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Bryan Loren Hudson (May 5, 1966 – January 28, 2026), also nicknamed The Wiz, was an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He produced and wrote The Simpsons' 1990 single "Do the Bartman", and released the 1984 singles "Lollipop Luv" and "Do You Really Love Me?", which peaked at numbers 23 and 64 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart—where the latter remained for 17 weeks. He also worked with artists including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Sting, and Eric Benét.

Early years

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Bryan Loren was born on Long Island, New York, on May 5, 1966.[1] He moved to South Philadelphia[2] at a young age. Loren became interested in music at age 5 and began playing drums and other instruments.[2] He was eventually able to play all of the instruments used for recording a complete album. Loren said that he remembers being influenced by the South Philly music scene, recalling "TSOP", Philadelphia International and songwriting artists Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan and Herbie Hancock as specific inspiring examples.[3]

Music career

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When Hudson was offered a solo recording contract, he began professionally using Bryan Loren for his attributions. This became the moniker Loren used throughout his music career. Loren began pursuing music professionally from a young age. He was able to compose music by age 12, was a professional session artist from age 15, and even signed his first recording contract at age 17.[3]

As Bryan Hudson

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From 1981, Loren was a session musician at Alpha International Studios. While there, Loren recorded professionally under the tutelage of Nick Martinelli. He recorded with ensembles like Nona Hendryx, Tavares, and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes.[3] His credits are as Bryan Hudson for all of his early musical contributions.[4]

Fat Larry's Band

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Fat Larry's Band was the first band that Loren joined as a member. He played synthesizers, and recorded on their 1982 album Breakin' Out[5] and 1983's Straight from the Heart.[6] This is where Loren coined the nickname "The Wiz" for his keyboard wizardry.[7] The success of these recordings warranted a national album tour, but Loren was too young to join them on the road. He was replaced in the band, though he would record with Fat Larry's Band again; in 1986 for their album, Nice.[8]

Cashmere

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Loren was also a member of Cashmere where he composed music for the 1983 album, Let the Music Turn You On. Loren provided backing vocals as well, showing himself as a talented vocalist.[9] The owner of Alpha International Studios took notice of Loren's potential, offering him a solo recording contract with Philly World Records. Loren signed the contract, and began performing as Bryan Loren. This would endure as his professional name throughout the rest of his career.[3]

As Bryan Loren

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In 1984, Loren released his self-titled debut on Philly World Records. The album featured two hit singles "Lollipop Luv", which peaked at number 23 on Billboard's R&B chart,[10] and "Do You Really Love Me",[11] peaking at number 68.[12][13] Loren performed and recorded all of the music and vocal tracks on the debut album; handling all executive production, mixing, and engineering for the initial release. The album, Bryan Loren, was re-released in 2012 by BBR Records.

In 1992, Loren released a follow-up solo album on Arista Records called Music from the New World. One song, "To Satisfy You", featured Michael Jackson on background vocals. According to an excerpt from Kit O'Toole's book, Michael Jackson FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the King of Pop, Jackson passed on this song when presented by Loren during the Dangerous sessions, but agreed to sing backup when Loren kept the song for himself. This song was later renamed "Satisfy You" and covered by Damion Hall, a former member of the new jack swing group Guy, for his solo album Straight to the Point in 1994. His version also featured Chantè Moore. "Doesn't Mean That I Don't Love You" had a brief stint on Billboard as this album's only known single. It is also known, according to an upload on Loren's Myspace page, that "For You" was initially given to Janet Jackson during the Rhythm Nation 1814 sessions in 1989. Under the title "Work", the demo was eventually not used, despite its industrial-mechanical feel. Music from the New World was released commercially only in Japan.

