Patrick Moten

Patrick Moten (born March, 1957 in Los Angeles, California; died November 22, 1999 in Los Angeles) was a musician and songwriter who co-wrote Bobby Womack's "If You Think You're Lonely Now". Years later, he would be credited as a co-writer of Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together", when Carey would resing portions of "If You're Think You're Lonely Now" in "We Belong Together".

It should also be noted that Patrick Moten was one of the key composers on Anita Baker's 1983 debut album The Songstress, composing or co-composing with Baker and others seven of the album's eight tracks.

Born Patrick Lawrence Moten, in March 1957, Moten was a songwriter, arranger, producer and pianist. Patrick was born and raised in Los Angeles. At an early age Patrick displayed a remarkable interest and ability in music. He graduated from Westchester High School in 1975 and later resided in nearby Marina Del Rey, California.

Moten studied classical music with Lucille B. Hughly and Professor William Wilkins, but switched to soul music after witnessing Billy Preston light up a local club. Patrick then formed a band that opened for major soul acts like Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Rufus, the Dramatics, the Young Hearts, Donny Hathaway, Natalie Cole, New Birth, Undisputed Truth, B.B. King, and others. Later he travelled the world on a Tina Turner tour, and her ex-husband, Ike, instructed him with recording and engineering. Through Ike Turner, he befriended Bobby Womack, working with him on many projects, including both 'Poet ' albums and another with Sam Cooke's daughter, Linda Cooke (Womack).

Patrick then wrote 'Love Has Finally Come At Last' for Bobby Womack and Patti LaBelle. He produced Johnnie Taylor's 'Just Ain't Good Enough' on Beverly Glen Records in 1982 (featuring 'What About My Love'), and played a major role on Anita Baker's 'Songtress' album, co-writing 'Angel', 'You're The Best Thing Yet' and 'Will You Be Mine'.

In 1987, he wrote several songs for Rosie Gaines for an album entitled 'No Sweeter Love' (featuring the track 'Crazy'), that was subsequently shelved at the time, later to be resurrected by the Expansion label in the UK in the year 2000.

Patrick penned nearly 60 registered compositions and toured with a jazz showcase featuring Joe Sample, Lalah Hathaway, and Gerald Albright. Patrick also toured with Frankie Beverly and Maze and additionally wrote tunes for Mica Paris, Tone Loc and the late Sarah Vaughn. He continued the liaison with Anita Baker on her 'Rhythm Of Love' album.

Patrick was a Prince Hall Freemason in California. Moten died on November 22, 1999, from cancer, at the age of 42.

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