In a recent interview, pianist, producer, and composer Robert Glasper shared his journey to becoming one of the most influential figures in contemporary jazz and Black music. Reflecting on his career, Glasper recalled an unexpected moment in 2018 when he sang backing vocals for none other than Stevie Wonder. It happened during a star-studded charity event in Montgomery, Alabama, where Glasper was performing with rapper Common. As Wonder prepared for the grand finale, Glasper found himself, along with Usher and gospel legend Kirk Franklin, handed a microphone and thrust into an impromptu performance. “There can’t be many people who unexpectedly find themselves singing with Stevie Wonder — and then forget all about it,” Glasper remarked.
At just 46 years old, Glasper’s career trajectory reads like a who’s who of modern Black American music. He has worked with a range of legends, from George Clinton and Erykah Badu to Kendrick Lamar and Ava DuVernay. He has also earned 15 Grammy nominations across various categories and has won accolades in both R&B and jazz. His recent Grammy win for Best R&B Album in 2023, however, sparked an unforgettable moment when Chris Brown, a fellow nominee, infamously asked, “WHO THE F*CK IS ROBERT GLASPER” on Instagram. Glasper shrugged it off, turned it into a T-shirt, and even earned a public apology from Brown after the singer “did his research.”
Interestingly, while many pianists of his caliber start at an early age, Glasper’s musical roots were different. He first learned the drums before picking up the piano at age 11, when he was allowed to play “Happy Birthday” in church with just one finger. His musical journey truly took off when he began performing at East Wind Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where his mother, jazz and gospel singer Kim Yvette Glasper-Dobbs, was the musical director. “Once I tapped into it, though, I was off to the races,” he said. “I didn’t have any friends in my neighborhood. I just stayed home and played the piano.”
Despite his isolation, Glasper quickly rose to prominence as a musical director for several local churches, playing to crowds of up to 3,000 people. This early experience on stage taught him to read the room and match the energy, a skill that he would carry with him throughout his career.
Glasper’s refusal to adhere to genre boundaries has been a hallmark of his work. His 2004 debut album Mood, which merged jazz with Radiohead’s “Everything in Its Right Place,” was a bold statement. Now, nearly two decades later, Glasper has not only redefined jazz but also reframed the conversation around Black music. His Black Radio albums have become landmarks in the music world, bringing together musicians from all genres and showcasing Glasper’s signature chord progressions and rapid songwriting abilities.
In December 2023, Glasper released four albums, including Code Derivation, his most recent project. On it, he revisits “Madiba,” a track he wrote in tribute to Nelson Mandela after his passing, alongside a Christmas album, a meditative project, and a compilation of live recordings from previous Robtober residencies. Glasper’s commitment to making his music accessible to a wider audience is reflected in his desire to share the energy and excitement of his residency performances with fans around the world.
Collaborators such as neo-soul artist Meshell Ndegeocello praise Glasper’s ability to elevate those around him, describing him as a “virtuosic listener” who has the unique ability to make everyone feel buoyant on stage. His unflappable calm and ability to read the room make him not only an exceptional musician but a master of live performance.
Glasper’s stage presence is rooted in his personality, which he describes as unchanging since childhood. Growing up in a home where his parents made everyone feel at ease, Glasper brings the same welcoming energy to his performances. “I’m always going to be the same,” he says. “I’ve never separated how I am on stage from real life.”
As a “musical first responder,” Glasper remains open to the miraculous, always ready for the next creative spark. His ability to cross boundaries, bring genres together, and remain humble and generous with his talents has made him one of the most respected musicians in the world today.
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