We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sylvester Rivers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sylvester thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

From my very first piano lesson, it was clear to me that music would be my life. I never considered anything else. I believe there are spiritual forces that determine one’s destiny and that musicians are born and not made. My love affair with music was and continues to be a lifelong thing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I began playing piano at the age of seven and was recording professionally by age sixteen. I recorded with Holland-Dozer-Holland and Motown with artists such as the Honey Cone, Freda Payne and the Chairman of the Board. I then began arranging and composing. I moved to Los Angeles in 1974 and began recording with artists such as Nancy Wilson, Johnny Mathis, Kenny Rogers, Dionne Warwick, Gene Page, Ray Parker, Jr and many others. I worked on the Gold “Endless Love” soundtrack with Lionel Richie & Diana Ross, the Multi-Platinum New Edition album, “New Edition” and scored my first Number 1 Billboard Hot Soul Single with Candi Staton’s “Young Hearts Run Free”. I then received my first Gold record for Michael Henderson’s, “In the Night-Time.” I worked in film and television as well, playing piano on the theme of the original series, “The Love Boat” and arranging for the film, “Breakin 2:?Electric Boogaloo,” among many others. Recorded music, whether it’s records, film or television, continues to be my focus.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Music is its own reward. The best part of producing music is that you get to consume what you produce while you’re producing it and forevermore into the future. Plus, you have the added benefit of enjoying the wonderful company, music and inspiration of your fellow musicians while you’re creating the music.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Much of the folklore associated with the arts is true. However, certain aspects are surprisingly the same as in any other successful undertaking. For instance, no matter how much talent you have, you cannot escape the sheer man-hours needed to bring that talent to fruition.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SylvesterRivers.com