User:Seafish1/sandbox

{{Infobox musical artist
 * Names=Vassal Benford
 * background=non_performing_personnel
 * image=Vassal Benford 1.jpg
 * caption=|Vassal Gradington Benford III ''Producer'.
 * birth_name=Vassal Benford
 * origin=Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
 * occupation=Record executive, Film producer, Record producer, songwriter
 * years_active=1990 til present
 * website=

Vassal Gradington Benford III is a Grammy Award winning American Producer/ Record Executive/ Film Producer/ Music Mogul

Benford made history conducting the original score for The Swan Princess in 2012, making him the first African American to completely score and voice direct an animated film for Sony Pictures. In 2013, Benford began scoring the "Marvin Gaye Story," directed by Julien Temple, starring Jesse L. Martin, from Law and Order. Other film scores and soundtracks include "Ring of The Fallen" (2013), "House Party 2," "Class Act," "The Sixth Man," "New Jack City," "Melrose Place," "Beverly Hills, 90210," Arnold Schwarzenegger's, "Running Man," and Whoopi Goldberg's, "The Associate."

Benford's production has helped create career-defining hits for superstar talents Toni Braxton, Queen Latifah, Deborah Cox, Sheryl Crow, Bell Biv Devo, Flo Rida, The Baha Men, Mariah Carey, Jade, Erika Jayne, Patti Labelle, Faith Evans, Chanté Moore, Aaron Hall, Oleta Adams, Lisa Stansfield, Fine Young Cannibals. Deborah Cox became one of Benford's multi-platinum discoveries performing the hit single "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here". Benford dominated the Hot 100 Pop charts making music history with the hit single "Don't Walk Away" performed by the female trio Jade also his discovery, Holding the #1-5 chart position longer than any single ever performed by a group or duo for 39 weeks. Benford has completed productions on over 196 albums and 37 remixes throughout his career generating over $400 million in revenue for companies such as Sony, Warner Bros, Arista, Universal, Motown, BMG, RCA, Mercury, EMI.

Early life and career: The Detroit Years
Benford was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Margaret Simone Benford and Henry Benford. He was named Vassal Gradington Benford III after the doctor who saved his mother’s, and his own life during childbirth. Vassal was raised in one of the nation's most poverty stricken and dangerous neighborhoods of Detroit. Vassal started playing piano at age four, and was considered a child prodigy. Vassal began playing Classical and Jazz music shortly thereafter. Vassal started working as an intern at age 13. Vassal made his mark working at the world-famous United Sounds Recording Studio founded by Don Davis and Berry Gordy. By age 16, Benford was working with stars like Earl Klugh, The Doobie Brothers, Michael Henderson, George Clinton and Parliament, Oscar Peterson, Miles Davis, Roger Troutman, and The Dramatics. During his time at USRS, Vassal produced/wrote/played keyboards on his first 2 records that went Platinum. The two records were The Two of Us recorded by Nancy Wilson and Ramsey Lewis (this song was number one on Adult Contemporary chart and Jazz chart) and Fall Down (a gospel record) by Tremaine Hawkins held the number 1 chart position for 27 weeks breaking the first contemporary gospel song to ever grace the dance club chart, which open doors for the likes of gospel artist Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary. Benford received backlash from the Christian community for mixing gospel music with club beats. Both of these songs came out at the same time, and hit number one on two different charts.

Benford graduated East Catholic High school in Detroit. He pursued his Associates Degree in Music Studies at Michigan State University and was awarded a scholarship to the Switzerland Conservatory in Europe where he studied under Professor Harold McKinney, and classical Music Counter-Point with Professor Don Nikeloff. Vassal returned to Michigan and continued working in Detroit. He was awarded the Key to the City of Detroit by the City Council and the Honorable Judge Greg Mathis (the now famous television personality).

Mid Life and career: The Los Angeles Years
Vassal moved to Los Angeles in the early 1990s and began working with Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, The Jackson 5, Surface and The Jets. Vassal's national success started with Producer, Quincy Jones and Universal Record Executive Louil Silas Jr. He began producing hits for superstar acts Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow, Lil' Kim, Queen Latifah, Patti Labelle, Faith Evans, Chante Moore, Oleta Adams, Tisha Campbell, and Lisa Stansfield. Deborah Cox was Vassal's multi-platinum discovery, and also artist on his Arista distributed Vaz Records with her second hit single "Who do you love" from her self titled debut album that was certified gold and platinum and became a club hit as well. The first single was the Dallas Austin produced and co-written # 4 pop "Sentimental". Benford Dominated the Hot 100 Pop charts prior to success with Cox making history with the hit single "Don't Walk Away" performed by the female trio (American band) Jade. Holding the #1-4 chart position longer than any single ever performed by a group or duo for 39 weeks. Vassal has worked recently with super star producer, R. Kelly, and Charlie Wilson, Billy Bob Thornton, Hip Hop Producer Swizz Beats, Lil Kim, Erika Jayne and rapper Flo Rida.

