It all began in 1980, when Brian Walton was an aspiring musician studying at the renowned Juilliard School in New York City. During that formative time, Brian’s life took a remarkable turn after an unexpected encounter with legendary music producer Phil Ramone—a figure widely celebrated for his work with artists like Billy Joel, Paul Simon, and Barbara Streisand.

By sheer chance, Brian met Phil while on campus, and after striking up a conversation, Phil recognized Brian’s exceptional musical talent and potential. Impressed by his abilities, Phil offered Brian an opportunity to collaborate with A&R Recording as both a session musician and composer. This serendipitous meeting opened doors for Brian to work alongside top industry professionals and gain invaluable experience in studio settings.

Brian’s work at A&R Recording included contributing to high-profile recording sessions and composing arrangements for emerging and established artists. During this period, he continued honing his craft at Juilliard, eventually earning a Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in composition and piano performance.

Over the course of the following decades, Brian Walton’s portfolio expanded to include collaborations with Grammy-winning artists, world tours, and numerous album credits. He earned several certifications and memberships in professional organizations, including the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), and obtained Digidrum, Digidesign, and later Pro Tools Operator certification from Avid Technologies, demonstrating expertise in industry-standard recording software.

That fortuitous meeting with Phil Ramone was the catalyst for Brian’s extraordinary, still-flourishing career, one marked by artistic achievement, recognition, and an enduring impact on the music world.

Shortly after graduating from the prestigious Juilliard School in 1983, Brian was recruited by Capitol Records as a staff songwriter. In this dynamic role, he developed his craft under the guidance of industry veterans, obtaining certifications in music production and audio engineering (notably, he received certification from the Audio Engineering Society (AES). These technical skills allowed Brian to flourish as a sought-after session musician.

During his tenure at Capitol, Brian collaborated and recorded with acclaimed artists such as the Canadian country-pop singer Anne Murray, the southern rock band 38 Special, and pop vocalist Maria Vidal. He contributed his talents to a variety of albums, spanning genres and expanding his musical versatility.

In addition to his work in the studio, Brian continued his passion for commercial composition, writing memorable advertising jingles. Among his most notable achievements were the iconic Maybelline campaigns, which became synonymous with the brand’s identity. These advertising milestones were crafted in collaboration with legendary composers Burt Bacharach and Joni Mitchell, two of the most celebrated songwriters of the 20th century.

Brian’s unique blend of classical training, industry certifications, and professional experience with leading artists and brands profoundly shaped his career as a versatile musician and composer.

Courtesy: Kensington Publishing Corp