4X Grammy Nominee Brenda Russell, Writer & Composer for Get Here, If Only for One Night, & Piano In The Dark & Continues Her Hit-Making Legacy With "What Will It Take"  

 Interview by: Gina Sedman

The beautiful Ms. Brenda Russell is a renowned singer-songwriter known for her unique style of music, passionate singing, and extensive lyrics collection. Her talent has only grown stronger with time, as evidenced by her timeless hits such as "Get Here," "If Only For One Night," and the Grammy-nominated "Piano In The Dark." Brenda is a skilled songwriter, able to blend genres and styles effortlessly. In 2005, she collaborated with Allee Willis and Stephen Bray to write the music and lyrics for the Tony Award-winning Broadway show The Color Purple. Brenda and her co-writers received a Grammy nomination in 2007 for Best Musical Show Album, which featured the original cast recording and received high critical praise. 

I had the most delightful experience interviewing Ms. Brenda Russell, the woman I call "the genius." Talking with her felt like chatting with my best friend. She is down-to-earth, honest, and super relatable. Despite being the one interviewed, she made me feel important by showing genuine interest in me as a fellow human. This is quite unusual in today's narcissistic culture, where many affluent individuals tend to be highly self-absorbed and often discount the value of those they perceive as being beneath them. However, Ms. Russell was different. She was humble, kind, and treated me with respect." Although I have always loved her music, after interviewing her, I love her heart and beautiful glowing spirit! We had the opportunity to have a girl chat and talk about her career and life in general. Here is what she shared with me.   

Hi Ms. Russell, it's truly an honor to speak with you today. Thank you for having me.  

It’s my pleasure. On one special April 8th, in the enchanted land of Brooklyn, NY, a beautiful queen gave birth to a princess named Brenda Russell. Little did her parents know that their baby girl would become one of the most sought-after talents in the music industry, excelling as a pianist, producer, writer, and vocalist.  

The couple had no idea their baby girl would have a career spanning four and a half decades, receiving prestigious accolades such as a Tony Award nomination and becoming a multiple Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and composer. Her hit songs, including "Piano in the Dark" and "Get Here," would dominate the global charts, with many in the top 5.  

Neither she nor her parents knew that their beautiful child would soon have the world singing her tunes and dancing to her rhythms. 

Ms. Russell, it is an honor. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. Firstly, you are absolutely stunning!  Thank you. You’re beautiful.  

Thank you so much, Ms. Russell. Your kind words mean a lot to me. As I mentioned earlier, it's a genuine pleasure to have the opportunity to interview you today. Speaking with you is a dream come true for me because you are one of my favorite vocalists and composers. Thank you.  

You're welcome. Whenever I interview women, I love to have "girl talk" because we women love to do that. That said, could you share your skincare routine with our readers? I would love to know how you keep your skin looking beautiful and vibrant. Well, I use expensive products. (laughs)  

And I've been blessed with excellent genes in my family. My mother, who is 95, still gets carded. People don't believe she's a senior citizen. (laughs) 

Wow! How amazing is that! Yes, it is. But, overall, I try to live well and do good and healthy things for my body.  

Although I am embarrassed to admit this, I do not exercise regularly. However, I know regular exercise is vital for maintaining good health, especially for someone with a busy career like yours. Do you exercise regularly, and what is your preferred type of exercise? Well, I enjoy yoga. I have found some fantastic classes on YouTube that offer great exercise routines. I also find yoga helpful for my back problems. Additionally, I enjoy swimming and similar activities. 

Awesome. Based on what I've read, exercises such as swimming and those in similarity provide excellent aerobic exercise. Swimming can be used by performers to elongate their vocal cords and improve their vocal strength, even using a treadmill. You learn something new every day. 

Absolutely. Ms. Russell, what are your healthiest and least healthy meal choices? When I am trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, I tend to eat salads and limit my consumption of red meat. However, I enjoy a good steak occasionally (laughs). 

Absolutely (laughs). Filet mignon used to be my favorite dish back when I used to eat red meat. Yes, exactly! That's what I had last night, filet Mignon. (laughs) 

Yeah, I stopped eating meat and became a pescatarian due to my lupus. Before switching to a healthier lifestyle, Ruth's Chris Steak House was one of my favorite places to eat filet mignon. Me too! I love Ruth Chris! (laughs) 

The fact that I cannot eat it anymore makes me very sad. That was my favorite steakhouse back in the day. It's so good! Recently, I discovered that there is one here in Austin. I haven't been to it yet, but I plan on going. (laughs)   

Even if I weren't a pescatarian, I couldn't visit Ruth's Chris Steakhouse because there are none in the UK. Wow! Are you also living in the UK? 

Yes, (laughs) Well, may God bless you. I am incredibly proud of women who recognize the need for a change in their lives and have the courage to make that move, no matter what it is. It is a very powerful and courageous thing to do. So, congratulations, Gina! 

Thank you so much, Ms. Russell! Your kind words were very encouraging. May God bless you. You’re welcome. I love England.  

Yes, isn't it beautiful? And the architecture is breathtaking! Yes, it is.  

Speaking of breathtaking, your beautiful voice is truly remarkable. How have you maintained such a fresh and vibrant voice over the years? That's a good question because I probably am not doing what I should be doing, but I pray that God will help me. (Laughs) 

Laughs. During concerts, I make sure to exercise my vocals and try to avoid smoking too much because I do smoke. Besides that, I naturally do what it takes to keep going. 

