Brian Kennedy (record Producer)
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Brian Kennedy Seals (born August 8, 1983) is an American record producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City, Missouri, abbreviated KC or KCMO, is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri by List of cities in Missouri, population and area. The city lies within Jackson County, Missouri, Jackson, Clay County, Missouri, Clay, and Pl ...
. He has been credited on hit singles such as " Disturbia" by
Rihanna Robyn Rihanna Fenty ( ; born February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer, businesswoman, and actress. One of the List of music artists by net worth, wealthiest musicians in the world, List of awards and nominations received by Rihanna, her vario ...
, "
Forever Forever or 4ever may refer to: Film and television Films * ''Forever'' (1921 film), an American silent film by George Fitzmaurice * ''Forever'' (1978 film), an American made-for-television romantic drama, based on the novel by Judy Blume * '' ...
" by
Chris Brown Christopher Maurice Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. A Pop music, pop and hip-hop-influenced contemporary R&B, R&B musician who works in a variety of genres, he has been called the "Honorific nic ...
, and "
Mr. Know It All "Mr. Know It All" is a song recorded by American pop recording artist Kelly Clarkson. It was written by Brian Kennedy, Ester Dean, Brett James, and Dante Jones, with the production handled by Kennedy, Dean, and Jones. Clarkson described the so ...
" by
Kelly Clarkson Kelly Brianne (born Kelly Brianne Clarkson, April 24, 1982), known professionally as Kelly Clarkson, is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. Rising to fame after winning the American Idol season 1, first season of ''Ameri ...
, as well as hit R&B singles including " If This Isn't Love" by
Jennifer Hudson Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12, 1981), also known by her nickname J.Hud, is an American singer, actress, producer, and talk show host. Having received List of awards and nominations received by Jennifer Hudson, numerous accolades for ...
, "
What It Is (Block Boy) "What It Is (Block Boy)" is a song by American rapper and singer Doechii, released by Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records on March 17, 2023, as a non-album single. The original features American rapper Kodak Black, but a solo version, wit ...
" by
Doechii Jaylah Ji'mya Hickmon (born August 14, 1998), known professionally as Doechii ( ), is an American rapper and singer. Her songs became viral videos on TikTok in 2021 and she signed recording contracts with Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Recor ...
, and " No Time for It" by
Fantasia Barrino Fantasia Monique Barrino-Taylor (born June 30, 1984), known professionally by her mononym Fantasia, is an American singer and actress. She rose to prominence in 2004 for her performance of the ''Porgy and Bess'' standard " Summertime" during th ...
.


Career


Music industry beginnings

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Seals was a classically trained piano prodigy, and became an accomplished pianist by the age of 8, writing his own songs and performing in the Kansas City Boys' Choir. He would create jazz, contemporary, and Christmas albums from his compositions. Seals relocated to Los Angeles in 2004 at the age of 20, beginning as a session player for
Diane Warren Diane Eve Warren (born September 7, 1956) is an American songwriter. She has won an Academy Honorary Award, Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, two Golden Globe Awards and three consecutive ''Billboard'' Music Awards for Songwriter of the Year from 19 ...
, the Underdogs, and Babyface. He would eventually catch his big break in 2006, when he produced and co-wrote “My Love” on
Ciara Ciara Princess Wilson ( ; Harris; born October 25, 1985) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress. She was discovered by record producer Jazze Pha in the early 2000s, and rose to prominence with her debut studio album, ''Goodies ...
’s sophomore album, '' Ciara: The Evolution'', securing a publishing deal.


