Bryan Loren obit

Bryan Loren, Michael Jackson Collaborator and New Jack Swing Pioneer, Dies at 58

 

He was not on the list.

The Michael Jackson fan community is mourning the loss of Bryan Loren, the gifted songwriter and producer who played a key creative role during the early stages of what would become Dangerous. Loren has passed away at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy closely tied to a pivotal moment in MJ’s musical evolution.

Before his name became known to Michael Jackson fans, Bryan Loren was already shaping a sound that would soon dominate R&B: the edgy, rhythm-driven style later branded as New Jack Swing. As a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Loren blended funk, soul, and emerging digital production in a way that caught the attention of artists looking for something fresh and modern at the turn of the ’90s.

Although Teddy Riley would ultimately be brought in as the main architect of Dangerous, Loren’s creative fingerprints remained. Several songs born from the Jackson–Loren sessions became part of MJ lore, circulating among collectors for years.

Other tracks from their collaboration, including fan favorites like “Serious Effect,” revealed a bold, streetwise direction that showed just how far Michael was willing to push his sound. While many of these recordings were leaked and shared without Loren’s consent over the years, they stand as fascinating snapshots of a creative partnership that helped bridge the gap between Bad and Dangerous.

The following tracks are known to have emerged from the collaborative sessions between Bryan Loren and Michael Jackson:

 

    All the Truth

 

    Bubbles

 

    Call It Off

 

    Can’t Come Back

 

    Don’t Believe It

 

    Dream Girl

 

    Family Thing

 

    Garbage

 

    Homeless Bound

 

    House Groove

 

    Janet and MJ Duet

 

    Man in Black

 

    Pressure

 

    Pretty Face

 

    Serious Effect

 

    Serious Moonlight

 

    Seven Digits

 

    She Got It / She’s Got It Baby

 

    Son of Thriller

 

    Stay

 

    Superfly Sister

 

    Tree of Life

 

    The Choice

 

    The Verdict

 

    To Satisfy You

 

    Truth on Youth

 

    Work That Body

Some of these titles, like “Serious Effect” and “All the Truth”, have achieved legendary status among fans through circulated demos, offering glimpses of a bold, rhythmically adventurous period in Michael Jackson’s creative evolution. Others remain lesser-known archival pieces that document the sheer breadth of exploration during their sessions.

Bryan Loren Hudson was more than an influential creative force, he was a vibrant musical storyteller whose sonics helped shape key moments in late 20th-century pop and R&B. His collaborations with Michael Jackson remain a testament to his talent, vision, and the deep musical chemistry he shared with one of the world’s greatest artists.

As fans revisit the recordings he helped create and celebrate the work he left behind, Loren’s contribution to music history will continue to resonate.

He produced and wrote The Simpsons' 1990 single "Do the Bartman", and released the 1984 singles "Lollipop Luv" and "Do You Really Love Me?", which peaked at numbers 23 and 64 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart—where the latter remained for 17 weeks. He also worked with artists including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Sting, and Eric Benét.

Bryan Loren was born on Long Island, New York on May 5, 1966. He moved to South Philadelphia at a young age. Loren became interested in music at age 5 and began playing drums and other instruments. He was eventually able to play all of the instruments used for recording a complete album. Loren said that he remembers being influenced by the South Philly music scene, recalling "TSOP", Philadelphia International and songwriting artists Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan and Herbie Hancock as specific inspiring examples.

From 1981, Loren was a session musician at Alpha International Studios. While there, Loren recorded professionally under the tutelage of Nick Martinelli. He recorded with ensembles like Nona Hendryx, Tavares, and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes.

Fat Larry's Band was the first band that Loren joined as a member. He played synthesizers, and recorded on their 1982 album Breakin' Out and 1983's Straight from the Heart. This is where Loren coined the nickname "The Wiz" for his keyboard wizardry. The success of these recordings warranted a national album tour, but Loren was too young to join them on the road. He was replaced in the band, though he would record with Fat Larry's Band again; in 1986 for their album, Nic.

Loren was also a member of Cashmere where he composed music for the 1983 album, Let the Music Turn You On. Loren provided backing vocals as well, showing himself as a talented vocalist.