Among a handful of the most innovative, original and influential artists of our time, Narada Michael Walden’s stature as an authentic musical renaissance man is a matter of record. Producing Hits for Artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin (including the platinum “Freeway of Love.”), Steve Winwood, Ray Charles, Wynonna Judd, Whitney Houston, George Michael, Mariah Carey, Barbara Streisand, Lionel Ritchie, Lisa Fischer, Stevie Wonder, Tom Jones, Jeff Beck and The Temptations, the EMMY and multi-GRAMMY winner (Producer, Album and Song of The Year) has been at the helm of hit music that spans decades.
The list goes on, but the artistry of Narada Michael Walden is about more than charts positions and record sales. There is a powerful spiritual component at the heart of everything this richly gifted artist undertakes, an attuned and intuitive approach with a deep appreciation for music’s transforming power. Simply put, the artistry of Narada Michael Walden gets to the heart of matter, about matters of the heart. His music flows freely from pop, rock and soul, to the rarified realms of jazz, fusion and world music.
With Jeff Beck, Narada wrote and played drums on the seminal album “Wired” that earned them both their first Gold Album. Walden was an integral part of introducing Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey to millions of fans worldwide, producing and writing their breakthrough hits that first brought these divas to the spotlight.
Billboard magazine honored him as one of the Top Ten Producers of all time. It’s a commitment that reaches into the philanthropic arena as well, where Walden consistently lends his time and talent to causes ranging from the Cancer Society to funding music programs in the nation’s schools through his own foundation.
For seven straight years he has served as Music Director for the Rainforest Foundation Concert at Carnegie Hall, the high profile conversancy benefit spearheaded by Sting and Trudie Styler that has featured the likes of Elton John, Billy Joel, Ravi Shankar, James Taylor, Brian Wilson and, of course, Sting himself. His “Narada Michael Walden Foundation” delivers its services through a network of non-profit organizations with proven records of success in youth education and community empowerment. The Foundation also endows scholarships for aspiring musicians and enables the stars of tomorrow by offering emerging young artists from around the world access to recording facilities, coaching and production support.
In 2012 Narada Michael Walden is currently releasing his newest Independent Solo Album, “Thunder”. This Rock & Blues influenced album of 13 original songs features Narada on drums and vocals with his New Narada Michael Walden Band. “Thunder” is strong new direction from Narada Michael Walden, inspired by his recent successful two year tour with the Jeff Beck Band, Narada returned home to finish this album and put together his band to tour on his own.
In early February, Narada Michael Walden returned a well received 10 day stint of shows at the Blue Note in Tokyo and Nagoya to perform at the White House in an all star band for President Obama’s “Red, White and Blues” Concert with legends B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Mick Jagger, Trombone Shorty, Booker T Jones and more.
Walden’s prodigious energies have consistently kept him on the cutting edge of the music industry. For 25 years now he has also successfully run his Marin County-based Tarpan Studios recording studio.
With awesome abilities matched by a truly humble spirit, Narada Michael Walden is not only one of the legendary talents of our era: he is also one of the most admired, emulated and authentic. You can hear it in his music.
The Narada band is: Narada Michael Walden - Drums, Vocals Angeline Saris - Bass Matthew Charles Hewlitt - Guitar Frank Martin - Keys Nikita Germaine - Vocals