Vassal was appointed President/CEO, given his own imprint distributed label (Vaz/Arista Records), founded by Clive Davis (Arista's Chairman/CEO) and signed his first joint-venture. Benford then signed and released Deborah Cox first debut album. Cox obtained platinum success, and Davis also founded label imprints with Benford's labelmates Sean Combs, Sean 'P Diddy" Combs released (Notorious Big, Faith Evan's ) and La Face Records with L.A. Reid and  Kenneth “Babyface” Edmounds, the duo released Tony Braxton's first Debut selling  8x platinum, Benford received a Grammy for his production on Braxton's record. After a four year tenure with Arista, Benford then signed his second label distributed imprint, Vaz/Mercury with Danny Goldberg (Chairman of Mercury Records). From here, Benford was appointed Senior Vice President of Motown Records West Coast Division by George Jackson (President) and Clarence Avant (Chairman) of Motown Records. Once again, Benford was again given his own imprint distributed label (Vaz/Motown Records).

Vassal teamed up again with music executive Danny Goldberg and signed a distribution deal with Artemis Records at Sony Music distribution where they became the #1 independent label in the world with the hit “Who Let The Dogs Out” performed by group The Baha Men. The Baha Men are currently signed to Benford's recording label. 2013 Benford has re-signed with Universal Music Group.

Current Projects: The New Nation Film Years
In the early 1990s Vassal's interest in film started when he began working with Director/Producer George Jackson and Doug Mchenry, producers of the film "New Jack City". Because of Benford’s classical background in music the producer's decided to take a chance on Benford, and House Party II became Benford's first comedic film music score. Benford then went on to score film and TV syndications such as Running Man, New Jack City, Class Act, The Associate, Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210, FAME LA and The Keenan Wynn Show. Vassal began executive producing Independent films in 2007 then in 2009 Vassal Benford expanded his companies and began producing, scoring, and distributing feature films. The first independent feature started with “Double Tap” and “Without Fear” starring Fabian Carrillo.

Benford has recently collaborated with film producer Peter Davy to score and executive produce the upcoming film "Ring of The Fallen" due in 2013. Benford scored and directed The Swan Princess IV 2012 for Sony Pictures. Benford is presently executive producing feature films starring actors Billy Bob Thornton, Hilary Duff, and Winona Ryder. Benford is presently Chairman/CEO of NEW NATION FILM with partner and film Producer Mark Canton, producer of the Box Office Blockbuster film 300 and IMMORTALS. Vassal and Mark met on set while filming the movie New Jack City. Vassal Gradington Benford III continues to produce and score hit records and films.

Songwriting and/or Music Production Highlights

 * Toni Braxton
 * Baha Men
 * Patti LaBelle
 * Jade
 * Cassidy
 * Bobby Brown
 * Clive Davis
 * U2
 * The Jacksons
 * Cheryl Crow
 * Bell Biv Devoe
 * Lil Kim
 * Lisa Stansfield
 * Ruff Riders
 * Cameron
 * Deborah Cox
 * Swiss Beats
 * Chante Moore
 * Sheena Easton
 * The Bakery
 * Lil' Kev
 * New Edition
 * Debelah Morgan
 * Jersey Ave
 * Stephanie Mills
 * Tremaine Hawkins
 * C Note
 * Chante Moore
 * Joey Lawrence
 * London Beat
 * Atlantic Star

Movie Soundtracks/Executive Producer Credits and Television Theme songs

 * New Jack City
 * Perfect Getaway
 * The Sixth Man
 * The Associate
 * House Party 2
 * Melrose Place
 * Beverly Hills 90210
 * Fame LA
 * Swan Princess IV
 * Troll
 * Ring of The Fallen
 * Class Act
 * Black Gold
 * Double Tap
 * Running Man

