Michael Hepburn

A native of Oregon, Michael Hepburn has carved two successful careers, in music and in law. In the mid and late 1970’s Michael’s music achieved worldwide recognition through the success of his band, Pleasure. His compositions have been featured in the works of contemporary, mainstream, hip-hop, and rap artists, including the soundtrack for the movie, “House Party” (“Kid vs. Play, the Battle”), Janet Jackson’s 1997 release, “The Velvet Rope” (“Free Xone”) and Will Smith’s 2002 release, “Born to Reign” (“1000 Kisses”). In 2019, Pleasure released Now is the Time, available worldwide on Pleasure Records. An interview of Michael by Oregon Public Broadcasting journalist Paul Marshall featuring Michael’s personal story about the band Pleasure can be read, or heard, here. One can also find a fascinating reference to the musically influential legacy of the Pleasure band in Questlove’s 2021 New York Times bestselling book, “Music Is History,” where he mentions the Pleasure hit song, “Glide” and its impact on him. Questlove also included two versions of “Glide” on the curated playlist for former First Lady Michelle Obama’s book tour for her 2018 memoir, “Becoming.” Artists like Janet Jackson, Daft Punk and others have sampled Pleasure‘s work. Recently retired from his practice as a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for King County, Michael continues his songwriting, recording production, arranging, keyboard and vocal performance work in Seattle.