Patrice Rushen scored a minor hit with the song “Forget Me Nots,” but when the tune was remixed for the Men In Black motion picture soundtrack, she had hit the big time. Many people did not know that Rushen was a Southern California piano prodigy who had been making jazz fusion and funk records for a decade, as can be heard in these rare music tracks from Prestige Records. In the three clips, Rushen discusses the influence television had on her musically, her classical training, and her musical hero, Herbie Hancock.

1. Patrice Rushen explains the influences that shaped her. “Kickin’ Back” from Before The Dawn, Prestige (1975)
2. Patrice Rushen’s classical side. “Kickin’ Back” from Before The Dawn, Prestige (1975)
3. Patrice Rushen talks about emulating Herbie Hancock. “Jubilation” from Before The Dawn, Prestige (1975)