Discography

 * 1978:	 Straight from the Hear - The Rance Allen Group - Composer
 * 1979:	 Do It All - Michael Henderson - Clavinet
 * 1980:	 10 1/2 - The Dramatics - Synthesizer
 * 1980:	 Soft Lights, Sweet Music - Enchantment - ARP Synthesizer
 * 1983:	 The Search Is Over - Tramaine Hawkins - Drum Programming, Keyboards, Producer, Synthesizer
 * 1984:	 The Two of Us - Ramsey Lewis - Composer, Piano
 * 1987:	 15 Original Big Hits, Vol. 4 - Composer
 * 1987:	 No More Cold Nights - Bert Robinson - Keyboards, String Arrangements, Synthesizer
 * 1987:	 Surface - Surface - Arranger, Programming, Synthesizer
 * 1988:	 Best of the Rance Allen Group - The Rance Allen Group - Composer
 * 1989: 	 Just in Time - The Controllers - Arranger, Composer, Drum Programming, Keyboard Programming, Keyboards, Mixing, Percussion, Producer
 * 1990:	 3 Deep - Surface - Keyboards, Piano, Synthesizer
 * 1990: 	 Fusebox - Michael Paulo - Composer, Drum Programming, Keyboard Bass, Keyboards, Producer, Programming, Synthesizer
 * 1990:	 Love U 2 the Limit [Single] - The Mac Band - Keyboards, Producer, Programming
 * 1990:	 Ralph Tresvant - Ralph Tresvant - Arranger, Composer, Multi Instruments, Producer, Vocals (Background)
 * 1990:	 The Best of the Jets - The Jets - Arranger, Composer, Mixing, Producer, Programming
 * 1991:	 Do It for Love - Larue - Arranger, Composer, Engineer, Producer, Vocals (Background)
 * 1991:	 Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 - New Edition - Producer
 * 1991:	  Romance Me - Grady Harrell - Arranger, Composer, Multi Instruments, Producer, Programming, Vocals (Background)
 * 1991:	 The Best Surface: A Nice Time for Loving - Surface - Horn, Keyboards, Piano, Synthesizer
 * 1991:	 This Is Your Night - Giorge Pettus - Producer
 * 1991:	 WBBD-Bootcity! The Remix Album - Bell Biv DeVoe - Photography
 * 1991:	 What Comes Naturally - Sheena Easton - Arranger, Composer, Multi Instruments, Producer, Programming, Vocal Arrangement


