Music Producer Arif Mardin had a big influence on my music career as a songwriter.
Chaka Khan's brother Mark Stevens and I visited Arif in his hotel room one night while he was working on arrangements for Chaka's upcoming album. I was in my early 20's and told Arif I had aspirations of becoming successful in the music industry like he was and if he had any words of advice for me.
He gave me 4 valuable words of wisdom that influenced me and that I try to pass on to anyone interested in pursuing a music career.
- Believe in yourself!
- Be prepared by having your craft and talent in order.
- Stay away from the negative temptations such as drugs, alcohol, partying, negative people, etc…
- And 4 and most importantly, if you can not accept disappointment and rejection, you need to find another career, because it’s going to happen no matter what level of success you achieve!
Arif was a CLASS ACT! He was one of the most humble, talented and respected music producers and arrangers in music history. I encourage you to become familiar with his work and watch his documentary. I am forever grateful for his influence on music and on my life.
SOME OF ARIF'S CLASSIC PRODUCTION'S & ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
AWB - "Pick Up The Pieces"
Bee Gees - "Jive Talkin"
Bette Midler - "Wind Beneath My Wings"
Chaka Khan - "I Feel For You"
Hall & Oates - "Sara Smile"
Norah Jones - "Don't Know Why"
Phil Collins - "Against All Odds"
Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway - "Where Is The Love"
I was actually fortunate enough to be in the recording studio when Arif, Greg Phillinganes, Michael Sembello and Raymond Pounds were laying down the rhythm tracks for Chaka's cover of The Beatles "We Can Work It Out" a day I will never forget.
Below is the link to Arif's Wikipedia and a couple of video clips related to his work.
Thanks Arif for being a positive influence in my life.
ARIF'S WIKIPEDIA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arif_Mardin
ARIF MARDIN DOCUMENTARY EPK
CHAKA KHAN - "WE CAN WORK IT OUT" - PRODUCED BY ARIF MARDIN
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