Singer Rahsaan Patterson Opens Up About Child Sexual Abuse

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Singer Rahsaan Patterson Opens Up About Childhood Sexual Abuse

Singer releases new song to help fellow survivors, benefitting RAINN
Mack Avenue recording artist and soul innovator Rahsaan Patterson is proud to announce the release of his new original song “Don’t Touch Me.” Proceeds from the song will raise money for the non-profit organization RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.

Patterson, himself a victim of sexual abuse, is now speaking out about his experience as well.

“I was sexually assaulted when I was 6-years-old and wasn’t able to share it with my family until I was 18-years-old. Looking back on it, I wish there was an organization like RAINN that I could have turned to for help with dealing with what happened to me,” said Patterson. “After 30 years I finally have an appreciation and love for myself that has been missing for most of my life. The most important thing for me at this point is to be able to communicate through music and art and help others. What happened was extremely traumatic and will forever be embedded in my mind and in my life. It’s nothing I can avoid so it’s really about accepting it, owning it and knowing that it’s happened but it doesn’t have to represent who I am for the rest of my life.”

RAINN’s other notable supporters include celebrities such as, recording artist Tori Amos, actress Christina Ricci (“Pan Am”), WWE professional wrestling legend Mick Foley, actress KaDee Strickland (“Private Practice”) and denim designer Paige Adams-Geller.

In addition to his work with RAINN, Patterson is enjoying the success of his sixth studio release, “Bleuphoria.” The disc’s second single, “Crazy” is Top 25 at Urban Adult Contemporary Radio and features R&B singers Faith Evans and Shanice Wilson. The song is the follow-up to “Bleuphoria’s” first single “6AM,” which features soul star Lalah Hathaway.

Listen below to hear “Don’t Touch Me”, Rahsaan Patterson’s original song for the RAINN organization.

Patterson, a former star of the American children’s television program Kids Incorporated, has sold more than 10 million CDs to date with his six critically-acclaimed releases: Rahsaan Patterson (1997); Love and Stereo (1999); After Hours (2004); Wines & Spirits (2007); The Ultimate Gift (2009); and Bleuphoria (2011).

For more information on Rahsaan Patterson and upcoming tour dates, visit www.rahsaan.com, Facebook.com/Rahsaan.Patterson or twitter.com/MyNameIs2Long.

About RAINN:
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of “America’s 100 Best Charities” by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotlines (800.656.HOPE and rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,100 local rape crisis centers across the country. The hotlines have helped more than 1.5 million people since 1994. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.

ABOUT MACK AVENUE RECORDS:
Mack Avenue Records is the Road to Great Music. Embracing a diverse family of imprints including Artistry Music, Rendezvous Music, Sly Dog Records, and the namesake imprint, Mack Avenue, the label’s musical offerings travel from straight ahead to contemporary jazz to Urban Adult Contemporary and Americana/Singer Songwriter. Label artists include Rick Braun, Brian Bromberg, Gary Burton, Jonathan Butler, Count Basie Orchestra, Richard Elliot, Kevin Eubanks, Tia Fuller, Kenny Garrett, Sean Jones, Stanley Jordan, Jackiem Joyner, Christian McBride, Rahsaan Patterson, Danilo Perez, Sachal Vasandani, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Wilson and Yellowjackets, among others.

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