Paul Riser Sr.

Paul Riser Sr. was given important musical training when he was in school, which helped set the direction of his career as a trombonist and later as an arranger. He was hired as a trombonist to join the famous studio musicians at Motown Records. He soon began arranging charts for the group and assisting in writing songs. He contributed to the Jimmy Ruffin hit “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” and his trombone can clearly be heard on the Temptations' million-seller “My Girl.” He arranged Diana Ross’ “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” as well as the Temptations' “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” which includes a long musical intro. After his 11 years with Motown, Paul continued to work as a studio musician and recorded with a long list of legendary musicians such as Quincy Jones.

Interview Date:
April 27, 2021
Job Title:
Musician, Trombonist, Arranger

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