RECORDING ENGINEERING  MUSIC PRODUCTION RESUME

Ralph Sutton is a Dynamic, results-oriented leader with over 28 years experience in Recording Engineering & Music Production for the world’s brightest and most exacting artists Stevie Wonder, Prince, Lionel Richie, Sir Elton John, and late great Marvin Gaye. Ralph possesses the ability to organize arrangers, composers, and musicians and direct them to a definitive end in the recording process. Ralph utilizes keen analysis, insight and team approach to drive music production for the best recording practices. Ralph has superior interpersonal skills, capable of resolving multiple and complex issues and motivating teams to peak performance.  Ralph has excellent political connections developed as a selected member of Stevie Wonder’s civil and human rights organization. Additional areas of expertise include:

•Team Building & Performance Improvement    •Strategy, Vision & Mission Planning     •Budgeting & Cost Management    •Sales & Marketing Leadership
•Industry Programs, Services & Products     •Human Resources Management     •Public Relations & Media Affairs      •State & Local Government Relations
•Strategic Alliances      •Policy & Procedure Development

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

HOUSE OF BLUES RECORDING STUDIO MEMPHIS, TN

2005-PRESENT

Remodeled and facilitated the re-opening of Studio D at the House of Blues Recording Studios. Installed complete ProTools HD3 system, designed custom console furniture and rack system, developed studio client base, created and oversees the Young Producers Boot Camp program for young adults 13-18.  Serves as a mentor to eighteen (18) University of Memphis music business & performance students. Appointed to the Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission by Mayor A.C. Wharton; Appointed Chairman of the P&E Wing Memphis Chapter Recording Academy, Chairman of the NAACP ACT-SO Music branch (Memphis Chapter), and continues to build strong relationships with the local musicians and artists including Isaac Hayes, Steve Cropper, David Porter, and other organizations Stax Academy & Museum, Memphis Music Foundation, Folk Alliance.

WONDERLAND RECORDING STUDIOS LOS ANGELES, CA

1995, 1997 - 2004

Chief Engineer/Director of Recording Operations. Recording, mixing and mastering; managed digital & analog assets & media, developed new inventory system, maintained all equipment, managed studio staff and traveled with Stevie Wonder.  Recorded various artists and projects including Herbie Hancock, Bono, Quincy Jones, Spike Lee, Luther Vandross, Diane Shure, Ray Charles, Bill Clinton and a host of notable others.

KENNY ROGERS LION SHARE RECORDING STUDIOS  BEVERLY HILLS, CA

1987 – 1989

Staff Engineer on various projects for Barbara Streisand with Producer David Foster; Julio Iglesias with Producers David Foster & Ramon Arcusa; Dionne Warwick’s “That’s What Friends Are For” with Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Producer Burt Bacharach; Chicago 18 with Producer David Foster; Whitney Houston with Producer Michael Masser; Howard Hewitt with Producers Stanley Clark & George Duke.

MOTOWN HITSVILLE USA RECORDING STUDIOS  HOLLYWOOD, CA

1980 – 1987

Staff engineer on various projects for Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Rick James, David Ruffin, The Temptations, Four Tops, Atlantic Starr, Lionel Richie, Commodores, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Dennis Edwards, Teena Marie, Rockwell, Smokey Robinson; and producers Norman Whitfield, James Carmichael, Frank Wilson, Holland - Dozier - Holland, Willie Hutch, Hal Davis, and Barry Gordy.

AWARDS (partial listing)

2006 Best Pop Vocal Performance- Male Grammy Winner

"From The Bottom Of My Heart”
(Stevie Wonder)

2003 Best Urban / Alternative Performance Grammy Winner

"Little Things"
(India Arie)

1987 Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group Grammy Winners

"That's What Friends Are For"
(Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder)

1987 Song of The Year (awarded to the songwriter) Grammy Winners

"That's What Friends Are For"
(Burt Bacharach & Carole Bayer Sager)

1986 Best R&B Vocal Performance- Female Grammy Winner

“Rapture”
(Anita Baker)

1986 Best R&B Song (awarded to songwriter) Grammy Winners

“Sweet Love”
(Anita Baker, Louis A. Johnson & Gary Bias)

1985 Best Pop Vocal Performance- Female Grammy Winner

“Saving All My Love For You”
(Whitney Houston)

1983 Best Pop Vocal Performance- Male Grammy Winner

“Truly”
(Lionel Richie)

BOARDS & MEMBERSHIPS (partial listing)

National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS)  Recording Industry Association of American (RIAA)  Audio Engineer Society (AES)  National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Church of God in Christ (COGIC)