Smoky environments can make it difficult for me to speak, but if you smoke and your voice remains unaffected, you are indeed a gifted vocalist! I can't even be in a smoking environment without worrying about losing my voice. Kudos to you! (laughs) Thank you. (laughs) 

As a woman, my weight sometimes fluctuates. But being a 70s enthusiast, I love my platform shoes and bell-bottom pants so much that I can't part with them even when I gain weight. I have decided to hold on to them until I lose or gain weight and can wear them again. Ms. Russell, is there something you own that you would never part with that is valuable to you? I have so many clothes that I hold onto. My closet is a joke. (laughs) I don't follow any particular style and wear what I like. I do love Johnny Was clothing. Have you heard of the brand?  

No. I need to familiarize myself with that brand. Can you tell me about it? It's a fantastic clothing shop. They have a lot of 70s designs. The clothing is embroidered and hip. They're all over here in the States.  The clothes a cool! 

Oh wow. I've never heard of Johnny Was; my favorite hip clothes store is Free People. We have one of those here in Austin.   

That's awesome! They have great clothing options for someone with a bohemian style like me, but I also want to check out Johnny Was. I'll have to buy some of those and outgrow them, so I cannot let go of them either. (laughs) Yep, there you go. (laughs) 

Great. Moving forward, I am curious to know what elements have been consistently present in your fashion sense over the years, specifically in the Brenda Russell style. I have noticed that you frequently wear braids or dreads. Would you consider these as part of the Brenda Russell look? I grew up in a time when styling black hair was a serious business. It required professional expertise to get the perfect look, involving straightening, wig-wearing, and other processes that could damage your hair. But once I discovered braids, I was hooked. Do you know who introduced me to the idea of braids? 

No Who? My co-writer, No Who? My co-writer, Siedah Garrett. She worked with me on the latest version of The Color Purple. She worked with me on the latest version of The Color Purple.   

Awesome! Can you tell me the story behind that? One day, while I was at the store, I ran into Siedah, and she was wearing these beautiful braids. I told her I wanted them too. She referred me to her hairstylist in New York, and ever since then, I have been wearing dreadlocks. 

I think they look great on you too. From what I've seen, many women in the 70s wore different types of braids. Personally, I grew up in that era and sometimes I wore cornrows with beads and foil at the ends to prevent the beads from falling off. (laughs) Yes, that's when it started. I love it! 

I remember watching Whoopi Goldberg's one-woman show when she was young; it was hilarious! She had this bit where she would put a robe on her head and pretend it was her hair. Then she would say, I love my long, luxurious blonde hair. (laughs) As a kid, I used to do the same thing because I read fairy tales where everyone had long blonde hair. So, when Whoopi made that statement, it instantly made me love her because she understood me. It was an extraordinary moment for me because that was me. (laughs)   

Absolutely! That's hilarious! You just brought back some great childhood memories for me. I used to put a towel on my head and pretend it was my hair. (laughs) Isn't that funny? You did it, too? (laughs)  

Yes, I did it too! (laughs) and you know what's funny? Many places in America are now becoming more accepting of different hairstyles for people of color. In the past, individuals with Afros or braids were sometimes stereotyped as militant, but this is not always true. These hairstyles are simply a way for people of color to manage their hair in a way that works for them. Hair can grow in different directions depending on textures, and it is not a statement of militancy to wear it in its natural state. I appreciate the versatility and texture of my hair. Have you ever experienced a situation where you had to put your foot down and refuse to compromise with an industry that wanted you to conform to a particular thing despite your boundaries? "Absolutely. Although disco was popular when I started my career, I wasn't a fan. I enjoyed dancing to it, but I didn't want to write that kind of music. Despite being encouraged to do so, I knew that if I didn't follow my true passion, I would be betraying myself. I had to sleep at night.    

My guiding principle is to remain loyal to my mission. I have always been committed to creating genuine and authentic music by writing my own lyrics and composing my own music. For me, it was never an option to compromise on this. I wanted to create music that was entirely my own. And that's what I did. 

In retrospect, I am glad that I did not get involved in the disco music trend. By staying true to my purpose and being unique in my musical style, I earned respect from others. I am proud of myself for not succumbing to peer pressure or following the crowd. 

I always encourage young writers to express what's inside of them. Don't try to copy someone else because they already exist, and you can't do it better than they can. Instead, do what God gave you to do - follow your heart. I always write from the heart, whether good, bad, ugly, or anything in between. 

I completely agree with you. Your words are wise and well said. Thank you for sharing such a valuable insight. It's important for people to understand that God has created each one of us to be unique; we are not meant to be a copy of anyone else. Trying to be someone else only leads to dissatisfaction in life. As you rightly said, if we pray and ask God to reveal his purpose for our lives, we will find our true calling and shine in that area.  

We should not allow anyone to pressure us into doing something that doesn't come naturally to us. Unfortunately, the industry often looks for pre-defined standards of success, and many unique gifts go unnoticed. However, if we keep pushing forward and remain true to ourselves, we will feel fulfilled knowing we are living out God's plan for our lives, regardless of what the industry may think. Yes, always be true to yourself because nobody can replicate what you do. When I first started writing music, I used to get anxious because I'm a self-taught musician with no formal training. After I wrote my first song, I cried because I wasn't sure if I could write another song again. Then I had an epiphany - I realized that I wasn't the one who created the music; I was merely a channel and a vessel through which it flowed. The music wasn't coming from me; it was flowing through me. And that's how I approach music now. I listen to the sounds around me, and then I write the music that comes to me. It's out there, but you got to hear it. So, I listen, and then I write. 

