(September 5, 2016) When it came to power “behind the scenes” in R&B music, there weren’t many who were more powerful that songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Fred McFarlane. We’ve just heard the news that McFarlane has died, the cause not yet released.
In a career that spanned more than three decades, McFarlane established himself a a true triple threat, writing, producing and playing on hits of countless stars. He first made a name as a keyboardist, working with artists such as Enchantment and Crown Heights Affair. But McFarlane moved to the front of the pack when he produced the brilliant “Somebody Else’s Guy” for Jocelyn Brown in 1984. It began a decade of incredible collaborations, with McFarlane working on such hits as Jenny Burton’s “Bad Habits” (which he also co-wrote) as well as songs for Madonna, Will Downing, Keith Sweat, The Force MDs, Vanessa Williams, Evelyn “Champagne” King, and literally dozens of other top artists.
McFarlane continued to work in R&B, jazz and hip-hop well into the 21st Century, gracing another generation of artists with his musical mastery.
Fred McFarlane’s passing is another particularly strong blow to music fans in 2016, even as his incredible musical legacy continues.