Narada Michael Walden first came to general public notice when he joined the second version of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, replacing Billy Cobham on drums and appearing on a trio of the band’s mid-’70s albums. He’s recorded and/or performed with everyone from Allan Holdsworth, Jaco Pastorius and Robert Fripp to Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Tommy Bolin, Journey and Weather Report.
It wasn’t long before he stepped out from the drum set. He’s released more than a dozen solo albums showcasing his prowess on keyboards as well as a vocalist and on percussion. But it’s in the role of songwriter and producer for other artists that he’s really made his mark. Aretha Franklin (Who’s Zoomin’ Who?), Whitney Houston (producing six of her seven No. 1 hits) and Mariah Carey (her debut and Rainbow) are among those who have benefited from his songwriting and work behind the board. He’s also composed music for numerous films, including The Bodyguard, Free Willy, Beverly Hills Cops II and Stuart Little, plus the Emmy-winning “One Moment in Time” theme for the 1988 Olympic Games.
Narada Michael Walden’s music and that of the artists he works with varies from pop to funk, rock to R&B, with some gospel, fusion and blues thrown in for good measure. His latest album, Euphoria, came out last year and features contributions from Stevie Wonder, Sting, Carlos Santana and members of Walden’s family, including his wife Katie and her sister Kristie Mersereau-Isaacson. In conversation, he similarly moves from one topic to another. While his responses below are brief, it’s only because he was already moving on to the next thought.
NINA SIMONE – LIVE AT TOWN HALL (1959): Nina helped me a lot. Learning how to feel – I learned from her Live at Town Hall album.
RAY CHARLES – RAY CHARLES LIVE (1973): He was a genius. His band is so tight. The singing is so genuine. I know every note, hear how he phrased. What he lived – gospel, blues, jazz. You hear his voice, the urgency.
STEVIE WONDER – RECORDED LIVE: THE 12 YEAR OLD GENIUS (1963): “Fingertips” was really mind-blowing. The singing and playing, it was genius.
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO NOW: Kidz Bop [Walden and his wife have three young children.] I’m enjoying them. It keeps me current to what the hits are. I like being current. I’m always a student, learning production techniques.
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