Further songwriting success

His placement on Ciara's album was soon followed by chart-topping single " Disturbia" for the repackage of
Rihanna Robyn Rihanna Fenty ( ; born February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer, businesswoman, and actress. One of the List of music artists by net worth, wealthiest musicians in the world, List of awards and nominations received by Rihanna, her vario ...
's 2007 album '' Good Girl Gone Bad'', and chart-topper "
Forever Forever or 4ever may refer to: Film and television Films * ''Forever'' (1921 film), an American silent film by George Fitzmaurice * ''Forever'' (1978 film), an American made-for-television romantic drama, based on the novel by Judy Blume * '' ...
" for
Chris Brown Christopher Maurice Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. A Pop music, pop and hip-hop-influenced contemporary R&B, R&B musician who works in a variety of genres, he has been called the "Honorific nic ...
's repackage of 2007 album '' Exclusive''. Seals would continue to work with both Brown and Fenty, resulting in numerous future album placements on their projects, co-written demos for inclusion on the projects of other artists, as well as co-written songs worked on in collaboration with other artists (such as
Joe Jonas Joseph Adam Jonas (born August 15, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He rose to fame as a member of the pop rock band the Jonas Brothers, alongside his brothers Kevin Jonas, Kevin and Nick Jonas, Nick. The group released their ...
' "
See No More "See No More" is a song by American singer Joe Jonas. The song was released on June 13, 2011, as the first single from his debut album, ''Fastlife'' (2011). The mid-tempo Pop music, pop and Contemporary R&B, R&B song contains usage of synths, has ...
" ). Seals participated in initial sessions for Usher's 2008 album '' Here I Stand'', and a contribution of his ("Angel") was even tipped in various publications to be the "emotional centerpiece" of the project by participating writers, but the album changed direction and his contributions did not make the final cut. Seals would then begin work on R&B singer
Brandy Norwood Brandy Rayana Norwood (born February 11, 1979) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, model and actress. Born into a musical family in McComb, Mississippi, Norwood was raised in Carson, California, beginning her career as a backing vocalist ...
's comeback album ''
Human Humans (''Homo sapiens'') or modern humans are the most common and widespread species of primate, and the last surviving species of the genus ''Homo''. They are Hominidae, great apes characterized by their Prehistory of nakedness and clothing ...
'' as executive producer, but would be later replaced by notable Norwood collaborator
Rodney Jerkins Rodney Roy Jerkins (born July 29, 1977), better known by his stage name Darkchild, is an American record producer, rapper, and songwriter. He has collaborated with a broad range of popular artists. Jerkins has won two Grammy Awards from 19 nomi ...
after their long-awaited creative reunion. Seals would still contribute two songs to the album, and built a lasting writing relationship with then-unknown New Orleans songwriter Christopher "Frank Ocean" Breaux, who together co-wrote bonus track "Locket (Lost In Love)". Breaux and Seals would collaborate frequently for the next several years alongside several other producers, creating a pre-debut album, unofficial compilation/mixtape for Breaux titled ''The Lonny Breaux Collection'', composed of completed songs, rough demos, and songs written for other artists. In 2009, Seals contributed five songs to Disney star
Corbin Bleu Corbin Bleu Reivers ( ; born February 21, 1989) is an American actor and singer. He began acting professionally in the late 1990s before rising to prominence in the late 2000s for his leading role as Chad Danforth in the ''High School Musica ...
's second album ''
Speed of Light The speed of light in vacuum, commonly denoted , is a universal physical constant exactly equal to ). It is exact because, by international agreement, a metre is defined as the length of the path travelled by light in vacuum during a time i ...
''. Seals would further solidify his place in the music industry with " If This Isn't Love" for
Jennifer Hudson Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12, 1981), also known by her nickname J.Hud, is an American singer, actress, producer, and talk show host. Having received List of awards and nominations received by Jennifer Hudson, numerous accolades for ...
's eponymous debut album, " It's Over" and additional album tracks for
Jesse McCartney Jesse McCartney (born April 9, 1987) is an American actor and singer. He achieved fame in the late 1990s on the daytime drama ''All My Children'' as JR Chandler. He later joined the boy band Dream Street, and eventually branched out into a s ...
album '' Departure'', " This Time" for ''
American Idol ''American Idol'' is an American Music competition, singing competition television series created by Simon Fuller, produced by Fremantle (company), Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment, and distributed by Fremantle North America. It a ...
'' contestant
Pia Toscano Pia Toscano (born October 14, 1988) is an American singer. Toscano placed ninth on the tenth season of ''American Idol''. In 2016, she released the EP ''Belong''. Her debut album ''I'm Good'' was released on October 14, 2022. Early life Toscan ...
, as well as top-ten lead single "
Mr. Know It All "Mr. Know It All" is a song recorded by American pop recording artist Kelly Clarkson. It was written by Brian Kennedy, Ester Dean, Brett James, and Dante Jones, with the production handled by Kennedy, Dean, and Jones. Clarkson described the so ...
" for
Kelly Clarkson Kelly Brianne (born Kelly Brianne Clarkson, April 24, 1982), known professionally as Kelly Clarkson, is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. Rising to fame after winning the American Idol season 1, first season of ''Ameri ...
's 2011 album '' Stronger''. These initial contributions would earn Seals his first three Grammy awards (Winner's certificates for production participation on Grammy-winning albums) and first three ASCAP Awards.


2012-2020: Additional Grammy success, "Don't Wake Me Up", and "No Time for It"

