No Minor Accomplishment.

Rickey Minor is an enabler. In the best sense of the word, and a first-order one at that. He enables up-and-comers and superstars alike to sound the best they can, to capitalize on their strengths, and to overcome their shortcomings, allowing them to grow as artists and people. He’s also a mentor to many, as Quincy Jones has been to him, a man who always offers more than the situation calls for. That’s why his new autobiography is called “There’s No Traffic On The Extra Mile.” Subtitled “Lessons On The Road From Dreams To Destiny,” it was published in January 2009 by Gotham Books.

Managing Editor Kirk Eberhard, Rickey Minor, and Editor In Chief Dave Fowler

Bass Frontiers met with Rickey at his Hollywood office/studio, a bungalow nestled in a corner of a famous film and television studio lot. It’s a fitting environment for a man who got his start as a producer in the traditional label-and-studio world. Rickey’s track record with Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Ray Charles, as well as Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, and Black Eyed Peas, establish him as the best ambassador of both old and new schools. Minor is a player and bandleader with the skills and training of a schooled musician, and as a producer he possesses the attention for detail to match. No wonder the Grammy Awards and NFL Super Bowl telecasts rely on him when a show needs to go down live and without a hitch.

While his attitude is youthful and upbeat (that’s an understatement), Minor is definitely a veteran in the middle of a long and distinguished career. Starting his music director days with then-unknown Whitney Houston, Rickey soon became a go-to guy with a solid reputation as both leader and player. His referals were greatly respected, and while his consulting and producing business grew rapidly his ego did not. When we sat down with Minor he talked animatedly and at length about the artists he is so obviously proud of and the landmark projects he’s headed. We had to pry out the details of his own upbringing and formative years. Rickey’s the kind of guy that if he was presented with a medal for humility he’d never wear it…

We hope you enjoy the interview as much as we did, and get to know this genuine and gentle man with so much to share.

Watch Rickey’s Video Interview With Bass Frontiers Magazine Below!

Kirk Eberhard
Managing Editor
Bass Frontiers Magazine