Forget Me Nots
"Forget Me Nots" is a song co-written and performed by American R&B musician Patrice Rushen. It was released in April 1982 by Elektra Records as the lead single from her seventh studio album, Straight from the Heart.[1] The post-disco and R&B track was co-written by Rushen with bassist Freddie Washington and Terri McFaddin, and produced by Rushen.[2]Background and Production
Writing and Inspiration
"Forget Me Nots" was co-written in 1981 by Patrice Rushen, bassist Freddie Washington, and lyricist Terri McFaddin, marking a collaborative effort that blended Rushen's compositional strengths with Washington's rhythmic foundation. Rushen took the lead in developing the melody, drawing from her established background in jazz and R&B to craft a structure that emphasized emotional depth and accessibility. Washington, a veteran session musician, contributed the core bassline concept, which he described as emerging spontaneously during initial brainstorming sessions—a simple yet propulsive groove that would become the track's driving force. This partnership allowed for a seamless integration of musical ideas, resulting in a composition that captured the transitional energy of early 1980s R&B.[3][4] The lyrics center on themes of longing for a past lover, portraying an intimate plea for enduring connection amid separation. McFaddin's words use the forget-me-not flower as a poignant metaphor, symbolizing unwavering memory and the desire not to be forgotten, which infuses the narrative with a sense of vulnerability and persistence. This emotional core reflects a universal sentiment of romantic yearning, elevated through vivid imagery that ties personal heartache to a natural emblem of fidelity. The song's verses and chorus build this tension, culminating in a repeated invocation that underscores the protagonist's hope for reciprocity in remembrance.[3] Rushen's inspiration for "Forget Me Nots" stemmed from her deep-rooted personal experiences in the R&B and jazz fusion genres, where she had honed her skills as a pianist and composer since her teenage years. Influenced by her family's diverse musical collection spanning jazz standards and soul records, she sought to create a danceable anthem that fused funk's rhythmic pulse, synth-pop's electronic sheen, and soul's heartfelt expression—elements that mirrored the evolving club scene of the era. This approach aimed to bridge her jazz fusion heritage with broader pop appeal, producing a track that felt both innovative and groove-oriented. Key musical features, including the iconic bass riff and the soaring saxophone solo, originated in early demos, where experimentation helped solidify the song's layered sound before full production. The result was a piece that honored Rushen's artistic evolution while prioritizing infectious energy for listeners.[5][4] As the lead single from her seventh studio album, Straight from the Heart, the track exemplified Rushen's determination to push creative boundaries despite initial industry skepticism.[3]Recording and Personnel
"Forget Me Nots" was recorded in 1981 at Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, with engineering handled by Tommy Vicari, who also oversaw the mixing process.[6] The track was produced by Patrice Rushen and Charles Mims Jr., who additionally arranged the synthesizers, contributing to its distinctive funk-dance fusion sound.[6] Rushen herself served as executive producer under her Baby Fingers, Inc. banner, allowing for creative control that shaped the final production.[6] Key personnel included Rushen on lead and backing vocals, Fender Rhodes electric piano, clavinet, Oberheim synthesizer, and percussion, providing the melodic and harmonic foundation.[6] Freddie Washington delivered the song's iconic layered bassline on bass guitar, which serves as the rhythmic backbone and drives the groove with its slap technique played on a 1972 Fender Precision Bass direct into an API console.[6][4] Leon "Ndugu" Chancler performed on drums, complemented by Paulinho da Costa on congas.[6] The horn section featured Gerald Albright on tenor saxophone for the memorable solo, adding punchy accents.[6] The use of the Oberheim synthesizer by Rushen was pivotal in crafting the track's lush, electronic textures, blending seamlessly with the organic bass and percussion to create its enduring danceable energy.[6] Due to limited label support, Rushen undertook independent promotion efforts post-recording, which influenced refinements to the mix for broader appeal before its 1982 release.[7] The album, including this track, was mastered by John Golden at K-Disc Mastering in Hollywood.[6]Release and Promotion
Single Release
"Forget Me Nots" was released on April 2, 1982, as the lead single from Patrice Rushen's seventh studio album, Straight from the Heart, via Elektra Records.[8] The single was issued in several formats, including a 7-inch vinyl with the B-side "(She Will) Take You Down to Love" and a 12-inch maxi-single featuring extended versions, both pressed by Elektra in the United States.[9] Later digital reissues became available on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, often as part of remastered album compilations from the 2000s onward.[10] Although produced by Patrice Rushen and Charles Mims Jr., the track faced an initial lack of label support, with Elektra executives overlooking its commercial potential and deeming the album without standout hits.[11] This oversight led to an early flop status for the single, after which Rushen and her team undertook grassroots promotion to build momentum independently.[11] Regional variations appeared in 1982, including UK and European editions on Elektra imprints; for instance, the British 7-inch featured "Haven't You Heard" as the B-side, while continental pressings like the German and Dutch versions retained the original U.S. coupling.[2]Marketing and Initial Reception
Following the April 1982 release of "Forget Me Nots" as a single from her album Straight from the Heart, Elektra Records provided minimal promotional support, viewing the track and album with skepticism and refusing to allocate resources for marketing or radio pushes.[12][5] In response, Patrice Rushen and co-producer Charles Mims Jr. independently financed promotion efforts, hiring song pluggers to pitch the song to radio stations and using personal funds—including Rushen's life savings—to secure airplay after three weeks of persistent outreach.[5][13] The track gained early traction through club DJs in R&B and funk scenes, who championed its infectious bassline and danceable groove, fostering buzz in underground venues despite the label's neglect.[14] This grassroots momentum was amplified by Rushen's live performances tied to her album tour and television appearances, notably her June 19, 1982 performance on Soul Train, where she was enthusiastically received by dancers and audience members, contributing to immediate word-of-mouth enthusiasm.[15] Initial sales reflected a slow start, with limited distribution and visibility leading to modest early figures, but independent radio penetration and club play sparked organic growth through audience recommendations, turning the single into a sleeper hit before broader recognition.[14][5] Elektra eventually reimbursed Rushen's promotional expenses once the song's potential became evident.[13]Commercial Performance
Chart Positions
"Forget Me Nots" achieved moderate success on the US Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 90 on May 1, 1982, and climbing to a peak of number 23 on July 3, 1982, where it held for three weeks before descending the chart.[16][3] The single spent a total of 16 weeks on the Hot 100. On the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, it reached number 4, marking one of Rushen's strongest performances in that genre. Additionally, it peaked at number 2 on the Dance Club Songs chart for three weeks, underscoring its popularity in dance-oriented markets.[16][3] Internationally, the song performed well in several markets during 1982–1983. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number 72 on April 24, 1982, rising to a peak of number 8 and spending 12 weeks in total on the chart. In Ireland, it peaked at number 19 on the Irish Singles Chart. The track reached number 29 on the Australian Kent Music Report chart. In the Netherlands, "Forget Me Nots" peaked at number 23 on the Dutch Top 40, with a total of 5 weeks on the chart.[17][18]| Chart (1982–1983) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 23 | 16 |
| US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 4 | N/A |
| US Billboard Dance Club Songs | 2 | N/A |
| UK Singles Chart | 8 | 12 |
| Irish Singles Chart | 19 | N/A |
| Australian Kent Music Report | 29 | N/A |
| Dutch Top 40 | 23 | 5 |