Wow! Your wisdom reminds me so much of Mr. Lou Gossett Jr. You, and he could be brother and sister, not in how you look but in how you share so much wisdom. I am blessed to have the opportunity to gain valuable life lessons from both of you. I love him, and he is in our new movie, The Color Purple. One of his cousins was a very dear friend of my mother's, so we have an obscure connection. But still, what a compliment! Thank you. 

Ms. Russell, what would you have done if music didn't exist? What other passions would you pursue in life? When I was young, I thought I wanted to be a journalist because my mom always had newspapers around the house. I was fascinated by the writing and thought it would be great to become a journalist. As a child, I would read it and think, oh, I want to do that. I don't even know where that idea came from. (laughs) I also loved photography. I had a little camera that I used to take pictures of everything. But my parents were musicians, and music was always a big part of our lives.   

My mother was a songwriter, and I thought it was something that every mother did. When I went to school, I realized not everyone's mom wrote songs. But my mother taught me a lot about music. She would wake me up at night and ask me to sing a part, and then she would harmonize to get the right sound. She didn't have any recording equipment, so she had to keep the melody in her head. When I told this story to a journalist, she was surprised. But it was one of the best things my mother ever did for me. It made me feel like a part of her world. 

That’s beautiful! Thank you for sharing those sentimental moments. Ms. Russell, can you tell me more about your dad's group, "The Ink Spots"? Yes, my dad replaced the first original singer in the group. They were very popular in their day. They were the "Boys ll Men" of their era. My dad had the most beautiful voice. 

Here's a great story. My dad worked with Nat King Cole. They appeared in the same club when Nat King Cole approached my father and said, "If I had a voice like yours, I'd be rich."   

My goodness! Your dad had an incredible voice. That's a great compliment! Yes, and this was before Nat King Cole was famous. My dad had a fantastic voice, and that inspired me to want to sing, too. But, after thinking about it, I realized that he was too good and that I couldn't sing better than him. I questioned why I was even attempting to sing. Eventually, I mustered up the courage to try. 

It is a pleasure to have you here with us, singing to the tunes of your beautiful melodies. Look at the impact you've made in this world. It's truly amazing. I have a few more fun questions before we discuss your career. Thank you.  

My pleasure. Ms. Russell, could you please share your experience of having a childhood best friend and one of your favorite childhood memories with them? I am curious to know about your best friend from your childhood and any cherished memories you have with them. One of my childhood best friends was a young girl from Chicago. She and her mother came to live in my mother's house, and I always wanted a sister as I was an only child. We had a silly little ritual where we pricked and pressed our fingers together, calling ourselves blood sisters. I don't know where we got the idea, perhaps from movies, but we have been sisters for life since that day. 

That's beautiful, and I can see why. You are indeed a lovely soul. From our conversation, I can tell you are life-long friend material. That's awesome, you know? It warms my heart to hear such a beautiful story. Ms. Russell, I have a different kind of question for you. Have you ever encountered somebody who was so kind to you that you wondered if you had met an angel? Oh, all the time. Throughout my life, I've encountered many angels. I can't tell you how real that is. A few years ago, a young artist who was a mutual friend of a friend of mine called me. She said, "I'd love to come over and draw your picture." At that time, I was feeling depressed, and I just didn't want to do it. But she managed to talk me into it. So, I agreed, and she came over and did my portrait.    

Then, when she was leaving, she left me some paper and charcoal and told me "You should play," So I started sketching portraits.  

Also, I had this book, "The Man Who Tapped the Secrets of The Universe," given to me by another Angel. This man believed everybody was a genius and had genius in them, but you had to open yourself and tap into that power. Consequently, I started drawing pictures.   

Who have you drawn portraits of so far? I've drawn a portrait of Michael McDonald, Joe Zawinul from "Weather Report," He was a fantastic genius. He wrote a song called Birdland.   

I drew a portrait of Yoko Ono (John Lennon's wife) and Rickie Lee Jones, who sings "Chuck E's In Love," which was the first of my portrait drawings.  

That's amazing! I didn't know you were an artist. Yes, when people come over and look at my drawings, they say, "You didn't draw that!" (laughs) 

Why? They can't believe that I could draw like this without lessons. 

Footnote insert from Gina Sedman: I had the privilege of seeing Ms. Brenda Russell's outstanding and captivating drawings. Honestly, she sits right up there with some world-famous artists like Kara Walker, Wangechi Mutu, Iona Rozeal Brown, Amy Sherald, and Alma Thomas. I could not believe my eyes. I knew Ms. Russell was a fantastic musical talent, but when I saw her portrait drawings, she was even more talented, genius, and brilliant than I realized.   

I'm in awe! These portraits are beautiful! I'm glad you liked them.  

Like them? I love them! Thank you.   

You’re welcome. Have you ever exhibited your artwork in a gallery? I was invited to showcase my artwork, but it's hard to find time for it as I'm busy. Creating art takes a lot of time, and I feel guilty when I'm drawing because my producer once told me I should be writing songs instead. Music is how I earn my living and support others, so it's hard to justify spending so much time on my art. However, I'm now trying to make time for my art again. 

