Meet Patrice Rushen [PHOTOS/VIDEOS]

Patrice Rushen's nickname is "Babyfingers," due to her small hands...but she had a BIG hit...one of "Jersey's Favorite Hits!"

Patrice Louise Rushen was born in Los Angeles on September 30, 1954. She is the oldest of two daughters born to Allen and Ruth Rushen.

In her teens, Patrice attended South L.A.'s Locke High School, and went on to earn a music degree at at the University of Southern California.

She is described as a jazz/soul vocalist, pianist and songwriter, plus record composer and producer.

She is credited with session work for Jean Luc-Ponty, and Lee Ritenour, among others.

Rushen's first solo effort to crack the "Hot 100" charts was "Haven't You Heard," in early 1980. The song just missed the Top 40, stopping at #42 (1980).

"Forget Me Nots" was a disco, R&B and "Top 40" (mainstream) chart hit (#23/1982). The song was nominated for a Grammy, as Best Female R&B Vocal Performance!

"Feels So Real (Won't Let Go)" was her final entry on the Hot 100 charts, landing at #78 in 1984.

Patrice Rushen would continue to place hits on the R&B/Hip Hop and Dance Charts through the late 1990's.

Several "Best Of" compilations have hit store shelves over the years, including an "Essential" Patrice Rushen CD, in 2002 (above).

Besides the keyboards, Patrice Rushen plays the flute, clarinet, and drums.

In her personal life, Rushen married Marc St. Louis, a concert tour manager and live show specialist, in 1986. They have a son, named Cameron.