Collaborations

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Loren collaborated with other top recording artists including in 1990, when he produced, sang background vocals on, and co-wrote (along with an uncredited Michael Jackson)[14] the song "Do the Bartman" from The Simpsons Sing the Blues.[3][15][16] Jackson was a fan of The Simpsons, and had agreed to write a song for the planned release of The Simpsons Sing the Blues, but because he had recently signed a lucrative deal with Sony Records, giving them exclusivity in exchange for what the Guinness Book of Records recognized as the largest contract ever, reportedly worth $890 million,[3][17] and the Simpsons album was being released on Geffen Records, Jackson chose to not be credited in any manner on the album. "Do the Bartman" became a number one hit in several countries, reached number 2 in the Netherlands, and number 4 in Belgium.[3] Though it was never released as a single in the US, it did spend nine weeks on Billboard's airplay chart, peaking at number 11.[13] Loren worked with Jackson again, in 1991, on Jackson's album Dangerous. He played drums, and other percussion instruments, on that album.[18] He continued writing songs for other performers, including Whitney Houston's "Feels So Good",[19][20][21] and producing music with other well known artists, such as Damion Hall, Eric Benét, Barry White, and Sting.[10]

Death

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Loren died in Los Angeles on January 28, 2026, at the age of 59. Cause is unknown.[22] His friend Shana Mangatal announced the news of his death on Facebook.[a][23][24][25]

Awards

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In 1990, Loren won the Sony Innovator's award in Sound as reported in July's issue of Ebony.[26] In giving the award, George Benson said of Loren: "Bryan's got the power of talent, his imagination will take him far", concluding with "We're betting on it."

Discography

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Studio albums

  • Bryan Loren (1984)
  • Music from the New World (1992)

Collaborations With Michael Jackson

  • "All the Truth"
  • "Bubbles" - leaked
  • "Call It Off"
  • "Can't Come Back"
  • "Don't Believe It" - snippet leaked by Shana Mangatal
  • "Dream Girl" - leaked
  • "Family Thing" - leaked
  • "Garbage" - leaked
  • "Homeless Bound" - leaked
  • "House Groove"
  • "Janet and MJ Duet"
  • "Man in Black" - leaked
  • "Pressure"
  • "Pretty Face"
  • "Serious Effect" (feat. LL Cool J) - leaked
  • "Serious Moonlight"
  • "Seven Digits" - snippet leaked
  • "She Got It" - leaked
  • "She's Got It Baby"
  • "Son of Thriller"
  • "Stay"
  • "Superfly Sister" - released on Jackson's Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix
  • "Tree of Life"
  • "The Choice" (aka Mind is the Magic) - single released as Mind is the Magic
  • "The Verdict" - leaked
  • "To Satisfy You" - released on Music From the World
  • "Truth on Youth"
  • "Work That Body" - leaked

Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Bryan Loren Hudson (born May 5, 1966), also known as , is an American , , and recognized for his extensive work in R&B, pop, and genres. He first gained prominence as a solo artist with his self-titled debut album Bryan Loren in 1984, which included the single "Lollipop Luv" that peaked at No. 23 on the chart. Loren's production career flourished in the late and , highlighted by his writing and production of "," the lead single from the 1990 album The Simpsons Sing the Blues, which topped the UK Singles Chart and reached No. 3 on the US for the album. He contributed significantly to Michael Jackson's Dangerous (1991) as producer, arranger, and performer on tracks such as "" and "Who Is It"; to Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix (1997) on "Superfly Sister" and "Morphine"; as well as providing background vocals on : Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995). Loren also wrote the track "Feels So Good," released as the B-side to Whitney Houston's 1990 single "I'm Your Baby Tonight". Throughout his career, Loren has collaborated with numerous artists including Sting, , , and , contributing to multiple gold and multi-platinum projects as a writer, producer, and engineer based in . His multi-instrumental talents—encompassing drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards—have been integral to his self-produced works and session contributions.

