From Furniture Shopping to Global Hit: The Unexpected Birth of “California King Bed”
Muni Long, the singer-songwriter previously known as Priscilla Renea, recently shared a fascinating anecdote about the origins of Rihanna’s chart-topping ballad, “California King Bed.” The 2010 hit from Rihanna’s “Loud” album wasn’t crafted in a fancy studio. It came to life while furniture shopping.
Collaborating with Jermaine Jackson in Miami, Long checked furniture online. She was prepping for her move to Los Angeles. Inspiration struck unexpectedly – the phrase “California King Bed” popped into her head. Capitalizing on the creative spark, she channeled it into lyrics and melody, crafting the entire song in a remarkable ten minutes. “It was quick,” Long says with a touch of amusement, “I just wanted to finish the song so I could get back to furniture shopping!”
Muni Long reveals to @COMPLEX she wrote “California King Bed” by Rihanna in 10 minutes while shopping for furniture:
“Originally, they were trying to pitch it to Kelly Clarkson. Then I came back two months later, and my publisher Ryan Press said that they were going to cut it… PIC.TWITTER.COM/LUZOVRL2NI
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) MARCH 11, 2024
“California King Bed” was first meant for Kelly Clarkson, but changed. Long’s publisher, Ryan Press, saw the song’s potential as a perfect fit for Rihanna. This news thrilled Long, who embraced the chance to place her creation in the hands of the Barbadian superstar.
The song’s impact transcended a single hit. “California King Bed” boosted Long’s career, leading to collaborations with top artists. She teamed up with Rihanna, establishing herself as a renowned songwriter. Her talent extended beyond Rihanna, writing hits for Fifth Harmony and Ariana Grande.
Long’s creative spark didn’t go unnoticed. Three Grammy nominations came, and she won Best R&B Performance with “Hrs & Hrs.” “The California King Bed” journey was a turning point for Long. It put her in the music industry spotlight.
“The California King Bed” story shows the whimsical side of songwriting. A simple phrase, born during an everyday errand, can blossom into a global phenomenon. Long’s experience serves as a powerful testament to the limitless wellspring of creativity that flows through the world of music. Ideas can come to you at any moment, even in the most surprising places, changing the direction of your creative journey forever.