 * 1992:	 A Class Act		 Primary Artist
 * 1992:	 A New Beginning	Club Nouveau	 Composer
 * 1992:	 Blade's Theme	Vassal Benford	 Primary Artist
 * 1992:	 Jade to the Max	Jade	 Arranger, Composer, Keyboards, Mixing, Multi Instruments, Producer, Vocal Arrangement
 * 1992:	 Precious	Chanté Moore	 Arranger, Composer, Multi Instruments, Producer
 * 1992:	 Something Real	Stephanie Mills	 Arranger, Composer, Multi Instruments, Producer, Programming, Vocal Arrangement
 * 1993:	 Best of Dance '93		 Composer, Producer
 * 1993:	 BET's Listening Party	Jade	 Composer
 * 1993:	 Hits 93, Vol. 3		 Composer
 * 1993:	 Joey Lawrence	Joey Lawrence	 Arranger, Composer, Producer
 * 1993:	 Remixes N the Key of B	Bobby Brown	 Overdubs
 * 1993:	 The Truth	Aaron Hall	 Arranger, Composer, Instrumentation, Keyboards, Mixing, Producer, Programming
 * 1993:	 Toni Braxton	Toni Braxton	 Composer, Producer
 * 1994:	 Deepsustainedboomingsounds	Rhythm Saints	 Composer
 * 1994:	 How Many Ways [Cassette Single]	Toni Braxton	 Composer
 * 1994:	 I Belong to You	Toni Braxton	 Composer
 * 1994:	 Time	Atlantic Starr	 Instrument Arrangement, Mixing, Multi Instruments, Producer, Programming, Vocal Arrangement
 * 1995:	 Deborah Cox	Deborah Cox	 Composer, Producer
 * 1995:	 Moving On	Oleta Adams	 Composer, Drum Programming, Guest Artist, Keyboards, Producer
 * 1996:	 Greatest Hits	Klymaxx	 Composer
 * 1996:	 Greatest Hits: 1985 to 1993	Stephanie Mills	 Arranger, Composer, Producer
 * 1996:	 Only Rock 'N Roll 1990-1994: 20 Pop Hits		 Composer
 * 1996:	 Rated X-Traordinaire: The Best of Johnnie Taylor	Johnnie Taylor	 Keyboards
 * 1996:	 The Associate		 Mixing, Producer
 * 1996:	 Ultimate Dance Party 1997		 Composer
 * 1996:	 Work It: Dance = Life		 Composer
 * 1997:	 Body and Soul	Sheena Easton	 Composer
 * 1997:	 Color Me Danny: A Collection of Danny Tenaglia's Greatest Remixes	Danny Tenaglia	 Composer, Producer
 * 1997:	 Only Rock 'N Roll 1990-1994: #1 Radio Hits		 Composer
 * 1997:	 Slow Jams: On the Jazz Tip, Vol. 1		 Composer
 * 1997:	 The Sixth Man		 Composer, Multi Instruments, Producer, Vocals
 * 1998:	 Fame L.A.		 Arranger, Composer, Multi Instruments, Producer
 * 1998:	 Great Ladies of Gospel [Revival]		 Composer
 * 1998:	 It's Not Over	Debelah Morgan	 Composer, Producer
 * 1998:	 Love Superstars of the 90's		 Composer
 * 1998:	 The Very Best of Oleta Adams [#2]	Oleta Adams	 Composer
 * 1998:	 Yesterday [CD Single]	Debelah Morgan	 Composer
 * 1999:	 Breaking Through		 Producer
 * 1999:	 Funky Divas [WEA]		 Composer
 * 1999:	 Greatest Hits [Sony]	Nancy Wilson	 Composer, Piano
 * 1999:	 Jaze	Jaze	 Composer
 * 1999:	 Love in the 90's, Vol. 1		 Composer
 * 1999:	 Love: No Strings Attached		 Composer
 * 1999:	 Pop in the 90's, Vol. 1		 Composer
 * 1999:	 Wait til I Get Home [CD Single]	Cnote	 Composer, Performer, Primary Artist
 * 2000:	 In the Myx	Kelli Williams	 Composer
 * 2000:	 New R&B Essentials		 Composer, Producer
 * 2000:	 Smooth Jams: New R&B Essentials		 Composer, Producer
 * 2001:	 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Jets	The Jets	 Composer
 * 2001:	 All My Best to You, Vol. 2	Tramaine Hawkins	 Composer, Producer
 * 2001:	 Blues & Soul, Vol. 12: 1990-1999		 Composer
 * 2001:	 Gospel Remixes: 9 Favorite Gospel Hits		 Composer, Producer
 * 2001:	 Jersey Ave.	Jersey Ave.	 Composer, Instrumentation, Producer
 * 2001:	 The First Time: The Best of Surface	Surface	 Arranger, Keyboards, Piano, Synthesizer, Synthesizer Programming, Synthesizer Strings
 * 2001:	 Urban Nostalgia	Baby Blue Soundcrew	 Composer
 * 2002:	 Michael Maxwell	Michael Maxwell	 Composer
 * 2002:	 Monsta Jamz [1 CD]		 Composer
 * 2002:	 New Jack Swing Era		 Composer
 * 2002:	 Strawberries & Cream, Vol. 1		 Composer
 * 2003:	 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Klymaxx	Klymaxx	 Arranger, Composer, Producer
 * 2003:	 Funky Collector No. 16		 Composer
 * 2003:	 History Makers: Collection	Phil Keaggy	 Composer
 * 2003:	 Oh Carol: The Complete Recordings 1956-1966	Neil Sedaka	 Composer
 * 2003:	 Remixed	Deborah Cox	 Composer, Producer
 * 2003:	 Ultimate Dance Divas		 Composer
 * 2003:	 Ultra Dance '90s [BMG]		 Composer
 * 2004:	 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Chante Moore	Chanté Moore	 Composer
 * 2004:	 Platinum & Gold Collection	Toni Braxton	 Composer, Producer
 * 2004:	 Ultimate Collection	Oleta Adams	 Composer
 * 2004:	 Ultimate Deborah Cox	Deborah Cox	 Composer, Producer
 * 2005:	 Now Dance 2005		 Composer
 * 2005:	 The Remixes, Vol. 2: Armand Van Helden		 Composer
 * 2006:	 Gold	Stephanie Mills	 Arranger, Composer, Producer
 * 2007:	 Defected Presents 20 Years of Def Mix		 Composer
 * 2007:	 Do You Know Jesus?	Jackie Ball	 Keyboards, Main Personnel
 * 2007:	 The Essential Toni Braxton	Toni Braxton	 Composer, Producer
 * 2008:	 Crossover Grooves of 90's R&B		 Composer
 * 2009:	 Dance Nation, Vol. 10		 Composer
 * 2009:	 Hed Kandi: Summer Sampler 2009		 Composer
 * 2009:	 Hed Kandi: The Mix Spring 2009		 Composer
 * 2009:	 Ministry of Sound: Annual 2010		 Composer
 * 2009:	 Triple Feature: Deborah Cox/One Wish/Remixed	Deborah Cox	 Composer
 * 2010:	 Centipede/Reaction	Rebbie Jackson	 Arranger, Keyboards, Producer, Synthesizer Programming
 * 2010:	 Essential Mixes	Toni Braxton	 Composer, Producer
 * 2010:	 Essential R&B: 90's Anthems		 Composer
 * 2010:	 Original Hits: Rap & Soul		 Composer
 * 2010:	 Pure Swing [Universal]		 Composer
 * 2012:	 That's My Jam!		 Composer

www.vassalbenford.com www.allmusic.com www.discogs.com