Early life

Childhood and upbringing

Bryan Loren, born Bryan Loren Hudson on May 5, 1966, in , New York, relocated to at a young age with his family. His family provided early exposure to music, as his father led a band called & The Soul Rockers, immersing Loren in a household attuned to and performance. Growing up in , he encountered the area's dynamic music environment, known for its soulful influences and emerging R&B talents during the late and . Around age 5, Loren displayed initial musical aptitude, encouraged by his uncle to experiment with drums and other simple instruments in informal settings, marking the onset of his creative inclinations. This early curiosity laid the groundwork for more structured musical pursuits in the years that followed.

Initial musical development

Following his family's relocation to South Philadelphia, Bryan Loren immersed himself in the local music environment, developing a passion for music from a young age. By age five, he had begun exploring percussion instruments, particularly drums, which marked the start of his self-taught journey into musicianship. Through dedicated practice without formal training, Loren rapidly progressed, achieving proficiency on multiple instruments including keyboards and synthesizers by age 12, at which point he was also composing original pieces. Loren's formative style was profoundly influenced by the and scene thriving in , where he absorbed the rhythmic grooves of TSOP and the sophisticated productions from . Among his key artistic inspirations were Stevie Wonder's innovative songwriting, Steely Dan's intricate harmonies, and Herbie Hancock's fusion of and electronics, all of which encouraged his blend of soulful melodies and keyboard-driven experimentation. It was during these early years in local jam sessions and informal gatherings that Loren acquired his nickname "The Wiz," bestowed upon him in recognition of his precocious keyboard wizardry that captivated audiences and peers alike.

Music career

Early session work

Loren began his professional career as a in 1981 at Alpha International Studios in , where he adopted the pseudonym Bryan Hudson for his credits to maintain anonymity in the competitive studio scene. Under the mentorship of producer Nick Martinelli, he honed his skills in a high-pressure environment known for producing polished R&B and recordings. As a multi-instrumentalist, Hudson primarily handled synthesizers, contributing electronic textures and rhythmic foundations to various tracks during the early 1980s. His work focused on freelance sessions that emphasized innovative sound design within the burgeoning synth-heavy R&B landscape, drawing on his youthful proficiency with keyboards to deliver versatile performances. Notable early collaborations included sessions with Nona Hendryx for her 1983 self-titled album Nona, where he provided synthesizer support on tracks blending funk and new wave elements; with Tavares on their 1980 album Supercharged, adding keyboard layers to upbeat disco-infused cuts; and with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes on their 1984 release Talk It Up (Tell Everybody), including synthesizer work on the track "Don't Give Me Up." These contributions highlighted his ability to integrate synthetic sounds seamlessly into soulful arrangements, establishing a foundation for his evolving role in Philadelphia's vibrant music scene.

Involvement with bands

In 1982, Bryan Loren joined as a player, building on his prior session experience to secure a full membership in the Philadelphia-based ensemble. His contributions appeared on their Breakin' Out (1982), where he provided parts that enhanced the group's disco- sound, notably on tracks like "Zoom," adding layered electronic textures to the rhythmic grooves. Loren's innovative synth arrangements during band performances and recordings reinforced his emerging nickname "," highlighting his keyboard wizardry in live settings and studio sessions. Loren remained with Fat Larry's Band for their follow-up album Straight from the Heart (1983), credited on keyboards alongside Eugene Curry, which helped shift the band's style toward a more boogie-infused, synth-heavy direction. These efforts solidified his role in the group's evolution during the early R&B scene, emphasizing dynamic band interplay over individual spotlights. Concurrently in , Loren contributed to the short-lived R&B group Cashmere as a member, composer, and producer for their debut album Let the Music Turn You On. His compositions emphasized and rhythms, evident in tracks like "Do It Anyway You Wanna," which blended upbeat grooves with electronic elements to capture the era's club-oriented sound. This involvement showcased Loren's versatility in group dynamics, further cementing his reputation through collaborative performances that highlighted his multi-instrumental prowess.

