How to Make the Best of Success: Insights from Jazz Pianist / Producer Daniel Weatherspoon

Name any major gospel or R&B project in the past 25 years - whether from Janet Jackson, ‪Beyoncé‬, ‪Paula Abdul‬, Donald Lawrence, Karen Clark-Sheard, Carl Thomas, the Winans, Fred Hammond, the list goes on and on - and there's a good chance Daniel Weatherspoon was a major player in bringing it to pass.  

Daniel Weatherspoon is a Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-winning producer, composer, musician and musical director. This dynamic artist proved to be the pivotal force behind some of the most iconic gospel, R&B and jazz releases in music history.

Raised in Chicago and cutting his teeth on the church choir circuit, he quickly rose in reputation until he was picked for some of the biggest tours and album releases in his era. His extensive discography as a musician and producer includes work with Beyoncé, Carl Thomas, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Ricky Dillard. VaShawn Mitchell, Destiny's Child, the Clark Sisters, Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers, and more. 

In this revealing and inspiring interview, Daniel breaks down the key steps that took him from a devastating medical diagnosis as a child, to playing musicals in the church circuit in Chicago,  to playing on some of the most iconic musical releases in history, and finally to taking control of his own career. You’ll hear in his own words what he learned from his incredible experience as a musician and producer at the highest levels of the industry, and why he chose to venture out on his own as a solo artist. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS DANIEL WEATHERSPOON SHARES: 

• How he remained in mentorship relationships that helped him connect with the right artists
• How a call to play a musical turned into Daniel working on Karen Clark-Sheard’s debut album 
• How turning down one opportunity became an opportunity to play with Beyonce on her first CD
• Why having non-musical, unconventional interests is so important in staying grounded as a musician
• Why his dedication to his family altered his career path away from touring with major artists 
• How he got the #1 jazz album in the country with no label support or special marketing 
• What he wishes he learned about the business while working with the top artists

Follow Daniel Weatherspoon on Instagram  / Facebook / Twitter


Links related to this episode:

• Learn about The 4 Questions you need to ask before going Full-Time in Arts and Entertainment
• Buy God and Gigs: Succeed as a Musician without Sacrificing your Faith (Book and Study Guide) 
• Join our God and Gigs Facebook Group so you can watch more of our Facebook Live chats! 
• Order a copy of Your Art, God’s Heart - A 21 Day Devotional For Creatives