Sam Barsh

Samuel Bar-sheshet, professionally known as Sam Barsh, is a music producer, songwriter and keyboardist. His discography of over 300 recordings includes 18 Gold and Platinum certifications, two #1 singles, four #1 albums, and four GRAMMY wins out of 12 nominations. Through his collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, Aloe Blacc, Doja Cat and The Weeknd, he has played a significant role in reincorporating sophisticated harmony into popular music. During his time at New Trier, Barsh participated in the Jazz Ensembles, Concert Bands, Symphony Orchestra and Lagniappe Potpourri, but found his true passion in jazz. He was twice selected as the top jazz pianist in Illinois by the IMEA, performed in the National High School GRAMMY Combo and received the Downbeat Magazine Student Award for Best Jazz Soloist. Upon graduating William Paterson University, Barsh began his career as a jazz pianist in NYC, touring and recording with iconic bassist and composer Avishai Cohen’s trio for 3 years, working with artists including Cassandra Wilson, Gregory Porter, Roy Hargrove, Snarky Puppy, Lonnie Plaxico and Robin Eubanks, and leading his own groups. After relocating to Los Angeles to pursue songwriting and production, Barsh co-wrote the #1 single “The Man” by Aloe Blacc and helped create 2 of Billboard’s albums of the decade, Anderson .Paak’s “Malibu” and Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp A Butterfly,” which garnered Lamar his first 3 GRAMMYs, a #1 spot on the Billboard 200, and signified a turning point where mainstream artists began to embrace jazz harmony. He remains dedicated to sustaining a multi-faceted career, creating records with artists ranging from Gwen Stefani to J. Cole, co-writing Kanye West and The Weeknd’s GRAMMY-winning #1 single “Hurricane,” and maintaining an active performance schedule. Barsh is a vocal advocate for reform in the record business, having written articles and viral social media posts about the realities of streaming royalties, lobbying congresspeople on behalf of the Recording Academy’s Advocacy wing, mentoring young artists on copyright law and fair business practices, and working to help create opportunities for women in the male-dominated music industry. He resides in Southern California with his loving wife and son.