Ronnie Foster

A celebrated soul-jazz organist, Ronnie Foster is known for his groove-based funk- and R&B-influenced style. Foster initially grabbed ears for his work with guitarist Grant Green before releasing a string of organically funky Blue Note albums in the '70s, including Two Headed Freap, On the Avenue, and Cheshire Cat, many of which became cult items that influenced plenty of hip-hop and acid jazz artists. Along the way, he cultivated a successful career as a session player, working with George Benson, Roberta Flack, Stanley Turrentine, Chaka Khan, and many others. He also found success as a producer, helming Top 30 contemporary jazz albums like Roger Smith's Both Sides, and Will Downing and Gerald Albright's Pleasures of the Night. Following decades behind the scenes, Foster returned to the spotlight with his sixth Blue Note album, 2022's Reboot.