ASMAC Premier Masters Series Panel
with Motown’s Paul Riser, H. B. Barnum, McKinley Jackson, Sylvester Rivers

Arranging & Composing: Timeless Hits

Guests included John Altman, Charles Fearing, Maurice Herd, and Tony Newton.

What makes a record not only burst on the scene but endure forever? Is it chance or something much deeper? Diana Ross, Phil Collins, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Frank Sinatra, Tower of Power, Sammy Davis, Jr, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight & the Pips, The Pointer Sisters, Freda Payne, Deniece Williams, and The Doobie Brothers have all enjoyed smash hits arranged by members of our panel.

From the Temptation’s iconic “My Girl,” Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour,” Nancy Wilson’s “Face It, Girl,” the Honey Cone’s “Want Ads,” and Candi Staton’s “Young Hearts Run Free.”

Riser, Barnum, Jackson, and Rivers break down the tools, principles, and creative approach needed to consistently turn out hit after hit.

Including musical examples and score excerpts, our panelists detail their methods and techniques for producing timeless hit music.

31 May 2025