I am so happy to hear you are returning to your art. When you have so many talents, choosing which one to devote your time to every day can be difficult. It's a blessing to be gifted in diverse areas, but you can also feel guilty if you neglect one love for another. Like the song by William Bell says, Tryin' To Love Two, Aint Easy To Do." It sho aint easy! Ha ha! (Laughs) Yeah, right, exactly. (Laughs) 

It's beautiful because God created people with multiple abilities and functions. We're not just one-dimensional. We have eyes, ears, and hands, all parts of one body. Each function is equally important and valuable in its own way and doesn't take away from the others. It's all a part of who we are. That's right. Another way to look at it is when you compliment someone. Sometimes, when you compliment someone, they may say you're good, too. However, telling someone how beautiful or talented they are doesn't take away from anyone else; it only adds to everything.   

Certainly. I am enjoying our chat, Ms. Russell. Let's now delve into your life and career. In your younger years, you relocated a few times. How would you say those geographical changes affected your life as a young woman? As a young girl, I went to school in Brooklyn. And I was always getting picked on because I had short hair, I was dark-skinned, and I was smart. And because of those things, the kids hated me. They even chased me home from school. I was terrorized by it! They were terrorists. (laughs) 

Like little weapons of mass destruction. (laughs) Yes. (laughs)  

The way some kids treat their peers is terrible. I find it shocking and unacceptable. When I was young, they would chase you down, beat you up, and turn their dog against you. Today, the children are bringing guns to school. I guess we had it a little better when you look at it from that perspective. Nevertheless, it doesn't take away from your experience. Trauma is trauma.  It was extremely hard for me. I was terrorized by my classmates, at least as far as I was concerned, but I got past it. (laughs) 

Oh no! (laughs) Yes, absolutely, but in the end, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And look at you know. You are a superwoman! Sometimes, when we are not received externally, it forces us to dig deep inside and pull out those internal gifts God has so graciously placed within us. Have you found that your past traumas and pain helped you become the best version of yourself?  Something you said is very true. You could start to internalize when you have a lot of adverse things happening in your life. When I was facing a lot of difficulties in my life, I used to talk to God and ask Him why it was happening. But now I realize that those struggles helped me to empathize with the pain of others. So, I would write about my experiences and share my truths through my music. I believe that people can relate to my music because it reflects my honest emotions and my truths.  

When I was around 13 or 14, The Beatles had just come out, and I started drawing pictures of them. One day, I took these pictures to school, and a girl asked me to draw one for her because The Beatles were very popular. So, I started drawing pictures of The Beatles and selling them to the kids at school. (Laughs) 

You were a little entrepreneur! I love it. My mother approached me one day and asked, "What are you doing?" I replied, "I'm drawing these pictures to sell them." She then asked, "How much are you selling them for?" I said, "Fifty cents." My mother said, "That's not enough." 

There it is! (laughs) I thought I was going to get in trouble for selling them, but she said, "That's not enough money." (laughs)    

Awesome! (Laughs) It's crazy to think that I didn't even know I had an artistic talent. One day, something inside me pulled me towards drawing, and I started creating these beautiful pictures. It was only years later that I realized that I was an artist. Thanks to this girl who gave me some paper and charcoal and told me, "You should play." That's how I started making the pictures I just showed you."   

She will always be an Angel, and I don't know her name. I don't know where she is, but if I could find her, I would just kiss her because she gave me opened something inside of me that I didn't know I had.  

Absolutely. Speaking of something beautiful being inside of you, let's talk about your beautiful voice.  When was the moment that you first noticed you could sing? What happened in that moment? When I was a kid in Brooklyn, everyone used to sing. However, my girlfriends often asked me to stand in the corner when I tried to sing because they felt my voice wasn't impressive enough. They would say things like, "You stay over there, Brenda, we'll handle the singing." (laughs) 

No way! (laughs) Yes, but I'm the only one that's a professional now. (laughs) But at that time, they were like, "No, you back up." (laughs)   

Awe! That is so mean! "I grew up surrounded by music that my parents often played, which became a great source of inspiration for me. My dad used to play songs by The Count Basie Orchestra for me, and I remember the impact they had on me. When I first heard "April in Paris" by Count Basie, it blew my mind! I was only nine years old then, but I was so captivated by the sound of the song that I begged my dad to play it again. Looking back, I realize that I was musically inclined, even as a child, to be able to appreciate and be drawn to the music of Count Basie and "April in Paris." Quite an intense experience for a child. 

Yes, it is. Aside from that, I used to watch Jerry Lewis, and he was funny.  

Yes, absolutely! I used to watch him as well! He was hilarious, especially when he teamed up with Dean Martin! (laughs) Yes, I loved watching him pretend to conduct a band. He was so good! It was during those moments that I began to realize that I was creating music in my mind because I could hear orchestration in my head.  

Sometimes, I would even mimic Jerry Lewis and act out the music that I was hearing. Now, I understand that I was creating music back then, even though I didn't know it. 

I believe that parents should pay attention to their children and avoid imposing their own dreams on them. Instead, they should observe their child's natural inclinations because everyone has unique gifts given by God. Children will naturally gravitate towards what they are called to do and be. It's lovely that your mom and dad could see and support that. It's a beautiful thing. Exactly. Music has always been a passion of mine, and I'm thankful to have parents who never discouraged me from it. Although they feared their daughter being in the music business, they never discouraged me because they were musicians.   