Solo recording artist

Bryan Loren released his debut self-titled album, Bryan Loren, in 1984 on Philly World Records. The album showcased his skills as a and , blending synth-driven grooves with smooth vocals across tracks like the "Lollipop Luv," which peaked at on the R&B chart. Another single, "Do You Really Love Me?," followed and reached number 68 on the same chart, highlighting Loren's early appeal in the R&B market. In 1992, Loren issued his second and final solo album to date, Music from the New World, on , primarily released in . The project featured a guest vocal appearance by on the track "To Satisfy You," adding a layer of star power to its soulful arrangements. Unlike the debut's commercial singles, this album did not achieve significant chart success but represented a more mature exploration of Loren's artistry. Loren has continued releasing singles independently in the 2020s, including "(Won't Be) Long Now" and "Intuit." Loren's solo work evolved stylistically from the 1980s boogie and synth-funk of his debut—characterized by upbeat, dance-oriented tracks with electronic flourishes—to the contemporary R&B and soul influences of the 1990s, evident in the warmer, more introspective tones of Music from the New World. This shift reflected broader genre trends while maintaining his signature multi-layered production.

Production and songwriting

Bryan Loren served as the primary producer for the 1990 single "Do the Bartman" from The Simpsons Sing the Blues album, crafting its sound with hip-hop elements and novelty flair that propelled it to number one on the UK Singles Chart for three weeks and contributed to the album peaking at No. 3 on the and selling over 2 million copies in the (certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA). Although not officially credited due to contractual obligations with , contributed uncredited input to the lyrics, arrangement, and background vocals for the track, blending funky basslines and rhythmic hooks under Loren's engineering oversight. This production showcased Loren's ability to fuse pop accessibility with R&B grooves. In his songwriting efforts, Loren co-authored "Feels So Good," a soulful B-side single released in 1990 for Whitney Houston's era, where Houston handled vocal arrangements amid Loren's melodic contributions emphasizing emotional depth in R&B balladry. He also provided songwriting and production support for Eric Benét's early career, contributing to tracks that highlighted smooth R&B sensibilities and helped establish Benét's presence in the genre during the early . These collaborations exemplified Loren's knack for crafting relatable, hit-oriented lyrics paired with mid-tempo rhythms that resonated in urban contemporary radio formats. Loren earned his nickname "The Wiz" through innovative sound engineering techniques in 1980s and 1990s R&B productions, particularly his adept layering of synthesizers to create rich, textured backdrops that enhanced vocal performances without overpowering them. This approach, evident in his multi-instrumental work blending digital synth stabs with organic grooves, solidified his reputation as a studio innovator capable of delivering polished, radio-ready results for diverse projects. He occasionally applied similar self-production methods to his own solo albums, such as the 1992 release Music from the New World, where synth-driven arrangements underscored his versatile songcraft.

Notable collaborations

Work with Michael Jackson

Bryan Loren began collaborating with Michael Jackson in the late 1980s, contributing significantly to the recording sessions for Jackson's 1991 album Dangerous. Loren served as a producer and musician, playing drums on the lead single "Black or White" and participating in early demo work that shaped the album's sound, including initial versions of tracks like "Remember the Time." Their partnership yielded approximately 20-25 songs during this period, blending funk, R&B, and pop elements in late-night studio sessions at locations such as Record One in Sherman Oaks, California. Among the unreleased demos from 1989 to 1991 were several notable tracks co-written and produced by Loren, such as "All the Truth," where Loren handled lead vocals with Jackson providing chorus harmonies, and "Truth on Youth," a rap featuring alongside Jackson's verses exploring social themes. These recordings captured Jackson experimenting with new styles ahead of Dangerous, though most remained vaulted due to shifts in production direction toward collaborators like . In December 2024, a collection of 12 unreleased cassette and DAT tapes from these sessions surfaced after being discovered in Loren's abandoned storage unit in , by buyer Gregg Musgrove. The tapes included finished tracks like "She Got It," "Deep in the Night," "Work That Body," and "Serious Effect," as well as candid conversations revealing Jackson's creative insights and rapport with Loren. An attempted auction of select tapes by Gotta Have in March 2025 drew opposition from Jackson's estate and ultimately failed with zero bids, leaving the material's future uncertain and no confirmed release plans as of November 2025. Reflecting on their bond in a 2018 open letter to fans, Loren described Jackson as a "very persistent" collaborator who pursued him for the project, emphasizing their deep friendship forged through intensive, all-night creative sessions that fostered mutual respect and innovative music-making.

