Ralph Sutton Discography

I am Ralph Sutton, a distinguished Recording Engineer and Mixer with a career spanning over four decades. I have had the honor of collaborating with some of the most iconic and influential artists in the music industry, helping them achieve Platinum, Gold, and Grammy Awards with my recordings and mixes.

My work is characterized by its cultural significance and enduring impact, contributing to recordings that resonate with audiences worldwide. With over 100 million copies sold worldwide and counting, my discography reflects a legacy of excellence and innovation in recording engineering.

A Tribute to Mentors and Milestones
My journey has been profoundly shaped by the guidance of mentors like Ken Scott and Calvin Lawrence Harris, who taught me the nuances of recording engineering and mixing. Their influence instilled in me the mindset needed to excel in capturing and crafting sound.

As a young staff engineer at Motown Hitsville USA, I had the unique opportunity to interact with Berry Gordy, the visionary founder of Motown Records. Mr. Gordy’s mentorship was instrumental in shaping my skills as a recording session manager, engineer, and communicator. Whenever he visited the studio, he would take the time to engage with me, offering invaluable guidance and insight. These encounters were pivotal in reinforcing my role in shaping the sound of Motown, and they profoundly influenced my approach to recording engineering.

🎵 Celebrated Collaborations and Achievements
Below is a curated selection of the incredible talents I have had the privilege to work with. This list represents just a fraction of the hundreds of recordings and mixes I have been part of throughout my illustrious career, showcasing my dedication to artistry and technical precision.

🎤 Dennis Edwards – “Don’t Look Any Further”: The title track became one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop history, highlighting the timeless quality of my engineering.

🎹 Stevie Wonder – “From the Bottom of My Heart”: This 2005 single won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. My role as a recording engineer on this project was pivotal in achieving its success on the charts.

🎷 Herbie Hancock – “St. Louis Blues”: Featured on the album “Gershwin’s World,” this recording won two Grammys, including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for Stevie Wonder. My engineering expertise contributed to its acclaim.

🎸 India.Arie – “Voyage to India”: This Grammy-winning album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum. At the 2003 Grammy Awards, it won Best R&B Album, with “Little Things” earning Best Urban/Alternative Performance. My engineering helped elevate its sound and reception.

🎺 Rick James – “Cold Blooded”: As the seventh studio album by Rick James, it was certified Gold and showcased my ability to capture the funk and energy of his music.

🎼 Atlantic Starr – “All in the Name of Love”: This Platinum-certified album peaked at number four on the US Top R&B Albums chart, with my engineering contributing to its success.

🎵 Rockwell – “Somebody’s Watching Me”: The title track became one of 1984’s biggest singles, achieving Gold certification and marking a high point in my career at Motown.

These achievements highlight my commitment to excellence and innovation in recording engineering. While this selection offers a glimpse into my career, it represents just a portion of the artistry and technical precision that define my work. I am proud to have contributed to music that continues to inspire and resonate, and I remain dedicated to creating recordings that push the boundaries of sound.