Grammy Nominated Artist Credits Atlantic City Roots for Illustrious Career

For Harvey Mason, Atlantic City is the foundation of a remarkable career full of achievements that have influenced some of the biggest names in entertainment.

“The best place I could have ever been from,” Mason said empathetically while standing at Kentucky Avenue and the Boardwalk during a street dedication ceremony in his honor.

And for the musician, composer, producer, and educator, there is no question where Mason’s success story began.

“It all came from Atlantic City,” he said.

Those words carry tremendous weight considering the legendary career Mason has built over the last 60 years. His accomplishments include multiple Grammy nominations, performances on more than 150 motion pictures, and serving as the first-call drummer for the Academy Awards more than 25 times.

Mason has performed alongside world-renowned artists including Herbie Hancock, George Benson, and Quincy Jones, while collaborating with iconic names such as Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Bjork, Carlos Santana, Michael Jackson, John Legend, Seal, and the London Symphony Orchestra. As a producer, his work has also helped shape music recorded by artists including Nancy Wilson, Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G., Lupe Fiasco, Nelly, Sean Combs, and T.I.

Yet despite the global recognition and extraordinary accolades, Mason continues to point back to Atlantic City as the place that shaped his passion for music.

An Atlantic City native and graduate of Atlantic City High School, Mason developed his talent in a city already rich with culture. His early performances at the legendary KY and the Curb at Kentucky and Arctic Avenues placed him in the middle of an entertainment scene that once helped launch and inspire many influential African American artists.

Mason’s story serves as a powerful reminder that Atlantic City has always been a place where greatness can begin, something that still holds true today. Stories like Mason’s highlight one of Atlantic City’s greatest strengths, which is its people.

The dedication of Harvey Mason Way is another celebration of Atlantic City’s rich heritage and enduring ability to inspire success. By honoring individuals like Mason, the City of Atlantic City continues to preserve and celebrate the culture and legacy that make the community truly unique.