Partnerships with other artists

Bryan Loren's partnerships extended across R&B, soul, and pop genres, often blending smooth vocal styles influenced by his early exposure to the Philadelphia music scene's sophisticated arrangements. One of his notable contributions was to Whitney Houston's catalog, where he co-wrote the track "Feels So Good," a mid-tempo R&B released as the B-side to her single "" from the album of the same name. This collaboration highlighted Loren's ability to craft emotive, pop-infused R&B suitable for Houston's powerhouse vocals. Loren also collaborated with Sting on the album ...Nothing Like the Sun, serving as producer for the single "We'll Be Together," which fused pop-rock elements with rhythmic grooves and reached No. 7 on the Hot 100. His production work emphasized layered instrumentation and a polished sound that bridged Sting's rock sensibilities with R&B undertones. In the realm of classic soul and R&B, Loren co-produced and co-wrote tracks for 's 1987 album The Right Night & Barry White, including the title track "The Right Night" and " (I'll Do Most Anything)," which peaked at No. 5 on the R&B chart. These efforts captured White's signature orchestral romance while incorporating contemporary pop production techniques for a fusion appeal. Loren's work with included co-producing the funky single "Eek-Ah-Bo-Static Automatic" for the 1986 soundtrack to the film Soul Man, blending Stone's roots with upbeat, synth-driven pop elements. This track exemplified Loren's skill in revitalizing veteran artists through modern R&B-pop hybrids. For emerging soul talent, Loren contributed to the self-titled debut by Benét (the duo featuring and his sister Lisa), handling production, drum programming, and keyboards on tracks like "Spiritual Thang" and "Only Want to Be with You." These romantic-leaning songs showcased his expertise in crafting intimate ballads that propelled Benét's early career in .

Recognition and legacy

Awards and honors

In 1990, Bryan Loren was awarded the Innovator's Award in , recognizing his innovative contributions to music production techniques and sound engineering. The honor was presented amid acclaim from guitarist , who highlighted Loren's creative vision and technical prowess during the ceremony, as detailed in a feature article in magazine's July 1990 issue. Loren's production and instrumental work on Michael Jackson's 1991 album Dangerous, where he provided drums and percussion across multiple tracks, contributed to its commercial success and subsequent certifications. The album earned gold status shortly after release and was ultimately certified 8× multi-platinum by the (RIAA) for sales exceeding 8 million units in the United States.

Later career developments

Following his prominent collaborations in the early , Bryan Loren maintained a low public profile, shifting focus to behind-the-scenes production and occasional endeavors. Throughout the and , he continued working as a , , and , contributing to projects for various artists without major label releases under his name. In 2018, Loren shared personal reflections on his experiences with through a public letter and interview, recounting creative sessions that produced unreleased tracks like "Can't Let Her Get Away" and expressing frustration over unauthorized leaks that diminished his recognition and compensation. From 2023 onward, Loren became embroiled in controversies surrounding unreleased cassette and DAT tapes from his late-1980s and early-1990s sessions with Jackson, which were discovered in December 2024 inside an abandoned storage unit in , , that had previously been rented in his name. The tapes, containing approximately 12 unreleased songs—such as "7 Digits" and "Don't Believe It"—along with recorded conversations between Loren and Jackson discussing their creative process, were acquired by a buyer during a storage unit . Loren's claims of a close professional relationship with Jackson, evidenced by the tapes' intimate dialogue, drew scrutiny from Jackson's estate, which contested the materials' ownership and authenticity for commercial use. In early 2025, an attempt to auction two of the cassettes through Gotta Have , with an estimated value of $150,000–$200,000, failed completely, receiving zero bids on after the Jackson estate publicly opposed the sale and pursued legal measures to block it. The dispute highlighted ongoing tensions over Loren's archival materials, with the estate asserting control over Jackson's unreleased works, leaving the tapes' future release unresolved as of November 2025. As of November 2025, Loren remains active in a low-key capacity, having released independent singles such as "(Won't Be) Long Now" (2018) and "Intuit" (2018) via platforms like iHeartRadio and Apple Music, but without any major album projects or high-profile productions announced. The potential for further developments regarding the Jackson tapes lingers amid the estate's opposition, though no new public efforts by Loren to resolve or capitalize on them have surfaced.

