In this episode, Ian Von sits down with two-time Grammy Award–winning producer, songwriter, artist, and music director Bobby Ross Avila for a masterclass in musicianship, longevity, and R&B history.
Bobby shares how he went from a three-year-old on the piano to being signed at age 12, opening for New Kids on the Block, and later becoming part of iconic production duo The Avila Brothers. He dives into his life-changing mentorship with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, his work with legends like Usher, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Gwen Stefani, Earth, Wind & Fire, Anthony Hamilton, and The Isley Brothers, and how a producer customizes records for each artist without losing their identity.
They break down the craft of making timeless music, the importance of real musicianship in the age of technology and AI, and what it takes to serve as music director for Usher’s Las Vegas residency, Super Bowl halftime show, and the blockbuster Past Present Future “R&B” Tour with Chris Brown. Bobby also shares a rare story about receiving a USB of unreleased Prince vault material from Paisley Park.
This is a deep, thoughtful conversation about artistry, humility, discipline, and why, for Bobby, the biggest superstar in the room is always the music.
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Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic
Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio
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