Yes. And I love that they supported me. 

Okay, Ms. Russell, let's take a trip down memory lane. In your late teens, you were a part of a girl group called "The Tiaras" that originated from Toronto. Your beautiful voice can be heard in the song "Where Does All The Time Go," released on Barry Records. I'm curious how you, being from Brooklyn, ended up recording with, "The Tiaras." I love this story. I had just graduated from high school when I first heard about this girl group, The Tiaras" from Toronto. 

My friend and I decided to go listen to them sing because they were in town. So, we went to the club where they were performing but didn't have enough money to get in. So, we stood outside the backstage door. As we were waiting, a man approached me. He was one of those "angels" we talked about earlier. He asked me, "Do you sing?" I was the only black person there besides the group performing "The Tiaras," who were also black. 

But he told me that one of the girls in the group was leaving and they needed a new singer. I couldn't believe it since I was from Brooklyn, so I laughed it off. 

Right! You thought he was talking Hollywood talk. (Laughs) I had just graduated high school when I agreed to go to Toronto to meet some girls for what I thought was a gig. I packed a little suitcase and went to their rehearsal, assuming I was coming to audition. 

(Laughs) That's funny! You just showed up like I'm here! Hilarious! I know. I can't believe how courageous I was. In my mind, all I needed to do was pack my suitcase because I was moving to Toronto to sing with this group. But the reality was that I didn't know where I would live or what I would do. I didn't even have any money. I was courageous! (laughs)  

Yes, you were, but that's awesome! I admire people with great faith! Doubtful and fearful people cannot advance the world. Only the courageous can. Good for you! I always tell people to step into their fears. When you keep moving forward, things happen. In my case, I eventually joined the group, which was another example of one of the heavenly things that happened to me. That moment was the beginning of a beautiful journey that blossomed throughout the rest of my life. 

Indeed, it did. Later, another shift occurred in your life. Your solo career began. What catapulted you into stardom, and how did you initially get signed to a recording contract? I've been signed a few times. It all started in Toronto when I was signed to a group called Dr. Music. We made an album together. It was a beautiful acapella group with at least eight singers and a band behind us. Then they asked me to sing the lead and I was shocked that Doug Riley wanted me to sing it, but he did. Doug Riley was the leader of Dr Music. We recorded my song, Gospel Rock. 

I got hired to write for a gospel radio show hosted by Dr. Music every week. I had to write two songs weekly, which kickstarted my professional writing career. I was brave enough to say "yes" when asked if I could do it, and I did! The radio show aired every week, and it was an exciting way to start writing. That was my first recording contract.  

Later, I joined my ex-husband, Brian Russell, and we were signed to Elton John's record label, Rocket Records. As a black and white interracial couple, people weren't used to seeing us together in the 70s, but we did it anyway. It was a meaningful experience for us. 

How amazing is that! Is he Scottish? Yes, he's from Scotland.  

We both have a lot in common. We both married a man from the UK. How awesome is that! Limiting yourself to a mindset that restricts dating someone out of your race, culture, or community can be detrimental. Such a mindset can make you miss out on many wonderful life experiences. Never let prejudices restrict your worldview, or you'll miss out on so much. 

That's right! And it's important not to carry hate, resentment, or darkness in your heart as it only hurts you. We must remember that we are all one race - the human race. Speaking of the word 'dark,' your beautiful voice captivated listeners globally with your hugely popular song called 'Piano in the Dark,' which is still being played and adored worldwide. You also wrote and recorded another song called 'Get Here' that has enjoyed equal success, relatability, and longevity. Both were and still are massive hits! 

Ms. Russell, you have achieved numerous milestones and created an immense amount of music. Even the younger generation is going crazy over it. How does it feel to know that your music has transcended time and so many young people enjoy it? I love being an example for young people, especially young artists. Even Ariana Grande sampled my song "A Little Bit Of Love" for her first single, which was an honor for me. It's great to spread love through music that comes from truth and real feelings. I've noticed that the songs people connect with the most are the ones I wrote from my pain and tears, where I was literally writing while crying. That's why it's so important to dig deep.   

Yes! That main ingredient made yesterday's music much more powerful than today's. Of course, this is only my opinion. I just connected more deeply with the words and message delivery in earlier generations' music. So, it would help if you went deep to reach listeners' hearts through your music. I totally agree. Yes, and I'm always encouraging people to refrain from settling or having a "that's good enough" attitude when creating music. Don't settle for that. Just ok, lyric. Push for improvement if you know it could be better. I've always done that.   

That's what's so beautiful. I've had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Oleta Adams, and we talked about your song, "Get Here," which she later went on to cover for her album.   

I want to express my appreciation for your beautiful and inspiring song. It was a great source of comfort for my husband and me during the pandemic when we were forced to be separated. Because of this song's immense impact on our lives, I would love to know what inspired you to write it. Oh, I have a story to share. I once visited Stockholm, Sweden, to appear on a television show. However, my record company didn't approve of my trip, as they wanted to promote one of their other artists instead. Despite their objections, the organizers insisted on having me as the guest. Eventually, I made the trip, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my career. 

Stockholm is a beautiful city with incredible architecture and an atmosphere that takes you back in time. I really enjoyed the people there. Some black people live there, too.  