In 2012, Seals would reunite with Brown and contribute " Don't Wake Me Up" to his fifth album ''
Fortune Fortune may refer to: General * Fortuna or Fortune, the Roman goddess of luck * Luck * Wealth * Fate * Fortune, a prediction made in fortune-telling * Fortune, in a fortune cookie Arts and entertainment Film and television * ''The Fortune'' (19 ...
''. Co-produced by
William Orbit William Mark Wainwright (born 15 December 1956),"William Orbit." ''Contemporary Musicians''. Vol. 30. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 2000. Retrieved via ''Biography in Context'' database, 7 May 2017. Available onlinvia ''Encyclopedia.com'' known ...
and originally pitched to pop artist
Madonna Madonna Louise Ciccone ( ; born August 16, 1958) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Referred to as the "Queen of Pop", she has been recognized for her continual reinvention and versatility in music production, ...
(who was unable to record the song in time), the song would reach the top 10 of the
Billboard Hot 100 The ''Billboard'' Hot 100, also known as simply the Hot 100, is the music industry standard record chart in the United States for songs, published weekly by '' Billboard'' magazine. Chart rankings are based on sales (physical and digital), ...
and chart internationally. A copyright infringement suit for the song against Brown, Orbit, Kennedy, and
Sony Music Entertainment Sony Music Entertainment (SME), commonly known as Sony Music, is an American multinational music company owned by Japanese conglomerate Sony Group Corporation. It is the recording division of Sony Music Group, with the other half being the ...
by UK songwriter Nayeri Gregor aka Nayri (who created a song of the same name in 2009 and pitched it to several parties involved) was settled in 2016. Seals' contribution to Fenty album ''
Unapologetic ''Unapologetic'' is the seventh studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on 19 November 2012 by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. It was recorded between June and November 2012, during promotion of her sixth studio album, '' T ...
'' earned him further Grammy recognition during the 2014 awards season from the R&B wing of
the Recording Academy National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc. (NARAS), doing business as The Recording Academy, is an American Learned society, learned academy of musicians, producers, recording engineers, and other musical professionals. It is widely kno ...
. In 2016, Seals would co-write and produce lead single " No Time for It" to Fantasia's fifth album '' The Definition Of...'', with her declaring in a ''
Vogue Vogue may refer to: Business * ''Vogue'' (magazine), a US fashion magazine ** British ''Vogue'', a British fashion magazine ** '' Vogue Adria'', a fashion magazine for former Yugoslav countries ** ''Vogue Arabia'', an Arab fashion magazine ** ' ...
'' interview that the song "set the atmosphere" amidst a period of upheaval in which she had recently scrapped a more jazz-flavored album concept for something that better mixed "contemporary" and "soul". Described as a label-chosen song in which "the wormy synth melody and bass line might appear on a crossover rap hit made by a popular and radio-friendly producer like
DJ Mustard A disc jockey, more commonly abbreviated as DJ, is a person who plays recorded music for an audience. Types of DJs include radio DJs (who host programs on music radio stations), club DJs (who work at nightclubs or music festivals), mobile DJ ...
", the song would later reach the top 10 of the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart. In 2017, Seals was spotted in a recording studio with
Lady Gaga Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (born March 28, 1986), known professionally as Lady Gaga, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Known for her image reinventions and versatility across the entertainment industry, she is an influ ...
alongside fellow songwriter
Dallas Davidson Dallas Davidson is an American country music singer and songwriter from Albany, Georgia, who has written for artists such as Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Cole Swindell, Jake Owen, Luke Bryan, Randy Houser, Lady Antebellum, and Billy Currin ...
to work on songs for potential inclusion on a follow-up project to 2016 album '' Joanne'', but the songs never came to fruition.


2021-present

Seals recently sold a portion of his catalog to music management and IP firm Hipgnosis Songs Fund for an undisclosed sum, with subsidiary Hipgnosis Songs Capital assuming ownership of the catalog in a 2023 purchase deal.


Personal life

In 2017, at the age of 33 following a
urinalysis Urinalysis, a portmanteau of the words ''urine'' and ''analysis'', is a Test panel, panel of medical tests that includes physical (macroscopic) examination of the urine, chemical evaluation using urine test strips, and #Microscopic examination, m ...
test to determine the origin of high blood pressure, doctors discovered that Seals was experiencing
kidney In humans, the kidneys are two reddish-brown bean-shaped blood-filtering organ (anatomy), organs that are a multilobar, multipapillary form of mammalian kidneys, usually without signs of external lobulation. They are located on the left and rig ...
problems. A biopsy showed he had FSGS, or
focal segmental glomerulosclerosis Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a histopathologic finding of scarring (sclerosis) of glomeruli and damage to renal podocytes. This process damages the filtration function of the kidney, resulting in protein presence in the urine du ...
, a relatively common form of
kidney disease Kidney disease, or renal disease, technically referred to as nephropathy, is damage to or disease of a kidney. Nephritis is an Inflammation, inflammatory kidney disease and has several types according to the location of the inflammation. Infla ...
which decreases the kidney's ability to properly filter blood as the filters are damaged/scarred. Coupled with an improved diet and blood pressure-lowering medications, Seals subsequently received a kidney transplant from his brother Kevin, who had moved to Los Angeles to be his manager. Seals continues to be an advocate for frequent blood-pressure check-ups and early avoidance of
hypertension Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a Chronic condition, long-term Disease, medical condition in which the blood pressure in the artery, arteries is persistently elevated. High blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms i ...
in the African-American community.


