In this powerful, unfiltered conversation, Ian Von sits down with songwriter, drummer, and producer Raymond Calhoun – the man who wrote one of the most enduring R&B records of all time, “Outstanding” by The Gap Band.
Raymond breaks down:
- How he hustled from DC churches to The Manhattans, Peaches & Herb, and eventually to The Gap Band.
- The exact story of how “Outstanding” was written in his living room, inspired by his young daughter… and finished in the bathroom.- How he played nearly every instrument on the original recording.
- The battles over credit, publishing, and money that followed – including mis-spelled credits, blocked royalties, and decades of unpaid publishing.
- How he eventually reclaimed his U.S. copyright and why “God is real” in his journey.
Along the way, he shares road stories, production history, friendships with legends (Quincy Jones, Anita Baker, Tito Jackson, M’tume & Reggie Lucas, Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, SWV’s Brian Morgan, and more), and the emotional cost and reward of having your very first song become a certified R&B classic.This is essential listening for musicians, songwriters, music historians, and anyone who loves the stories behind the records.
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📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!!
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- CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636
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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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