Harvey Mason, Jr. Quotes

Powerful Harvey Mason, Jr. for Daily Growth

About Harvey Mason, Jr.

Harvey Mason, Jr., a prolific musician, composer, arranger, record producer, and instrumentalist, was born on July 10, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known for his significant contributions to jazz and R&B music, Mason's career spans over four decades. Raised in a musically inclined family, Mason started playing the drums at the age of two, inspired by his grandfather and father who were both musicians. By seven, he was already performing professionally with local bands, demonstrating an exceptional talent for percussion. In 1969, Mason joined the jazz fusion band The Jazz Crusaders, later known as The Crusaders. His innovative approach to drumming and his versatility in various musical styles made him a sought-after session musician. During this period, he worked with artists such as Herbie Hancock, George Benson, and Quincy Jones. Mason's breakthrough came when he co-wrote the iconic song "Rockit" for Herbie Hancock's album 'Future Shock' in 1983, which won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance. The same year, he produced and arranged the hit single "Thriller" for Michael Jackson, further cementing his reputation as a musical maestro. Throughout his career, Mason has received numerous accolades, including 20 Grammy Awards. He is also a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1994. In recent years, Mason has continued to compose and produce music, collaborating with artists from various genres. His influence on modern music is undeniable, shaping the sound of jazz, R&B, and pop music for generations.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Music is language that speaks to all human hearts."

This quote by Harvey Mason, Jr. underscores music's universal nature as a means of communication. It suggests that just like language, music transcends cultural boundaries and resonates with the core emotions and experiences shared by all humans. In essence, it serves as a powerful tool for empathy and unity across diverse groups, emphasizing our common humanity.


"Greatness isn't something we think about achieving, it's the result of small acts done consistently over time."

Harvey Mason Jr.'s quote underscores the idea that greatness is not a sudden achievement but rather the culmination of consistent effort and small actions repeated over an extended period. It encourages us to focus on daily progress, recognizing that it's these seemingly insignificant acts that add up to create something significant in the long run. In essence, it emphasizes the importance of persistence, patience, and dedication towards one's goals.


"The true definition of success is the sum total of significant small decisions made over a lifetime."

This quote by Harvey Mason Jr. suggests that true success is not the result of one large, monumental decision or event but rather the accumulation of numerous smaller, significant choices made consistently over time. It emphasizes that success is built through a series of strategic decisions taken throughout one's life, with each choice contributing to the final outcome. In essence, it highlights the importance of making purposeful, meaningful choices day by day to build a fulfilling and successful life.


"When you can look in the mirror and be happy with what you see, that's when you know you have made it."

This quote by Harvey Mason, Jr. emphasizes self-acceptance and personal fulfillment as key indicators of success. When a person can genuinely appreciate their own appearance and character, it means they have achieved a state of inner contentment, which is a significant milestone in life. This interpretation goes beyond physical attributes; it also encompasses personal growth, self-love, and the acceptance of one's flaws and strengths. In essence, Mason suggests that true success lies not only in external achievements but in finding peace with oneself.


"Being a part of something bigger than yourself gives you strength, makes you realize no mountain is too high if you have a purpose."

This quote by Harvey Mason, Jr. emphasizes that finding purpose in something greater than oneself provides individuals with inner strength and motivation to overcome challenges. By connecting oneself to a larger cause or goal, one gains a sense of resilience and determination, knowing that the pursuit of this purpose justifies overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles (i.e., "no mountain is too high"). In other words, when people have a clear and meaningful purpose in life, they are empowered to persevere through adversity, as they understand their efforts contribute to something bigger than themselves.


The more people who come from musical backgrounds and go into promotion, production, songwriting, A&R, plus get their business head together, the better. They'll not only understand the business aspect, they'll also have a true passion and ear for how quality is represented musically.

- Harvey Mason, Jr.

Songwriting, How, Production, Backgrounds

I came to L.A. in 1970, and my desire and my training was to be a studio musician, which I had read about in my senior year in high school.

- Harvey Mason, Jr.

Desire, Studio, Which, Senior

Part of doing mash-ups is getting the legal rights to use the songs. If you're going to do a mash-up with five songs, you should probably find 10 songs, because you're only going to get half of them cleared. It's a real collaborative effort.

- Harvey Mason, Jr.

Doing, Use, Half, Legal Rights

I worked every day - Christmas Eve, birthdays - trying to become a great basketball player. Everywhere I went, I had a basketball.

- Harvey Mason, Jr.

Every Day, Christmas, Had, Birthdays

I like creating something from nothing and hearing it on the radio or on stage or from somebody driving down the street singing it. It's like building a house, taking a vacant piece of land, and next thing you know, there's a house with somebody living in it.

- Harvey Mason, Jr.

House, Down, Next, Vacant

It's so wide; that's what I love most about my career. It's been varied, and the music has been varied, because I find myself getting bored pretty easily. So for me, to work in the studio has been great. I didn't go on the road; I just worked on a different project every day, a different kind of music, and that's the challenge I love.

- Harvey Mason, Jr.

Love, Career, Studio, Bored

I've played with so many people that I never really noticed that I was playing with so many people until after it was compiled on the Internet. I just kept going. I haven't even heard half the records I've played on, to tell you the truth.

- Harvey Mason, Jr.

Tell, Records, Half, So Many People

A vocal producer is very important, and it's a very important component of an overall successful and good-sounding record.

- Harvey Mason, Jr.

Important, Very, Vocal, Component

I think I went more toward writing because that's my talent. I don't think I was a great performer... And I like being behind the scenes a little bit.

- Harvey Mason, Jr.

Think, Behind, I Think, Scenes

I give my heart in every single session I've done, and I get into the music. I love all kinds of music, and I try and really be as authentic as possible and give from my heart.

- Harvey Mason, Jr.

Love, Give, Session, Authentic

With new artists, you really don't have anything to reference. You're helping to develop their sound, define who they are vocally.

- Harvey Mason, Jr.

New, Sound, Helping, Reference

When we do R&B midtempos or ballads, there's an Underdogs sound.

- Harvey Mason, Jr.

Sound, Ballads, Underdogs

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