Selected songwriting and production credits


Notes

:A. "Lights, Camera, Action" also appears as a bonus track on the 2008
Pussycat Dolls The Pussycat Dolls were an American girl group and dance ensemble, founded in Los Angeles, California, by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995 as a neo-burlesque troupe. At the suggestion of Jimmy Iovine, Antin decided to take the troupe mainst ...
reissue album '' Doll Domination: International Edition''.


Demos

The following is a list of well-known demos and outtakes produced by Seals that have been discussed in various publications, shopped around to various artists, or have surfaced on blogs, mixtapes, and various music streaming channels:
Brandy Brandy is a liquor produced by distilling wine. Brandy generally contains 35–60% alcohol by volume (70–120 US proof) and is typically consumed as an after-dinner digestif. Some brandies are aged in wooden casks. Others are coloured ...
*"Freedom" (''Human'') *"Glass House" (''Human'') *"Gray Area" (''Human'') *"Keyed" (''Human'') *"Know You" (''Human'') *"One Thing" (''Human'') *"Surprise Ending" (''Human'') *"Thank Me Later" (''Human'') *"Today" (''Human'') *"Zillion" (''Human'')
Britney Spears Britney Jean Spears (born December 2, 1981) is an American singer. Often referred to as the "Princess of Pop", she has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making her one of the world's best-selling music artists. Cultural impact of Brit ...
*"After Tonight" (''Femme Fatale'') *"Dem Chicks Be Like" (''Glory'') *"Fire Drill" (''Circus'') *"Oblivious" (''Femme Fatale'')
Chris Brown Christopher Maurice Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. A Pop music, pop and hip-hop-influenced contemporary R&B, R&B musician who works in a variety of genres, he has been called the "Honorific nic ...
*"Electric Guitar" (''Exclusive'') *"Erased" (
Cool & Dre Cool & Dre are a record production and songwriting duo from North Miami, Florida, consisting of Marcello "Cool" Antonio Valenzano and Andre "Dre" Christopher Lyon. The duo were first discovered by New York rapper Fat Joe and began their career ...
project) *"Glow In the Dark" (''F.A.M.E.'')
Frank Ocean Frank Ocean (born Christopher Edwin Breaux; October 28, 1987) is an American singer and songwriter. He has been credited by several music journalism, music critics as a pioneer of the alternative R&B genre. Ocean has won two Grammy Awards and a B ...
*"Day Away" (''Lonny Breaux Collection'') *"Denim" (''Lonny Breaux Collection'') *"Done" (''Lonny Breaux Collection'') *"Know Better" (''Lonny Breaux Collection'') *"Lost Angel" (''Lonny Breaux Collection'') *"Stay If You Go" (''Lonny Breaux Collection'') *"Together" (''Lonny Breaux Collection'')
Jordin Sparks Jordin Sparks (born December 22, 1989) is an American singer and actress. She rose to fame in 2007 after winning the American Idol (season 6), sixth season of ''American Idol'' at age 17, becoming the youngest winner in the series' history. He ...
*"Know You" (''Battlefield'')
Kelly Rowland Kelendria Trene Rowland (born February 11, 1981) is an American singer, actress, and television personality. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of Destiny's Child, one of the world's List of best-selling girl groups, best-selling gir ...
*"On & On (The Sound)" (''Here I Am'')
The Backstreet Boys Backstreet Boys (often abbreviated as BSB) are an American vocal group consisting of Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, and cousins Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson (musician), Kevin Richardson. The band formed in 1993 in Orlando, Flori ...
*"Hologram" (''This Is Us'')
The Pussycat Dolls The Pussycat Dolls were an American girl group and dance ensemble, founded in Los Angeles, California, by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995 as a neo-burlesque troupe. At the suggestion of Jimmy Iovine, Antin decided to take the troupe mainstrea ...
*"Captive" (''Doll Domination'')
Trey Songz Tremaine Aldon Neverson (born November 28, 1984), known professionally as Trey Songz, is an American Contemporary R&B, R&B singer and songwriter. After being discovered by record producer Troy Taylor (record producer), Troy Taylor in 2003, Songz ...
*"Smile On My Face" (''Tremaine: The Album'') Usher *"All Falls Down" (''UR Experience'') *"Angel" (''Here I Stand'') *"Lights, Camera, Action" (''Here I Stand'')


Awards and nominations


Notes

:A. Winning producers in this category with less than a 50% album contribution are awarded with a Winner's Certificate. :B. Winning producers in this category with less than a 50% album contribution are awarded with a Winner's Certificate. :C. Winning producers in this category with less than a 50% album contribution are awarded with a Winner's Certificate.


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kennedy, Brian African-American songwriters Songwriters from Missouri Living people 1983 births Kidney transplant recipients African-American record producers