Discography

Solo albums

Bryan Loren's debut solo album, Bryan Loren, was released in 1984 on Philly World Records. Self-produced, arranged, composed, and performed by Loren at the age of 17, the record features him handling all instrumentation, mixing, and engineering, blending synth-funk, , and elements. Highlights from the tracklist include the lead single "Lollipop Luv," which peaked at number 23 on the R&B chart and number 97 on the UK Singles Chart, the follow-up "Do You Really Love Me," which also entered the R&B charts, and ballads like "For Tonight" and the upbeat "Complications." The album received positive notices for its polished production and Loren's versatile musicianship, though it did not chart as an album itself. Loren's effort, Music from the New World, appeared in 1992 on , with a primary commercial release limited to owing to distribution challenges. Self-produced by Loren, the adopts a conceptual approach centered on themes of romance, satisfaction, and emotional connection in a modern context, incorporating smooth R&B grooves and influences. Key tracks feature "Ain't That What 'Chu Want?" for its infectious hooks, "Gotta Be Love (The Way You Make Me Feel)" with its upbeat energy, and the duet "To Satisfy You" alongside , which highlights their collaborative chemistry. Despite critical appreciation for its sophisticated sound and , the album saw minimal international promotion and no notable chart performance, later achieving collector interest evidenced by high values.

Singles and productions

Bryan Loren's solo singles career began in the mid-1980s with the release of "Lollipop Luv" in 1984 on Philly World Records, which peaked at number 23 on the R&B chart and number 97 on the UK Singles Chart. This smooth mid-tempo track, featuring his multi-instrumental talents on , bass, and keyboards, marked his debut as a recording artist and showcased his blend of R&B and funk influences. Later that year, Loren followed with "Do You Really Love Me?", another R&B-oriented single that reached number 68 on the chart after 17 weeks. These early releases were supported by his self-titled debut album, highlighting his songwriting and production skills. In the , Loren issued digital singles such as "Discreet," "," and "(Won't Be) Long Now" in , reflecting a return to independent releases amid renewed interest in his catalog. As a and songwriter, Loren contributed to several high-profile singles for other artists, beginning with "Don't Blow a Good Thing" for in 1987, which he co-wrote and produced; it peaked at number 17 on the R&B chart, number 5 on the chart, and number 89 in the UK. That same year, he collaborated with on tracks like "Sho' Is Hot," reaching number 27 on the R&B chart. One of Loren's most impactful productions was the 1990 single "Do the Bartman" for The Simpsons, which he wrote and produced; it topped the UK Singles Chart for three weeks and became a global hit, certified gold in the UK (400,000 copies). His work extended to Michael Jackson's 1991 album Dangerous, where he provided drums and Moog bass on the lead single "Black or White," which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved international success. Loren also contributed as producer, arranger, and performer on other Dangerous tracks, including "Superfly Sister." Additional production credits include "" for in 1994, which charted on the R&B singles list, and writing "Feels So Good" for Whitney Houston's 1990 album . Loren's productions often emphasized polished R&B and pop arrangements, earning credits on multi-platinum projects for artists like Sting, though specific singles from those sessions remain less documented in chart records. He also contributed to Michael Jackson's 1995 album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I as producer and performer on "."

References

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