Meet Robert Jason of Brentwood, TN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Jason.

Hi Robert, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
During high school, I played in several bands, both as a bass player, and keyboard wizard. (haha).
I received a music scholarship to the University of Miami (Frost School of Music), where I graduaterd with dual degrees in piano, and Music Education.

I then began working steadily in Miami as a vocalist, keyboardist, arranger…and eventually producing sessions at the now world famous Criteria Studios…home to Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, KC and the Sunshine Band, Miami Sound Machine (featuring Gloria Estefan), and other artists and groups.

I then was invited to write and produce commercial/jingles in Dallas at several jingle companies. During this time, my vocal career took off. I had an ability to sort of “mimic” established artists at that time…Ray Charles, Elvis, Johnny Mathis, and several others. So performing commercial vocals adding a touch of a famous artists helped to sell the product. I wrote and sang spots for 7-11, Southern Kitchen, and other Texas clients.

Still, being a songwriter at heart, I decided to make the move to Los Angeles.
It took a bit of time to get acclimated to the huge amount of talented writers, vocalists and and musicians. But after about 6 months, I began getting calls.

My first MAJOR vocal recording session was for the show “Happy Days.” The music was recorded at Hollywood’s Paramount Pictures Studio! The sound stage, named Glen Glenn Studios was immense, large enough for several Symphony orchestras! After catching my breath, I entered the control room, and introduced myself to the producer, Ron Hicklin, a longtime fixture as Studio vocalist and producer in LA. I was sent a copy of Elvis’ recording of “It’s Now or Never” to learn. In those days, these sessions were called “Sound Alikes.” I happened to do a pretty fair job impersonating “the King” back then. The session took about 30 minutes. They seemed pleased…a fact I learned when I was invited back dozens of times the following years to do more sessions, as Elvis, and several other vocalists including Tom Jones, Johnny Mathis, and others. Same with Laverne and Shirley,. a “sister” show produced by Garry Marshall.

Over the next few years I sang on over 40 different TV series and films, and wrote over 30 songs for Films. LA was good to me, but I wanted folks to hear my songs on the radio, not really possible in LA.

In 1993, I moved to Nashville, found a ‘burb in Brentwood, just south, and have been happy for 32 years…still writing, arranging, and producing. Since moving to TN, I’ve produced dozens of albums, mostly in the Inspirational Country genre, some Alternative, and R&B.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve been remarkably fortunate…I’d say blessed that I’ve not have extended spells of inactivity, or ill health. Obviously, like many Covid really curtailed my production work, but somehow many of us survived. I am a cancer survivor, and daily thank the Lord…and my wife for getting me through.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
UM….I sort of encapsulated all of that above…sorry about that!!!

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe AI has been, for some a blessing…but for many not so much. The next few years will tell us if music can sustain listenability, or whether AI will create even more sameness/repetition that is starting to be worrisome…at least to me.

I believe even more music, to counter the mechanization of music tracks will feature even more groups feature ca wide array of acoustic based instruments..am Americana style revival of sorts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://RobertJasonProductions.com