Teddy Riley Author Talk with PJ Morton

Grammy Award–winning R&B and hip-hop legend Teddy Riley recounts his journey from growing up in the projects in Harlem to inventing the genre New Jack Swing, selling out shows at Madison Square Garden, and creating music for Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell, and more.
Since the early ’80s, Teddy Riley has revolutionized the music industry, from his creation of New Jack Swing to his work in R&B, hip-hop, gospel, soul, and pop that forever changed the industry. His profound influence still resonates today, and he has been inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, awarded the Soul Train Legend Award and given his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Now, Riley—with coauthor, award-winning biographer Jake Brown—lifts the curtain on his fascinating and inspiring journey with this unforgettable memoir of talent, resilience, collaboration, betrayal, and creativity.
With heart and humor, Riley reflects on his beginnings as musical prodigy growing up in Harlem and the highs and lows of working with some of the biggest names in the industry. From masterminding his own acclaimed groups, such as Guy and Blackstreet, to producing groundbreaking hits such as Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative” and writing and producing with legends like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Lady Gaga, and more, Riley takes us on a remarkable journey that parallels the explosion of new genres and Black influence in the contemporary music landscape.
Remember the Times also candidly illustrates the evolution of popular music through the ’80s to today, taking us behind the scenes directly from the man who grew “to define the sound and reinvigorate contemporary R&B and hip-hop” (Mixdown Magazine, Australia).

BELOVED CREATOR: From the stage to the recording studio, Teddy Riley has a devoted fanbase that will flock to Remember the Times. Riley was a child prodigy who became a music industry legend over thirty years ago with hits such as "No Diggity" by Blackstreet (which he wrote and produced), and his countless producing credits from Michael Jackson's Dangerous to Lady Gaga's "Teeth." He is a two-time Grammy Award winner who is credited with the creation of the genre new jack swing, and his star keeps shining with his exploration of K-pop, even producing the #1 worldwide hit "Call Me Baby" by EXO. With 2.3M+ followers across socials, Riley plans to use his platform to put the book into the eager hands of readers.
AN INSPIRING LIFE: Growing up in the projects in Harlem and becoming a huge producer in R&B and hip-hop is only the beginning of Riley's story. He has has truly seen it all and experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows, from the Grammy stage to bankruptcy to the top of the Billboard charts.
AN INSIDER PERSPECTIVE: Taking readers right into the recording studio, Riley provides an insider's account of the music world and his influence on it over the last forty years. He also has the unique perspective of having worked with some of the biggest names in the business, such as Michael Jackson, Dr. Dre, Bobby Brown, Pharrell Williams, Snoop Dogg, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Whitney Houston, NSYNC, Mary J. Blige, Johnny Kemp, Heavy D, The Jacksons, The Winans, James Ingram, High Five, Wreckz-N Effect, SWV, Janet Jackson, Patti Labelle, Al B Sure, MC Hammer, Big Daddy Kane, New Kids on the Block, Joe, Kenny Lattimore, Robin Thicke, Boys II Men, EXO, and many more.
STAR CONTRIBUTIONS: Along with Riley's own account of his music and the music industry over the last forty years, the book will also feature quotes from Snoop Dogg, Bruno Mars, Pharrell Williams, Andre Harrell, and others.(Markup shared by Mary Nubla on Aug 28, 2025)

Teddy Riley is a two-time Grammy Award–winning musician and producer with more than one thousand credits to his name across R&B, hip-hop, soul, pop, and more. He invented his own musical genre, New Jack Swing, masterminded groups Guy and Blackstreet, worked with superstars Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, and many more, and has continuously produced chart-topping music throughout his nearly forty-year career. Visit TeddyRiley.com for more information.

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