But I went to a club, and it was just this black dude with the dreads and everything, and he had about four Swedish women draped on him, and he wasn't even a cute-looking guy. So, my girlfriend and I were like, "What the heck is going on here?" (laughs)  

Thats hilarious! The brother had it going on in Sweden! (Laughs) Yes. (Laughs) They're entranced by that skin color; everything is so different from them that they appreciate it, which is really cute.   

But I was staying in this beautiful place in Stockholm in a penthouse overlooking the city. I started thinking about how many ways you can get to a person. So, I started writing about someone I haven't met yet.   

I said, "You can reach me by railway; you can reach me by trailway. You can reach me on an airplane; you can reach me with your mind. You can reach me by caravan, cross the desert like an Arab man. I don't care how you get here; just get here if you can." The lyrics just flowed out of me.  

"Get Here" was exceptionally beautiful and powerful. The lyrics were incredibly moving. That song helped me through the pandemic when my husband and I were separated because of the pandemic and just being in two different countries. We were 5000 miles apart, but our relationship was four years strong. We maintained our connection through Zoom, and God just kept us going. That song became my anthem. I sang that song many times, and it always gave us hope. I am grateful to you for creating that song. Thank you for giving us something to hold onto during the pandemic. Thank you for sharing that with me. That song has touched a lot of people in an amazing way. I remember a gentleman came up to me. He was a pilot and he had been in the Gulf War. He was funny. He said the only thing I was thinking was, “Get Here,”. He went on to tell me that he wanted to get back home and that he would sing and imagine that song when he was flying and then we both started crying when he told me that story. We're just both crying because it was so, so deep.  

I've had many people express these kinds of thoughts to me about that song. So, I'm grateful I was chosen to write a song that would resonate so profoundly with many people on many levels worldwide. 

Yes, what an incredible feeling indeed! You've had such a beautiful, massive, and meaningful career. I mean, come on! You wrote, recorded, and sang 'If Only For One Night' first, and Luther Van Dross would later cover it. Many people are unaware that "If Only For One Night" was not an original Luther Van Dross recording. However, it became and still is a massive hit! And don't even get me started on 'Piano In The Dark.' I mean, really? Ms. Russell, you are a genius! All of your songs are genius! You've written hit after hit after hit, my dear! 

"Let's rewind and talk about 'If Only For One Night.' Can you help me understand the meaning behind this song? Where did it come from within you? It came from love. I was deeply in love with someone I couldn't be with and needed to express that love somehow. Again, I wrote the song while I was crying, trying to find a way to cope with my emotions.  

How do you feel about the fact that the song resonated with people so deeply? Because everybody has had that feeling. I didn't even know it would connect to people that way. I just knew I had to express the love I felt for this person somehow, and that's what I did. 

And it does, and so does "Piano In The Dark." Can you briefly tell me about the experiences through which that song was born? Yes, I was. I have two friends, Scott Cutler and Jeff Hull. They composed the music and then sent it to me to write lyrics. When I heard it, I thought the song was so beautiful. So, I sat on it for a couple of days and then they got back to me and said, "What do you got?" (laughs) I keep a book of song titles, so when I come up with something good, I write it down. 

 So, when they called me back and said, "What have you got," I grabbed my book of titles, and as I was looking through the titles, I said, "What about piano in the dark?" That's all I did. I just looked at it and said, "What about that?" (laughs)   

Then Scott said, "What does that mean?" I said I don't know, but I'll figure it out. (Laughs)   

I Love it! (laughs) That's why I encourage young artists to always stay true to themselves and approach every challenge with the mindset of, I'll figure it out." That approach opens the door for you to do that. You have to visualize an ending; I envisioned "Piano In The Dark" lyrically. All I said was, I'll figure it out, and I'm still saying that. (laughs) 

I was really impressed by your beautiful song; it's a massive hit! Besides producing your own music, you've also worked with numerous remarkable artists like Chaka Khan, Sting, Earth, Wind and Fire, Donna Summers, and many others. I'd love to hear about your experiences with any of these artists. I want to share my experience writing "Dinner with Gershwin."   

Ok. For those youngsters out there who are unfamiliar with his work, George Gershwin was a hugely talented American composer who, amongst many songs, wrote "Rhapsody in Blue," which is just an unbelievable piece of work! But I had a crush on him even though he had been deceased for many years. So, I decided to write a song about him.  

Then I thought about my record company that kept telling me to do something else. So, one day, while I was sitting at my piano, I turned on the radio despite never doing so when writing a song. To my surprise, the first note that played was "Rhapsody in Blue" by Gershwin. This moment felt like fate and inspired me to finish writing my song "Dinner With Gershwin."  

I felt a strong urge to complete it. The end result was fantastic. Donna Summers recorded and released the song and did an incredible job with it. She was a tremendous singer, and her music video for the song is worth watching. I recommend checking it out on YouTube. 

I have seen it, and I agree. The lyrics are beautiful, and so is her expression of it. Great job, Ms. Russell! Thank you for sharing clips from your yearbook with me. It's just a beautiful thing, spiritually speaking. And when you're open, all these things come to you. It's something that I can't explain.  

Thank you so kindly. Ms. Russell, your song, "A Little Bit of Love," is one of the most sampled hip-hop songs. That's amazing, and congratulations! Thank you! I love that because I had children on that song, which was a lot of fun! I love working with kids. So cute.  

