he people we know from movies and music and television are valued for their talents and their image. We don’t always know the names and faces of the supporting team that helps them to mold that talent and image. Here are five unspoken heroes of entertainment…
Frank Gatson Jr.
You may not know the name, but you’ve seen Frank’s work. Gatson Jr. has helped to turn Beyonce into the force that she is through his work as a choreographer and creative director. Gatson has earned six MTV VMA’s for best choreography, and worked with Michael Jackson, TLC, Jennifer Lopez and En Vogue, as well as being Beyonce’s go-to choreography guy.
Ester Dean
Ester Dean has written songs like Super Bass for Nicki Minaj, Come and Get it for Selena Gomez, and countless tunes for Usher, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Rowland, Gucci Mane, Britney Spears, Ludacris and Beyonce. Turn on the radio for an hour and you’ll probably hear something Dean has written. Ester Dean is known for her ability to come up with catchy hooks, perhaps the most important ingredient to a hit single.
Roger Mayer
You haven’t heard Roger Mayer play on any classic rock albums, but this is the guy who basically invented the electric rock sound by building the pedals that could create those great fuzzy, distorted tones and wah-wah sounds you hear from artists including Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. Without Mayer, we’d still be poking holes in speakers like Dick Dale.
Carol Kaye
Carol Kaye was a studio musician popular for her funky bass riffs. If you’ve listened to the Shaft theme, Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling, These Boots Are Made For Walking, or the Doors’ Light My Fire, you’re a fan of Carol Kaye.
Dr. Luke
Dr. Luke isn’t actually a doctor, as far as we know, but a writer and producer who helped to cement the modern pop sound through his work with Kelly Clarkson, P!nk, the Backstreet Boys, Miley Cyrus and Flo Rida. He has also worked as a session musician on more than a few popular songs.
