Keep reading for an exclusive interview with Remixd Magazine.
Legendary singer and songwriter Jeffrey Osborne is responsible for creating masterworks of music. By gaining his rise in the R&B scene in the early 1970s as a lead vocalist for the notable group L.T.D., the band achieved three No. 1 songs, including four gold and platinum albums. Jeffrey Osborne’s succeeding solo career began with his “On the Wings of Love” single in 1982, which jolted him on the international charts. As his career continued to rise, four Grammy nominations and three gold and platinum albums soon followed. It is no debate that Osborne has created the classic music that resulted in major contributions to the R&B and Jazz genres.
Jeffrey Osborne has returned to the stage this year in 2021 and is actively performing and touring around the world. His most recent show was at The Magnolia in El Cajon on December 11th, and he graced the stage with music from his L.T.D. years and even solo releases, including his 2018 project “Worth It All.”
Remixd Magazine had the pleasure to speak with Jeffrey Osborne in a compelling interview. The well-renowned artist spoke about his incredible upbringing he had in music, his opinion on the artists from today’s generation of music, his vegan journey, and more. Check it out below!
I enjoy learning about artists changing their eating habits to improve their health. How has the vegan life been treating you?
I have been vegan for over five years. The first couple of months were tough, but once my body became adjusted it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I went right into it; my whole family did it, which made it easier. However, I’ve been thinking about adding a little fish to my diet and becoming a pescatarian diet. I’ve been reading up on it I believe the fatty acids would help. I don’t knock anybody’s diet, and I don’t think anything in moderation is bad. The toughest thing for me to give up was seafood since I was born and raised in Rhode Island. I am considering eating a little fish once every couple of weeks.
Lets take it back to the beginning. As child, you grew up with your father who played the trumpet for the likes of Duke Ellington. What were some things that you learned or picked up from your father that you believe was a catalyst to your music career?
I think he was a true musician. He dedicated so much of his time and life to playing, and he was great at it. I used to fall asleep outside his bedroom door, listening to him play the trumpet. However, he never got a chance to chase his dream due to taking care of 12 kids. That is the one thing that I took from all of it. When I met L.T.D and was thinking about leaving, my mother always told me to go and follow my dreams. She said, “I do not want to see you sitting around and second-guessing yourself.” She was my inspiration and motivation to go for it. The other thing I learned from listening to my father was the appreciation for great music back then. I loved listening to Sarah Vaughn, Billy Eckstine, Joe Williams, and Ella Fitzgerald. I loved all the trumpet players like Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, and Dizzy Gillespie. That was the soundtrack to my life coming up. I got into Motown as I got a little older, but my family would always go back and play Jazz. I got a really good appreciation for music in general, growing up with my family.
What do you believe is the key to creating timeless music? Do you think anything is missing from the music in this day and age?
I think the key to creating timeless music is one melody and lyrics. If you have a happy marriage of the two, it creates timeless pieces. They go hand in hand. When you listen to classic songs, the melodies are beautiful and the lyrics; touch you, you know? I think that is the most important thing. And I don’t know if anything is missing from today.
I think today’s music is an evolution. I can’t believe how Hip-Hop and Rap evolved. It’s like the biggest thing. R&B music is the one genre to me that has fallen backward. They don’t get the support as it used to and we kind of let that music fall to the side. I’m happy for these young artists though. I think what they’re doing is incredible. I see why they are so much more successful than my era. And that’s because they network, they work together. They’re always on each other’s projects, and they bring in other audiences because they branch out. And that was something that we didn’t do back in the day. You never saw artists getting together and, and networking the way these young kids work. So I admire what they’re doing and I’m happy about the success.
I would like to touch base on your show on December 11th at the Magnolia. What was it like performing again in San Diego and what can fans expect from your upcoming shows?
I love San Diego, it is such a beautiful place. We always have a great time. Fans can expect just what they know of me. I do a lot of L.T.D and music from my solo projects, of course. And I have fun, you know. I think the most important thing is entertaining people. I mean, you can have the greatest singer in the world, but if they don’t entertain you, it’s kind of boring. So the most important thing is to immediately engage people.
You have a great catalog of records. Do you have a strategy when you choose the songs you plan to perform?
I do because I perform at so many different types of venues. I tend to pick and choose songs. Like “On The Wings of Love” is more of a Pop ballad as opposed to “Love Ballad” which is an R&B ballad. So I’ve mixed things up depending on the audience. I try to put things in place that I think they’ll appreciate.
Do you have any eyes on any new talent? Who is on your 2021 playlist from this year?
I think for me, one of the most talented people that I enjoy is Bruno Mars. He’s hooked up with the Silk Sonic and they’re doing some very nice things. I also like Dua Lipa, she has some interesting songs. I listen to a bit of everything. It’s incredible to see the new people coming up. Also, Jasmine Sullivan, I think she is great as well. I try to stay in touch with what’s going on. I have nothing but appreciation for the young talent out there today. I respect what they’re going through because this is not an easy business. I don’t care what kind of music you’re doing. It’s still a tough business. So I always show my respects.
