Patrice Rushen: Pop, Prince, 70’s LA Jazz Scene & More

In a lively conversation with Terence Blanchard, pianist, composer and producer Patrice Rushen shares her perspective on the interconnectedness of all music. From Beethoven to Stevie Wonder, the Soul Train dance floor to improvisational jazz, she emphasizes that “it’s all one thing.” Blanchard also poses a question about her relationship with Prince—one that many of us have wondered about but were too shy to ask. The music featured in this interview comes from the SFJAZZ Archive and includes recordings by Christian McBride and Lenny White, both of whom featured Patrice Rushen on keyboards. Patrice Rushen is one of the headliners of the 2025 San Francisco Jazz Festival on Sunday, June 15.