This Thursday afternoon during our WCLK Black Music Month spots series, we honor the extraordinary Patrice Rushen — a trailblazing artist whose influence spans genres and generations. Best known for her 1982 hit "Forget Me Nots," Rushen is more than a chart-topping performer. She’s a classically trained pianist, Grammy-nominated R&B singer, composer, and a pioneering music director — the first woman to serve as musical director for the Grammy Awards, the Emmy Awards, and the NAACP Image Awards.
Her fusion of jazz, funk, soul, and pop has left an indelible mark on music, and her songs have been widely sampled in hip-hop and R&B. Patrice Rushen’s legacy continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike, making her a true icon of Black musical excellence.
Where were you when—
