Susan Rogers' Catalyst songs

Take 5

If you don’t know Susan Rogers by name, you’ll know her work. A female producer and sound engineer in an industry dominated by men, her drive and commitment landed her side by side with Prince as his star soared. She was his audio technician right before he started recording Purple Rain, and was his sound engineer through his commercial peak – capturing Parade, Around the World in a Day, The Black Album, and Sign o' the Times. Susan had a front row seat to the creative genius and intense work ethic of one of the greatest artists of our time.

2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain, so to celebrate, I’m bringing you a Take 5 for the ages.

When we first spoke back in 2020 I was blown away. Not only does Susan have this incredible legacy with Prince, but after they parted she would go on to produce some of the biggest hits of the 90’s. Then she became a Professor at one of the world’s most prestigious music schools.

Her feelings about the emotional connections we have to sound, and what it means to be a good listener, resonated deeply with me, and I know they will with you too.

• James Brown - 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag'
• Prince - 'Let's Go Crazy'
• Geggy Tah - 'Whoever You Are'
• Barenaked Ladies - 'One Week'
• Wilson Pickett - 'In the Midnight Hour'

This episode was originally broadcast in 2020.