That's amazing. OK, so I want to pivot over to" The Color Purple." You and two other writers wrote and composed the music for" The Color Purple." Yes, and you have to excuse me because I get a little emotional talking about The Color Purple because the young lady, Allie Willis, passed away in 2019 on Christmas Eve. It was devastating to lose her. It was through her that we got the connection to compose the music for the production.  

 The producer was friends with her, and he was looking for someone to write this musical. So, Scott Sanders, the producer, called us. 

Stephen Bray, Allee Willis, and I were writing together. Stephen Bray was known for producing many of Madonna's hits. And while writing together, I could feel something special in the room with the three of us.  

 So, I looked upward and said "We need something more significant." And the next thing we knew, we were being asked to audition for the writing of The Color Purple, which was definitely bigger!  

They sent their audition songs to the producer via FedEx but had yet to hear back from him, which left us feeling a bit disappointed. We had never written a musical before, but we had read books on how to do it. 

Yes. (Laughs) It's hysterical. But he eventually called us and said that he loved it! She was driving around jamming in her car! She is very pleased with it! We're like, "We got the gig!”   

Praise God! He blessed all of you! Did you score the entire musical for The Color Purple? Yes, we did, and it was exciting, but at the same time, it was the most demanding work we've ever done because we were all pop writers, and now we were writing a musical. Allee wrote the lyrics for Earth Wind and Fire's song "September."   

Are you kidding? No.   

That is awesome! Yes, and that is the best party song ever!  

Yes, it is. Thats amazing! You have got to get up and dance when it comes on! Yes! (laughs) She also wrote "Boogie Wonderland" with them. She was terrific, and I loved her so much.  

Together, all of you creatives created an explosion! It was definitely that. I just wanted to mention earlier that when writing pop music, an artist can simply say whether they want to record your song or not. However, in theater, everyone has an opinion on the songs, the choreography, the director, and everybody in between. It's like writing within a committee. Also, rewriting is the most important part of doing theater. It's not just about writing the first draft, but about rewriting and rewriting until the final product is perfect."     

It's great to see that the hard work you and your co-writers put into "The Color Purple" has paid off in the long run. You have been nominated for a Tony Award for Best Score and a Grammy Award in the Best Musical Show Album category. Congratulations on your outstanding achievements! Thank you. Yes, our music was nominated for a Tony award. However, the show won two Tonys during its two runs on Broadway. It's quite rare to be a composer for a show that has made it to Broadway twice in one's lifetime. It's almost unheard of, really. (laughs)  

Yes, and the movie came out on Christmas Day. Were you involved in that project, too? Oh yeah, they used all of our music in the film, and it's fabulous! 

Did you get the chance to visit the set? Yes, when they were filming The Color Purple, I attended one of the shoots in Atlanta. Oprah was present and looked at me while saying, 'Black people are going to love this.' We all laughed because we knew she was right. 

That's hilarious! Thank you for your time, Ms. Russell. You have been so delightful. Awe, thank you.  

You're very welcome. Let's talk about this beautiful song I enjoyed, "What Will It Take." The African rhythms initially grabbed my attention, which was mesmerizing. And when the vocals and lyrics joined in, I was hooked! It was just amazing! You've done a fantastic job! Thank you.  

I appreciate your commitment to your unique sound and ethical music production. We need more people like you to create great music. 

You wrote and composed this song in the 90s when so much was happening in our world, even during that time. Regarding inspiration, what made you write it then, and what's happening now made you feel that this is the time to release it?  You know, it seems like there is always turmoil in the world at any point in time, but in the 90s the Gulf War was happening and as usual, people were fighting everywhere. And I just felt inspired in my heart out of my love for people to write a song that expressed why are we here, why are we doing this, and what will take for us to realize that killing each other and hating one another is not working. War and hate are just not working. And I just wanted to express that in this song. I actually forgot all the words that I wrote 30 years ago. (Laughs)   

Oh no! (laughs) Yeah So one day, my assistant said, “You should try some of your old stuff that you haven't released yet. I agreed because I decided I wanted to record it. And I pulled up this song, “What Will It Take” and I said, oh yeah, we're doing this and we're doing this now. Everything in this song reflects what's happening in the world. Therefore, I knew people would connect with it.  

When I wrote my song and took it to my publisher, there was a young girl who was listening to songs from the writers. Being a non-musician, she couldn't comprehend the vision or potential of my song. It can be difficult for non-musicians to imagine the potential of a song from a demo. To properly choose songs, you need to have a good ear and an imagination for that sort of thing. The girl said no to my song, but I'm glad she did because now it's my song. 

Yes, absolutely! And it wasn't meant for that time, you know? It wasn't meant for that time. Yeah, that's exactly it. Many times, when you think something is not working for you, it's because you have yet to see the bigger picture. At the time, I was disappointed, but I'd been writing long enough to know that it didn't matter too much because I could always bring it back. While it hurt a bit, I knew it was a good song. But on the positive side, many people are loving it now. This was the time for that song to be released.   

Yes, this is the time indeed. And the world needs to have more music like this out there. I am increasingly reluctant to visit the cinema due to the melancholy themes in many modern films. The narrative in today's movies and music often revolves around sinister figures seizing power, perpetuating violence, and indulging in hedonistic activities such as sex, drugs, and pain. It's an exhausting cycle that leaves me yearning for the wholesome content I used to consume.   

