With a career that has spanned over 30 years working with the greatest entertainers and musicians in every genre, legendary musician and producer Kern Brantley is a walking and talking musical history lesson. From stepping into a studio with the legendary Aretha Franklin, to touring with iconic gospel legends such as the Winans family and Thomas Whitfield, to working with the most influential voices in pop and R&B over the last three decades, Kern has maintained the same approach that he had when he first entered the industry - learn fast, stay humble, and be grateful. His extensive discography as a musician and producer includes work with  David Foster, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Mary J Blige , Puff Daddy & The Bad Boy Family, Jeezy, Ne-yo, Brandy, Ciara, Chris Brown, Destiny's Child, Lil Wayne, Faith Evans, Ginuwine, Salt N Pepa, 112, Boys II Men, Blackstreet, New Kids On The Block, Aaliyah, S.W.V, Grover Washington, and the list continues.  He’s appeared on every major awards show and nighttime talk show with several different A-list artists, and has been tapped as a music director of many of these top-tier tours. In this revealing and inspiring interview, Kern reveals the no-excuses approach that has guided his incredible career, and continues to keep him motivated after reaching the highest heights of the music industry. He breaks down the mental and emotional hurdles he had to overcome to embrace the industry’s demands, and how discipline and attention to detail became his greatest allies on the road to fulfilling his creative dreams. How his beginning in a musical family in Detroit shaped his musical foundationsHow he met legendary gospel director Thomas Whitfield and became his bassist. His experiences meeting the Clark Sisters and touring with The Winans How he transitioned from performing gospel only to playing with Teddy Riley and Guy  His experience working with Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs and the importance of matching the brand of the artists you work withHow he ended up making one of his biggest mistakes as a musician, and what he learned from the harrowing experienceHow he ended up working with mega producer David Foster, and the key steps he took to land the gigThe importance of knowing different genres and being flexible musicallyThe circumstances that led to him playing bass with Aretha Franklin even though he was not supposed to be in the studio .  Stay in Touch with Kern Brantley http://wTap to send us a text! Support the showJoin our Creative Community In our 360 Membership, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a Christian creator. Joining gives you access to our exclusive app, workshops and community conversations, as we change from being creatively confused to creatively confident! GodandGigs.com/membership PODCAST MERCHGet God and Gigs themed gear, clothing and accessories HERE! GOT VALUE FROM THIS PODCAST? If so, please share your: TIME: Send this episode to someone who you know would enjoy it TALENT: Email your art or music to add to our community to allen@godandgigs.com TREASURE: Tap HERE to help support God and Gigs with a donation! Want to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show? Send us a message on PodMatch, here!