User:Seafish1/sandbox

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{{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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

Movie Soundtracks/Executive Producer Credits and Television Theme songs[edit]

Discography[edit]


  • 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


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