The films and music of my youth were a far cry from those of today. They were uplifting, meaningful, and had a substance that resonated with me. Your music, for instance, is a beacon of positivity. It carries a powerful message that has the potential to transform lives and inspire listeners. Thank you. I feel the same way as you, Gina. Performing arts such as music and film are supposed to uplift and inspire you, not depress you. In some cases, you may gain knowledge about something you weren't aware of, making you more intelligent.  

There's enough violence out there. With certain movies, it's like the old saying," Been there, done that." And I don't want to see black people killing each other on the streets with the gangs and all that. I'm tired of that. Black culture is portrayed in such a narrow way that it's so limited. And I don't like that either. 

One effective way to shift the narrative is for as many artists as possible who share the same aversion to negative entertainment to contribute to the positive narrative. 

Absolutely, I appreciate that you've penned such a hopeful piece. The world indeed craves more optimism, and there's a plethora of topics to explore beyond the mundane and the negative. It's refreshing to see someone open their mind to greater possibilities, much like the writers of earlier times composed meaningful narratives. Yes. 

Remember the love song you wrote? It resonated deeply with your audience, much like Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On," a poignant commentary on life and societal issues. But it didn't stop there. It offered solutions, a beacon of hope in the darkness. Thats right.  

Your music doesn't just state the problem; it also suggests a solution. It calls for understanding, love, and unity while highlighting the issues at hand. It's a call to action, a plea for change. It's like James Brown's "I Feel Good," uplifting and inspiring, reminding us that we can do better and be better. Absolutely.  

That's the power of your music. It's been a source of inspiration throughout the years, reminding us of our potential and capacity for change. It's a testament to your talent and commitment to making a difference. Thank you, Gina.  

You’re so welcome. And this new song is a masterpiece, a beautiful piece of art that deserves to be shared and celebrated. So, where can one find this gem? Thank you. Yes, it’s on any social media platforms out there like iTunes and Amazon, Spotify, and others of the sort.  

Currently, I'm working on an album which is called “Song Painter.” After the girl (The artist I referred to earlier in our conversation) called me a song painter, I thought to myself, that's a good title! (laughs) 

Wow! I love it! Yeah, isn't that fun? 

Yes, I can't wait to hear that! I'm excited about it! Thank you. 

My pleasure! What an incredible privilege it is to converse with such an extraordinary individual like yourself, who possesses such exceptional talent! Moreover, your heart is filled with kindness, love, and innate beauty. You, indeed, are a remarkable gift to this world. I believe you are significantly undervalued. By having the opportunity to interview you today, I have discovered even more of who you are as Brenda Russell, the remarkable woman you are.  

You are unquestionably one of the intellectual treasures (a genius) in this world that has remained unnoticed. However, those who have the privilege of knowing you intimately and honestly seeing you will not only recognize the exceptional gifts bestowed upon you by God but will also be blessed by them. I see you, Ms. Brenda Russell, as an extraordinary gift. That's so nice. I really appreciate it, Gina. Thank you so much. I've had a lot of beautiful people in my life who have encouraged me, helped me, and inspired me to take this path, so I'm very grateful. 

That's incredibly awesome! It's the epitome of what life is all about. Someone who paved the way before you have experienced both the highs and lows and emerged on the other side with valuable stories and strategies. They pass down those nuggets of wisdom to those about to embark on similar but unique paths, equipping them with the tools to navigate through their own storms, whether in pursuit of a dream, career, or simply life itself. As we discussed earlier, God sends help through kind-hearted individuals willing to be instruments of His grace. Suppose only we open our eyes to see it. In that case, we will be immensely grateful to God, significantly more than we are now. This brings me to my final question. This is your moment, Ms. Russell, to impart wisdom and be an angel, so to speak, in the lives of those just starting out in this industry we call entertainment. What message would you like to share to uplift and encourage newcomers? Always remember that the best ideas come from within yourself and what you already know. When I'm talking to people, I listen carefully to what they have to say. Sometimes, they'll say something that sparks an idea for a new song. Consequently, I always write down little things people say. You'd be surprised at how creative people can be without even realizing it.   

Also, creativity is not something that originates in your brain but rather something that passes through it. It flows through you, but you must be open to receiving it. 

Beautiful, talented, and wise Ms. Brenda Russell, I express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for your taking the time to speak with me. It was an honor and a privilege to hear your story, and to have the opportunity to share it with the readers of "The Indie Post Magazine." I feel incredibly honored to interview a woman who is a legend and a valuable contributor to the positive narrative of our black history. 

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights with me. I am looking forward to honoring your legacy and making it phenomenal. My prayer for you is that God will continue to bless the works of your hands, be it done in accordance with His will for your life, and that He will bless you in many more ways, both you and your family. Because God has given you life, I believe there is always more work to be done, and I pray that you will discover more of His will daily. May you continue to seek Him for wisdom and guidance. Lastly, I am so proud of all your achievements, and I congratulate you on your numerous pegs of success. 

Once again, thank you for your time and for sharing your story with me. Thank you very much, Gina, and you are pretty wise for a young person.   

Thank you, Ms. Russell, for that beautiful compliment. Your kind words mean a lot to me. Have a wonderful day and thank you again. You are welcome. Thank you, my dear. You too. 

God bless you. Bye now. Bye.   

brendarussell.com

All photos of Brenda Russell are courtesy of Brenda Russell 

END OF INTERVIEW