Doug Petty, Tears for Fears / Shawn Colvin / Rihanna / Celine Dion / Britney Spears

Doug Petty is an American pianist, keyboardist, arranger, composer, and educator based in Los Angeles. He’s currently the keyboard player for the iconic Tears for Fears, but that’s just the start. Doug has recorded and performed with numerous artists, including Rihanna, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Enrique Iglesias. His work extends to film soundtracks, contributing to movies such as “Moonrise Kingdom” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” . Petty is also an adjunct professor at the USC Thornton School of Music. He has produced records for artists like Shawn Colvin and Audra McDonald and composed music for Disney TV series such as “Amphibia” and “101 Dalmatian Street.” We cover much of this amazing history and more in our catch-up with Doug. To listen / watch: * Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: * Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Doug’s musical upbringing Doug’s education at Eastman School of Music Piano, orchestration and arranging over a career USC Thornton School of Music Doug’s approach as an educator of young musicians The early gigging years Working with Shawn Colvin Shawn Colvin – Holiday Songs and Lullabies Working on Britney Spears’ first album Working with Enrique Iglesias Mayfield – Mother England Joining Tears for Fears The challenge of recreating Tears for Fears keyboard sounds live Doug’s Tears for Fears keyboard rig Doug in action with Tears for Fears at Madison Square Garden Doug with Tears for Fears BBC Piano Room Doug’s arrangements on display – Rihanna at the American Music Awards Doug’s work with iconic Chinese singer G.E.M. Doug’s film work Working on animated classics such as Happy Feet and Frozen Keeping music human in an era of emerging AI Doug’s thoughts on train wreck moments and falling off stage Tag a Keyboard Player: Patrice Rushen Desert Island Discs: Goldberg Variations: Glenn Gould (1981 version), Gaucho – Steely Dan, Encouraging Words – Billy Preston, Organ Grinder Swing – Jimmy Smith, So – Peter Gabriel, Live At Fillmore West – Aretha Franklin, Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd Thumbnail photos come from the amazing Emily Rath Orzabal via Doug’s Instagram Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via