time permits. Continued success and blessings.

Reacquainting with your relevant, funky music I heard as a pre-teen. Remind Me is THE all-time groove, a songwriter’s clinic. Your sense of pitch, rhythm and groove is unmatched. Recently discovered Signature, very nice. Thanks for staying the course.

Hi Patrice, it’s been a long time! Locke’s 40 year alumni reunion is oct. 17th at the Reef in Long Beach. Hope you can attend. Ran into Ndugu today at Starbucks and had mini reunion lol! He said he’s coming.

Hello Patrice!

I can remember being about eight or nine and listening to my headphones in bed at night and the smoothness of “Feels So Real” engulfing me. Of course, at eight or nine you don’t know anything about being engulfed. (smile) I know now that that was the feeling your music gave me and still does. I wish I had known the value of a musical role model like you back then. I probably would have kept up with my piano lessons and wouldn’t be kicking myself now. You are such a tremendous musician in every sense of the word. I know that commercial success means little if anything to you, but were things up to me, you’d be on every news and entertainment outlet imaginable. No one should live or die without having experienced the bliss and wonder of Patrice. Don’t ever stop. When you’re composing, playing or producing and you stop and wonder why do this at all? Think of this little post and know that there is someone on their feet, cheering, whistling, applauding, and adoring you. Thank you for all that you do and for the happiness you’ve given to your innumerable fans. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

My dear friend, it is so good to finally catch up with you. I am happy to hear of your continued success. I am so sorry that I missed your performance during the Women in Jazz Series when you came through Austin a couple of years ago. Perhaps you’ll make it this way again and we can spend some time together. When you get some time drop me a line.

Miss you much,
Duane

Hi Patrice. I’m happy to say I have ALWAYS loved your music - and that goes back to 1976. I scour the online retailers and music sites to see if ‘Shout it Out’ has been released on CD. I used it to introduce dedicated jazz-funk fans in the UK to your music back then and I know that album has the power to do the same thing in 2009.

Having said that, I’m also looking forward to the time that I can add a track to my playlist and announce it as being ‘from the brand new Patrice Rushen’ album.

You are much loved and cherished in this corner of the UK. It’s always great to hear news of your continued success.

With respect

Chris Mann
Manchester
England

Hi Patrice

This is Jackie from South Wales in the UK. We met briefly a few years ago when we were visiting the US with Richard.

I’m sure you are aware, but I just wanted to let you know how often UK radio stations still play your music. Yes, I know it’s mainly Forget Me Nots, but occasionally they’ll stretch to other stuff.

Like last night, for example, Trevor Nelson on BBC Radio 2 - my favourite DJ - chose Straight From the Heart as his album of the week. I was thrilled when he played my favourite track, Remind Me - possibly one of my favourite songs ever. ‘Sighs’… I wish you’d bring out a vocal album again one day. I really miss your lovely voice!

Keep making music, Patrice!

Love Jackie xx

Hello Patrice. wow-ed to see you have a website. Just wanted you to know that I recognized your wonderful skills long before you were fully recognized..I’m only a month older than you and you should know that my two teenage kids 14 and 16 are digging your music as much as I do. Keep up your wonderful work and know that the Givens Family are lifelong fans..

Hi Patrice,
You are amazing and have always been such a wonderfully kind person. Thank you for the awesome and invigorating music last night at 7th & Fig in L.A. My husband and I sang and danced the night away. We’ve loved your music forever. What a treat!! We appreciate you!! Can’t wait to see you again.

Angie (Charles Mims’ Niece)

Hi Patrice I love Your music then & I love Your music now. hope to see U soon in ChiTown soon in 2010. I was in Your Fan club since 1989 I still have My Fan club tag in My scrapbook. I have all of Your cd My first album was “PATRICE” I have that & all on cds now. take care peace & love to U.

Sending You A Summer Note Just to let you know that all is well and as you stay in my mind,heart and best wishes for you and the Family…

Has any of the Symphonic work been released ?

As always Peace, B-Well, Randy

I am totally enamored! Your talent leads the way for me;If I’m not the first to call You a living legend,I’ll fall in line with the others;because You are a living legend! My friend Mr. Hubbard(rip) never told me he knew you! I feel so close yet so far from having a chance! In ending I must know! “have you ever worked with Mr. Stanley Clarke?” also thank your team for me; They are doing a fabulous job of blessing us all with your LEGEND “intentional”

Hi I am wondering if someone can tell me what album of Patrices’s this song is on.
Tell me my love, gently my love, I hear that you’fr leaving and ending our love even though it breaks my heart, breaking up is just a part of love….
I loved that song I was in the 7th grade lol and it was on the back of one of her hit 45’s (remeber those)

Just thought about you and thought I ‘d see if you had a website. SURPRISE!, SURPRISE!, SURPRISE! Glad to see you are still making music and let you know an old classmate from Locke sends a shout out!!!

