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In this classic episode from 2020, Bruce Hornsby joins Questlove and Team Supreme to discuss his eclectic career, from his 1980s pop breakthrough with The Range to his improvisational work with The Grateful Dead and his enduring collaborative relationships with Bonnie Raitt and Spike Lee. Hornsby reflects on his unconventional path as a late-starting pianist who embraced modern classical and atonal styles, often testing the patience of softcore fans. He also shares remarkable stories, including how he used his early music videos to cheer up his son, his unexpected connection to Allen Iverson's legal defense, and scoring over 200 cues for Spike Lee films. The conversation highlights Hornsby's uncompromising artistic vision and his continuous pursuit of new musical directions.
Questlove opens the episode, introduces the podcast and the guest Bruce Hornsby, setting the stage for the interview.
Questlove delivers a light-hearted mood check, followed by a State Farm commercial, before transitioning to the main interview.
Questlove gives a brief rundown of Hornsby’s musical journey, highlighting his 1980s success, collaborations, and recent album releases.
Bruce reflects on his elementary school music lessons and early inspirations that shaped his songwriting.
Discussion of Huey Lewis’s role in shaping early recordings and the creative process behind the studio work.
Bruce talks about the pressure and impact of his debut hit and how it changed his career trajectory.
He explains how he balanced commercial expectations with his desire to stay true to his musical vision.
Bruce recounts joining the Grateful Dead, the emotional toll of losing a bandmate, and the decision to leave the tour.
Insight into his long-standing partnership with Spike Lee and how it influenced his approach to composing for film.
He shares his recent songwriting during the pandemic, experimentation with new sounds, and future directions.
Bruce discusses how his children discovered his music and the balance between family life and a touring career.
Final thoughts on his career, a memorable session with Questlove, and gratitude for the interview.
Sheena Easton Video Therapystory
Bruce Hornsby shares how he used his old music video appearances with Sheena Easton to cheer up his son after a rough basketball game on national TV.
Playing with The Grateful Deadinsight
Hornsby explains that his 20-month stint playing 100 shows with The Grateful Dead influenced him primarily on a songwriting level rather than introducing him to improvisation.
Alienating Softcore Fansstrategy
Hornsby humorously describes his self-appointed job of pissing off fans who only want to hear his radio hits by incorporating atonal and modern classical elements.
Hornsby recounts his involvement in lobbying Virginia Governor Doug Wilder to pardon Allen Iverson after a controversial arrest.
Hornsby reveals that he did not start playing the piano until the 11th grade at age 17, later practicing 5 to 8 hours a day to catch up.
Getting Signed with an Uncommercial Tapestory
Hornsby explains that the least commercial tape he ever made, featuring solo piano improvisations, was the one that ultimately got him signed to RCA.
Shifting Musical Styleinsight
Hornsby discusses how he followed up his massively successful debut album with a second record in the same style, only to intentionally pivot toward complex jazz and classical influences afterward.
“People don't realize that they have fully 50 truly great songs.”
“I started playing piano in 11th grade, and, uh, so kind of late, age seventeen.”
“The Way It Is was thought to be a B side.”
“I didn't want to make that sound. And and look, it's what I do. It's what I did.”
“One of the things that always stuck out to me that you were actually playing a real piano.”
“I was going to try to take the deep dive and try to really take it to another level.”
“I have one client, Spike Lee.”
“I think they gradually, it just, as you grew up as a kid, you sort of gradually become awake.”
This week on Questlove Supreme mega talented, multiple award winning singer songwriter, composer and pianist Bruce Hornsby shares his story.
17,670 words · 8 speakers
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