By Eldridge “Big Cat” Tolefree

The biggest name in Bay Area music is coming to Oakland this weekend. Narada Michael Walden has produced hit songs for major recording artists Aretha, Stevie, The Temptations, Whitney, Mariah and even Wynonna Judd.
   Walden has kept the West Coast sound on top of the music game for nearly two decades. He’s one of the most influential Bay Area, African American entertainers in the history of pop. The multi-Grammy Award winning producer has hit records in every genre from soul to country.
    Billboard Magazine named him one of the top ten producers of all time. The equally accomplished recording and performing artist gives a new meaning to the term multi-talented.
    He’s worked on the soundtracks for films including The Bodyguard, Stuart Little and the Emmy-winning “One Moment In Time,” best known as the theme to the 1988 Olympic Games.
    Walden consistently supports events for the American Cancer Society, including funding music programs in schools. For six years, he has served as music director for the Rain Forest Concert at Carnegie Hall. The high-profile benefit is spearheaded by Sting and Trudie Styler and also includes Elton John, Billy Joel, Ravi Shankar and Nina Simone.
    His famous Marin County-based Tarpan Studios recently announced its new record label, Tarpan Records. Walden also recently completed production on the debut album for Naomi Streimer, whose debut single, “Cars,” features Carlos Santana. Walden will headline the Bay Black Music Awards in downtown Oakland on Saturday, April 15 at the Scottish Rite Temple. The red carpet event starts at 4 p.m.
    For more information, visit www.bayareabma.com or Walden’s site at www.naradamichaelwalden.com.

Send your comments to Big Cat at insidebuzz@yahoo.com.