Sending You Forget Me Nots!

Hello Patrice,

NARAS should just put you on their payroll! (lol)
You have officially been given OG STATUS for your wonderful
contributions to the world of music.

God Bless You and Yours.

Lawrence Duhart [Former H.H. Technologist/Engineer]

Just been reading your blog and find your points refreshing as well as comforting (especially for all us musicians and creative ones).
Wish i could see you sing, play or deliver a talk.
But I bet you don’t visit Devon in the UK much.

Love your music, by the way.
cheers
Dave

Peace unto you Patrice!

You are AWSEOM and your site is AWESOME! I have been listening to your musical communications since I was 16 (1976). You are gifted, inspiring and truly special.

It would be a great honor and a life-time treat to be able to meet you in person or see you do your thang at USC Music Dept.

Givin’ It Up is Givn’ Up - I think this is one of the most soul touching songs I have ever heard. Your CD (Haven’t You Heard: The Best of Patrice Rushen) is always ready to play in my car!!

Much love and respect babyfingers!!

Carlos G
Pasadena CA

Wow !!!! The Website looks Great !!! Its All Good.
Peace, B-Well, Randy

Patrice … thank U so very much 4 your wonderful site! Your music has given me so much joy over the years. I couldn’t possibly thank U enough. U have been 1 of my favorite musicians/vocalists 4 many years, but U R so much more. A Teacher … a true Teacher who is historically grounded and yet fresh, embracing the possibilities of the unexplored in music and so respectful and encouraging to the children of today, who will become the musicians of our future. Thank U Patrice for all U have given to so many of us who love music. May God bless U with as much joy and inspiration as you have given all of us. Do know that I do send continual good wishes to U and all those closely in your care, and hope U always fare well.

Hotep Patrice,

Wow, I love your site! Just dropped in to say hi and of course to give mad props to you my dear friend. You have been a constant source of inspiration to millions of fans and lovers of great music starting with me. Your career is as unique and awesome as you are. Your talent, skill and loving spirit is a gift to us all and speaks for itself. Ankh, Uja Seneb and blessings to you and your beautiful family.

Much Love and Respect

Friends For Life,

Henry Soleh Brewer

Patrice,

I’ve been listening to your musical talents ever since my days at USC. I remember you going to Trojan Chorale with “Munchie” as we called her. I was even at a concert in Seattle in the 80’s when I lived there. Mike Ray told me about it and got tix. I still play after all these years and I checked out the video with you and Karen. Awesome.
Thanks for mentioning the value of scales and arpeggios as far as building skills. That advice got my
playing to another level. Smoothness. Now at 55 I’m taking up the violin just for kicks. Be well, stay spiritually focused and happy. (And it was a pleasure to help you load the Fender Rhodes in your car back then. Whew! - Thank God for the invention of the Motif. I’d like to know more about the Yamaha synth you played on “The Meeting” video. Looks like a lot of fun. God Bless you and yours.

Hi Patrice Glad too see You on this website, I love Your music, heard “Forgive Me Not” on the radio today love that song.

I bookmarked this site, Thank you for good job!

Did you ever do a “Signature” tour??? It’s not too late. Hope to see you in the Washington, DC - Baltimore, MD area in 2009. PLEEEEEEASE…

Dear Ms. Rushen-

A friend of mine played “Haven’t You Heard” for me & I now know what a love letter is supposed to sound like
Thank you so much for bringing that one into the world!

Ben

Patrice,
It is so refreshing to hear your voice and style. You are truly my musical inspiration. I know you have been busy with many projects but I would love to see you live in concert somewhere. Hopefully that will happen soon. Thanks for sharing your gift and knowledge with the world.
God Bless & Much love,
Jesse T.

Dear Patrice,
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderfull music. Your music kept my spirits soaring during the 80s.

Just been listening to the Posh & Pizzazz albums, Mmmmm! I love you.

Olu

One of the greatest inspirations to so many of us, thank you Patrice for sharing this part of yourself with the world.

Will be tuned in for whatever’s coming up,,,

Much love,

Arkan

Hi Patrice, just wanted to send greetings from germany…I’m missing this funky feeling in todays music…keep on and enjoy!!!

Enjoy this new fan site for Patrice Rushen. Come back and hang out, often.