Patrice Rushen (born Patrice Louise Rushen, September 30, 1954, Los Angeles, California)[1] is a Grammy Award-winning American R&B and jazz vocalist, composer and pianist. Contents [edit] Biography Rushen was the elder of two daughters born to Allen Rushen and the former Ruth Harris.[1] She demonstrated her musical potential at a young age; she was regarded as a child prodigy. In her teens, she won the prestigious 1972 Monterey Jazz Festival.[clarification needed] She earned a degree in music from the University of Southern California.